Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV vs Pirelli Scorpion Zero: Summer SUV Battle –> When it comes to choosing the perfect summer tires for your SUV, the decision can be daunting with a plethora of options available in the market. Two of the heavyweights in this segment, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV and the Pirelli Scorpion Zero, stand out from the crowd, offering unparalleled performance, durability, and safety. Both of these premium tires are engineered with advanced technology and innovative design to meet the high demands of SUV drivers, ensuring a driving experience that is nothing short of exceptional.
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV, a part of Michelin’s renowned Pilot Sport series, is celebrated for its exceptional grip, precise steering, and outstanding wet weather performance. Its unique tread pattern and high-performance rubber compound ensure that drivers enjoy a stable and comfortable ride, even at high speeds. On the other hand, the Pirelli Scorpion Zero, with its aggressive tread design and robust construction, is designed to excel in both on-road and light off-road conditions, offering a versatile performance that is hard to beat.
In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve deep into the key performance strengths of both the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV and the Pirelli Scorpion Zero, helping you make an informed decision on which tire best suits your SUV and driving needs for the summer season. Join us as we explore the intricacies of these two market-leading tires and determine which one emerges as the ultimate champion in this summer SUV tire showdown.
Table of Contents
Results
Results below were taken from the Tyreseeker’s the Best SUV Tyres 2023 test with a total of 6 tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV vs Pirelli Scorpion Zero based on the relevant performance category. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
For handling performances, the evaluation was done on the lap times and cornering acceleration. Not much information about how the cornering test is evaluated but we assumed this has to be an objective measurement on acceleration. The tire size of interest is a 235/55 R19 which is a common tire size for Acura RDX & Audi Q5. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a Audi Q5 40 TDI S-Line which has the same designated OE tire size as the tested tire size.
Wet
In a concise comparison of wet performances between the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV and the Pirelli Scorpion Zero, noticeable differences emerge that could influence driving experiences during wet conditions. In wet braking, the Pirelli Scorpion Zero holds a slight advantage, surpassing the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV’s stopping capabilities by 2%. This small yet crucial difference could contribute to enhanced safety, particularly in emergency braking situations on wet surfaces.
Conversely, when it comes to wet cornering, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV slightly outshines the Pirelli Scorpion Zero, offering 2% better grip and stability through turns and curves in wet conditions. This advantage underscores the Michelin’s superior performance in maintaining traction and control when cornering on slippery roads. In terms of wet handling, measured by lap times, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV completes a lap 1.3 seconds faster than the Pirelli Scorpion Zero. This time difference highlights the Michelin’s more responsive and agile nature, ensuring quicker maneuverability and a more secure driving experience in wet conditions.
Lastly, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV also demonstrates superior resistance to aquaplaning, outperforming the Pirelli Scorpion Zero by 5%. This difference is significant in maintaining vehicle control during heavy rain and on water-logged roads, ensuring a safer driving experience.
In summation, while both tires perform admirably under wet conditions, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV exhibits a slight edge in wet cornering, handling, and aquaplaning resistance. Conversely, the Pirelli Scorpion Zero takes the lead in wet braking. Your ultimate choice may hinge on which specific aspect of wet performance is more crucial to your driving needs and conditions.
Scorpion Zero :
- +2% in wet braking
- -2% in wet cornering
- -2% in wet handling (lap time)
- -5% in aquaplaning
Dry
In evaluating the dry performances of the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV and the Pirelli Scorpion Zero, several subtle yet significant distinctions come to light. Starting with dry braking, the Pirelli Scorpion Zero exhibits a slight edge, outperforming the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV by 1%. This minor difference can contribute to a shorter stopping distance, potentially enhancing safety during sudden braking situations on dry pavement.
When it comes to dry cornering, both tires demonstrate equal prowess, each achieving a performance rating of 100%. This parity highlights their shared capability to maintain grip and stability while navigating through turns and corners in dry conditions, ensuring a confident and controlled driving experience.
In the realm of dry handling, as measured by lap times, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV shows a marginal advantage, completing a lap 0.4 seconds faster than the Pirelli Scorpion Zero. This slight time difference underscores the Michelin’s more nimble and responsive nature, allowing for quicker maneuvering and a more connected feel with the road in dry conditions.
In summary, both the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV and the Pirelli Scorpion Zero offer impressive performances in dry conditions. However, the Pirelli holds a minor advantage in dry braking, while the Michelin slightly outperforms in dry handling. With equal performance in dry cornering, your preference might depend on whether you prioritize shorter stopping distances or more agile handling in your driving experience.
Scorpion Zero :
- +1% in dry braking
- 0% in dry cornering
- ~0% in dry handling (lap time)
Comfort
In terms of comfort, both the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV and the Pirelli Scorpion Zero excel, offering drivers a harmonious blend of sporty performance and luxurious comfort with Scorpion Zero having a tiny tiny edge.
Scorpion Zero :
- +1% in comfort
Price
When considering the tire prices for the size 235/55 R19, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV is priced at £154, while the Pirelli Scorpion Zero is slightly higher at £155. The negligible £1 difference in price between the two premium tires indicates that they are virtually in the same price bracket. Consumers can therefore base their purchasing decision on performance and preference rather than cost, as the price disparity is minimal and unlikely to be a significant factor in the decision-making process. In essence, both tires offer competitive pricing, ensuring that quality and performance are not compromised by budget considerations.
Tire size: 235/55 R19
- Pilot Sport 4 SUV: ₤154
- Scorpion Zero : ₤155
Difference: ~ more or less the same price.
Summary
Drawing upon years of experience in the field and having meticulously compared the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV and Pirelli Scorpion Zero, it’s evident that both tires embody the pinnacle of tire engineering and performance capabilities.
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV impresses with its exceptional wet handling and cornering, showcasing superior grip and stability when conditions get challenging. Its resilience against aquaplaning and nimble responsiveness in dry conditions further solidify its standing as a top contender in the summer SUV tire category. Moreover, its commendable comfort levels ensure that high performance does not come at the expense of a smooth and enjoyable ride.
On the flip side, the Pirelli Scorpion Zero demonstrates its mettle with slightly better wet braking performance and a marginal edge in ride comfort, providing drivers with a reassuring and plush driving experience. Its well-rounded performance in both wet and dry conditions ensures reliability and versatility, catering to a wide range of driving scenarios and preferences.
When it comes to pricing, these two tires are almost neck-and-neck, leaving little room for cost to be a deciding factor. Instead, it boils down to individual preferences and prioritization of certain performance aspects.
In conclusion, it’s challenging to declare a clear winner in this summer SUV tire battle. Both the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV and Pirelli Scorpion Zero have their unique strengths and offer exceptional performance, safety, and comfort. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on what specific tire characteristics are most important to the driver, ensuring a tailored and satisfying driving experience.
Dr Edwin Pang