Michelin Pilot Sport 4S vs Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS: How does a ultra ultra high performance (UUHP) tire like the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, with a 300 treadwear rating, stack up against a dedicated track tire like the Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS with a 200 treadwear? This battle brings trade-offs to the forefront: the Pilot Sport 4S delivers versatility for daily driving and longevity, while the RE-71RS offers extreme track performance with superior grip but sacrifices comfort and durability. Will the Pilot Sport 4S hold its own in terms of balance, or will the RE-71RS dominate the track? Get ready for an intense showdown between these two performance giants!
Table of Contents
Results
Results below were taken from the tire rack’s “Extreme Performance Summer – 2024 Test” test. A total of 7 tires were tested this time around at Tire Rack’s own proving ground & the road course race track . The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin Pilot Sport 4S vs Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS based on the relevant performance category. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark. Note that for subjective comfort evaluation, we equate 1 point as 5%. Hence for example if tire A is graded 7 while tire B is graded 6, A is better than B by 5%.
As both tires are mainly focused on track performances, the dry performance naturally takes dominance over the wet. However as this is a street legal tire, it is also crucial to know how your wet performance is as you never know when you need it. The tire size of interest is a 275/35R19 which is a common size for Jaguar F-type and BMW 5 series. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice was the 2024 BMW M2.
Dry
When comparing the dry performances of the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S and Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS, the differences become clear in both braking and handling. In dry braking from 50-0 mph, the RE-71RS stops 1.7 feet shorter than the 4S, with distances of 71.5 feet versus 73.2 feet, respectively. On Tire Rack’s standard test track, the RE-71RS also laps faster by 0.42 seconds, completing a lap in 27.93 seconds compared to the 4S’s 28.35 seconds. Subjective dry handling at the test track favors the RE-71RS, scoring 8.81 versus the 4S’s 8.13.
On an actual road course race track, the RE-71RS extends its lead with a 2.67-second faster lap time, finishing in 99.70 seconds, while the 4S takes 102.37 seconds. The subjective handling scores also tilt toward the RE-71RS, with a rating of 9.13/10 compared to the 4S’s 8.25. These results showcase the RE-71RS’s clear dominance in track-focused performance.
Pilot Sport 4S:
The Pilot Sport 4S tire held its own in straight-line performance, nearly matching the dedicated track day competitors. However, in cornering, it couldn’t keep pace due to weaker lateral grip. The tire’s strong braking helped maintain speed through turns, but the lighter steering gave a false sense of confidence, with the rear wanting to step out. It didn’t feel as connected to the driver, requiring a more cautious approach, which was reflected in its slower lap times.
Test driver feedback on Pilot Sport 4S
Potenza RE-71RS:
The Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS is both fast and driver-friendly. It offers excellent traction during braking and cornering, making it easy to place the car with precision. The tire’s smooth handling and neutral balance allow for confident control, especially when combining inputs like braking and turning. Though slower to correct oversteer, it gives drivers a large margin before reaching that limit.
Test driver feedback on Potenza RE-71RS
Potenza RE-71RS :
- +2% in dry braking
- +2% in dry handling (subj)
- +2% in dry handling (lap time)
- +3% in dry handling track day (subj)
- +3% in dry handling track day (lap time)
Wet
In wet conditions, where daily use for UUHP tires is more focused, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S clearly outperformed the Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS in wet braking. The 4S stopped 13.7 feet shorter, with a braking distance of 101.00 feet compared to the RE-71RS’s 114.70 feet. However, surprisingly, both tires were nearly equal in wet handling. The 4S scored 8.00 in subjective wet handling, while the RE-71RS slightly edged it out with an 8.06 rating, showing that despite the braking difference, their handling in the wet was remarkably similar.
Potenza RE-71RS :
- -12% in wet braking
- ~0% in wet handling (lap time)
Noise/Comfort/Ride Quality
When comparing NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) between the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S and Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS, the 4S offers a noticeably smoother experience. In ride quality, the 4S scored 6.5, better than the RE-71RS’s 5.75, providing a more comfortable drive. The difference in noise is even more pronounced, with the 4S rated 6.5 compared to the RE-71RS at 5, making the 4S quieter. However, the RE-71RS excels in steering and road handling, scoring 9/10 compared to the 4S’s 8.5. On average, the 4S leads in overall comfort with a score of 7.17 versus the RE-71RS’s 6.75.
Potenza RE-71RS :
- -2% in average of Noise, Comfort & Ride Quality.
UTQG rating
We have previously shown that UTQG tread wear rating can be a good indication of your expected mileage. Below are the UTQG values of both of the tirelines.
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michelin | Pilot Sport 4S | All | 300 | AA | A |
| Bridgestone | Potenza RE-71RS | All | 200 | A | A |
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S has a higher UTQG tread wear rating of 300 compared to the Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS, which has a lower rating of 200, reflecting the 4S’s greater durability. The 4S also comes with a 30k-mile warranty, while the RE-71RS, being a dedicated track tire, has no mileage warranty. In terms of traction and temperature, the 4S scores higher with a “AA” traction rating due to its better wet performances, whereas the RE-71RS has an “A” rating for both traction and temperature, showing that the 4S is more versatile for daily use while the RE-71RS is specialized for track performance.
Price
In the 275/35R19 size, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S costs $380, while the Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS is priced at $388, making the RE-71RS about 2% more expensive. Although UUHP tires like the 4S generally cost less than dedicated track tires, Michelin’s premium pricing brings the gap closer that intended.
Tire size: 275/35R19
- Pilot Sport 4S: $ 380
- Potenza RE-71RS: $ 388
Difference: +2% more expensive for Potenza RE-71RS.
Summary
From a tire expert’s perspective, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S and Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS cater to different needs. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, as a UUHP tire, offers a balance of daily usability, longevity, and strong wet performance, making it more versatile for most drivers. On the other hand, the Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS, with its lower tread wear and track-focused design, excels in dry grip and handling but sacrifices comfort and mileage. The trade-off is clear: if you need a tire for everyday driving with occasional spirited runs, the Pilot Sport 4S is your pick. But for pure track performance, the RE-71RS reigns supreme, even at the cost of comfort and durability.
Dr Edwin Pang