Michelin Pilot Sport 4S vs Nexen N Fera Sport SU2: Michelin’s Pilot Sport 4S has ruled the ultra-ultra-high-performance summer arena since 2017, its blend of razor-sharp grip and everyday refinement setting the benchmark for street-legal thrills. Enter Nexen’s freshly minted N Fera Sport SU2—a bold, tech-packed upstart determined to knock the ageing champ off its perch. It’s the classic clash of proven pedigree versus hungry newcomer, and every apex, braking zone, and straight-line blast will decide whether the 4 S can still wear the crown or if the SU2 is ready to rewrite UUHP history.
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Results: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S vs Nexen N Fera Sport SU2
The results featured here are from the 2025 Autobild Sports Car UUHP Tire Test, with 7 of the top premium UUHP tires tested. The accompanying graph presents a side-by-side comparison of the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S vs Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 across various performance categories, with the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S serving as the benchmark at the 100% mark.
The tire size of interest is the 245/35 R20 front and 295/30 R20 rear tire size. The tests were conducted using a sporty Lotus Emira as the test vehicle.
Wet
In wet braking, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S stopped in 47.6 meters, 1.3 meters shorter than the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2’s 48.9 meters—giving the 4S a 3% advantage. However, in wet handling, the Nexen was quicker, clocking 77.2 km/h, 0.8 km/h faster than the 4S at 76.4 km/h—a 1% edge. For straight-line aquaplaning, the Nexen again came out on top, holding grip up to 105.2 km/h versus the Michelin’s 102 km/h, a 3% advantage.
While the Pilot Sport 4S still delivers sharper wet braking, the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 proves it’s no underdog, edging ahead in both wet handling and aquaplaning—an impressive showing for a newcomer in the UUHP segment.
N Fera Sport SU2 :
- -3% in wet braking
- +1% in wet handling
- +3% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
In dry braking, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S stopped in 33 meters, which is 1.4 meters shorter than the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2’s 34.4 meters—a 4% advantage. In dry handling, the 4S was clearly quicker, averaging 104.3 km/h through the course compared to the Nexen’s 101.9 km/h, giving Michelin a 2.4 km/h lead or a 2% edge. Michelin clearly dominates in the dry, showing sharper braking and higher cornering speeds—proving the 4S still sets the pace when the heat is on.
N Fera Sport SU2 :
- -4% in dry braking
- -2% in dry handling
Noise
The Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 runs quieter, producing 72.6 dB compared to the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S at 73.6 dB—a 1 dB difference, translating to roughly 1% lower noise.
N Fera Sport SU2 :
- +1% in exterior noise (-1 dB)
Rolling Resistance
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S recorded a rolling resistance of 8.4 N/kN, which is 0.5 N/kN lower than the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2’s 8.9 N/kN—giving Michelin a 6% advantage in energy efficiency.
N Fera Sport SU2 :
- -6% in rolling resistance
Price
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S costs €277, while the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 is just €138—meaning for the price of one Michelin, you could almost buy two Nexens.
Tire size: 245/35R20
- Pilot Sport 4S : € 277
- N Fera Sport SU2 : € 138
Difference: -100% more cheaper for N Fera Sport SU2
Summary
As a tire expert, I can confidently say the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S remains the gold standard in the UUHP segment—it delivers sharper dry and wet braking, higher cornering speeds, and lower rolling resistance. But the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 surprised me. Despite costing way less, it offers impressive wet handling, strong aquaplaning resistance, and quieter performance. If ultimate grip and efficiency matter most, the 4S is still king. But if you’re chasing performance on a tighter budget, the SU2 punches well above its weight.
Dr Edwin Pang