Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 vs Michelin Pilot Sport 4S: In the competitive arena of high-performance summer tires, we compare two leading contenders: the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 and the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S. Launched in 2022, the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 brings to the table the latest in tire technology, aiming to deliver superior handling, traction, and responsiveness for an exhilarating driving experience. Meanwhile, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, known for its exceptional performance and control on both wet and dry surfaces, stands as a benchmark in the category with its advanced materials and design.
As we delve into their performance characteristics, we’ll identify the unique strengths and capabilities of each tire, guiding you to the right choice for your driving preferences. Following this, we will compare results from Tire Rack and Consumer Reports to see how each set of data aligns, providing a comprehensive overview of these two high-performance tire options.
Table of Contents
Results
Ideally, you would want a head-to-head test result to demonstrate the distinct performance differences between the two products. However, in this instance, no test results are available that compare these two products directly, due to clear segmentation. Fortunately, Consumer Report has tested both tires, allowing us to use their ratings to assess the performance of each. Please note that Consumer Report’s rating system uses a maximum score of 5, with a 5/5 rating representing the best possible achievement.
The graph above shows the comparison between Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 vs Michelin Pilot Sport 4s based on the relevant performance category. The tire size of interest for the test is a 225/40 R18 which is a common tire size for Audi A3 Sedan & Mercedes-Benz Slc 200. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information.
*Updated results from Tire Rack’s Testing Max Performance Summer Tires 2023 Test. A total of 3 tires were tested on Tire Rack’s proving ground. The graph below shows the comparison between Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 vs Michelin Pilot Sport 4S based on the relevant performance category. The ExtremeContact Sport 02 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
The tire size of interest is a 225/40R18 which is a common tire size for Honda NSX & Volkswagen Golf R. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice is a 2022 Subaru BRZ Limited.
Dry
In the segment where dry performance is crucial, both the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 and the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S showcase competitive capabilities. In dry braking, as per Tire Rack’s data, the Continental halts just a hair quicker than the Michelin, with a mere 0.1 foot difference in stopping distance from 50-0 mph. This minuscule difference highlights the neck-and-neck performance in dry conditions. When it comes to dry handling, the Continental also edges out slightly faster on the track with a 0.1-second quicker lap time, though the Michelin is perceived marginally better in subjective handling with a 0.09 higher score out of 10.
Consumer Reports corroborates these findings, rating both tires equally at 5/5 for dry braking, which underscores the tight competition between the two in dry performance metrics. This consistency across both Tire Rack and Consumer Reports emphasizes the high level of dry performance each tire offers, making either a solid choice for drivers prioritizing dry conditions handling and braking.
Pilot Sport 4S : (Tire Rack)
- -0.1% in dry braking
- -0.4% in dry handling (subj)
- -0.4% in dry handling (lap time)
Dry Braking : (Consumer Report)
- ExtremeContact Sport 02 : 5/5
- Pilot Sport 4S : 5/5
Wet
In wet performance, which is a critical factor for safety and efficiency in tire selection, the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 and the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S present closely matched results. According to Tire Rack, in wet braking, the Michelin shows a slightly longer stopping distance by 0.5 feet compared to the Continental, indicating a very tight competition. For wet handling, the Michelin completes a lap marginally faster by 0.04 seconds, and though the Continental is rated slightly higher in subjective wet handling with a 0.12 difference on a ten-point scale, these differences are minimal, underscoring how closely matched these tires are in wet conditions.
Consumer Reports reinforces this close competition by awarding both tires the same ratings in wet braking (4/5) and wet handling (5/5), as well as in hydroplaning resistance (5/5) for both tires. This consistency between Tire Rack and Consumer Reports’ evaluations highlights the strong wet performance capabilities of both tires, making either a reliable choice for drivers who value wet weather performance. The minor differences in specific tests reflect the high standards of quality and performance both tire models achieve, catering to drivers looking for top-tier wet condition handling and safety.
Pilot Sport 4S : (Tire Rack)
- -0.6% in wet braking
- -0.6% in wet handling (subj)
- +0.1% in wet handling (lap time)
Wet Braking: (Consumer Report)
- ExtremeContact Sport 02 : 4/5
- Pilot Sport 4S : 4/5
Wet Handling : (Consumer Report)
- ExtremeContact Sport 02 : 5/5
- Pilot Sport 4S : 5/5
Hydroplaning : (Consumer Report)
- ExtremeContact Sport 02 : 5/5
- Pilot Sport 4S : 5/5
Mileage (real actual test !)
Since both wet and dry performances are neck and neck, can mileage set them apart? Consumer Reports conducts mileage tests, which are generally quite expensive for tire evaluations. In these tests, the Pilot Sport 4S was found to have a 40,000-mile lifespan, which is 5,000 miles more than the ExtremeContact Sport 02. This attests to Michelin’s exceptional ability in target conflict management, as they managed to achieve a 5,000-mile longer lifespan while still performing equally well in wet conditions!
- ExtremeContact Sport 02 : 35,000 miles
- Pilot Sport 4S : 40,000 miles
Noise Vibration Harshness (NVH)
In terms of NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) performances, the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 slightly outperforms the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S overall, according to Tire Rack’s assessments. The Continental is rated higher in both ride quality and noise, with a 0.5 point lead in ride quality and a 1.25 point advantage in noise levels on a scale of 10.
However, the Michelin takes the lead in steering and road handling with a score of 8.13 compared to Continental’s 7.75, showcasing its superior feedback and precision. When aggregating scores for noise, comfort, and ride quality, the Continental averages a 7.20 out of 10, slightly above the Michelin’s 7.04, indicating a marginal lead in overall NVH performance.
Consumer Reports aligns with these findings, rating both tires equally in ride comfort (2/5) and noise (4/5), suggesting that both tires offer comparable levels of comfort and noise reduction despite the small differences highlighted by Tire Rack. This consistency between Tire Rack and Consumer Reports confirms the close competition between the two tires in NVH aspects, with the Continental having a slight edge in comfort and noise, while Michelin excels in steering and road handling.
Pilot Sport 4S : (Tire Rack)
- -0.8% in average of Noise, Comfort & Ride Quality
Ride Comfort : (Consumer Report)
- ExtremeContact Sport 02: 2/5
- Pilot Sport 4S : 2/5
Noise : (Consumer Report)
- ExtremeContact Sport 02 : 4/5
- Pilot Sport 4S : 4/5
Rolling Resistance
In the realm of max performance tires, rolling resistance is not the highest priority, as engineers must balance the crucial winter vs. summer target conflict. However, with the growing emphasis on sustainability, rolling resistance has become a widely-used competitive marketing tool, as evidenced by EU label values.
Both tires scored on the lower end of the rating scale, receiving a 2/5 score for rolling resistance. One thing is certain: if you’re purchasing max performance tires, you must be willing to sacrifice rolling resistance to some extent.
Rolling Resistance : (Consumer Report)
- ExtremeContact Sport 02 : 2/5
- Pilot Sport 4S : 2/5
Price
As anticipated from Michelin, a premium brand, the Pilot Sport 4S carries one of the highest price tags in the market, costing $28 more than the ExtremeContact Sport 02.
Tire size: 225/40 R18
- ExtremeContact Sport 02 : $209
- Pilot Sport 4S : $237
Difference: -13% more cheaper for ExtremeContact Sport 02.
Summary
As a tire expert, I’ve analyzed both the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 and the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S extensively. In wet, dry, and NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) performances, these tires are neck and neck, with negligible differences between them. However, when it comes to mileage, the Pilot Sport 4S takes a significant lead, offering an additional 5,000 miles over its Continental counterpart. Both Tire Rack and Consumer Reports corroborate these findings, showing a remarkable consistency in their results. Given the close performance metrics but superior mileage, my preference leans towards the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S.
Dr Edwin Pang