Michelin Pilot Sport 4S vs Pirelli P Zero PZ4: After comparing the Pilot Sport 4S against its much newer “sibling” Pilot Sport 5, we thought we would switch gears and compare a rival competitor in the form of Pirelli’s P Zero PZ4. Pilot Sport 4S was launched in 2017 and has demonstrated its capability in the ultra ultra high performance (UUHP) segment by winning countless amounts of test. The P Zero PZ4 on the other hand had been released 1 year earlier in 2016 and is also a test winner. Let’s have a quick comparison of Pilot Sport 4S vs P Zero PZ4 and see how well they fare against each other.
Table of Contents
Results
Results below were taken from the 2021 Tyre Reviews UHP Summer Tyre Test. A total of 14 tires were tested on the Goodyear’s track in south of France. The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin Pilot Sport 4S vs Pirelli P Zero PZ4 based on the relevant performance category. The Pilot Sport 4S was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
The handling criteria shown in the test are evaluated objective through lap times and there is no subjective evaluation this time around . The tire size of interest is 225/40 R18 which is a common tire size for Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golf GTI. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information.
Wet
Safety has always been the main theme when it comes to the need for wet performances. In objective wet braking, the P Zero PZ4 managed to out brake the Pilot Sport 4S by 1.23m. Even though the P Zero PZ4 had a considerable edge in wet braking performance, this did not translate into better wet handling lap times as 0.39 seconds separated the 2 tires apart with P Zero PZ4 coming slightly faster.
Things took a turn when it comes to aquaplaning as Pilot Sport 4S shows dominance in both aquaplaning criteria. Pilot Sport 4S ranked 2nd in the straight aquaplaning test clocking a slip speed of 78.5 km/h while P Zero PZ4 only managed a slip speed of 72.3 km/h. Similarly in the lateral aquaplaning, Pilot Sport 4S achieved a lateral acceleration of 2.23 m/s2 while the P Zero PZ4 only managed 2 m/s2 lateral acceleration. Even though they were truly beaten in wet braking, Michelin’s aquaplaning is still one the best in the segment.
P Zero PZ4:
- +3.6% in wet braking
- +0.6% in wet handling (lap time)
- –7.9% in straight aquaplaning
- -8.3% in curved aquaplaning
Dry
One of the most important performances when it comes to the ultra ultra high performance segment is to have a very strong dry showing. In dry braking, Pilot Sport 4S was the best tire among the rest while P Zero PZ4 slotted in the second spot as it was being slightly out brake by 0.16m, a relatively close margin.
The margins were also very close in dry handling as the Pilot Sport 4S was only quicker by 0.75 seconds compared to the P Zero PZ4. According to the test driver, the P Zero PZ4 has “a fast, direct steering, well weighted, and felt really good when cornering, however it did seem to struggle with the heat a little more than some” while the Pilot Sport 4S was “enjoyable to drive”. Overall Pilot Sport 4S only commands a slight advantage over P Zero PZ4 in dry performances
P Zero PZ4:
- -0.5% in dry braking
- -0.8% in dry handling (lap time)
Noise
In exterior noise, P Zero PZ4 by far has the quietest tire with a 1.7 dB advantage over the Pilot Sport 4S.
P Zero PZ4:
- +2.4% in exterior noise (-1.7 dB)
Rolling Resistance
When it comes to extreme sporty tires, rolling resistance is definitely not something the user has in mind when purchasing the tire. However with the sustainability topic being more prevalent, it is good to know where they stand. P Zero PZ4 is 2.4% better than the Pilot Sport 4S which makes it a much more fuel saving tire.
P Zero PZ4:
- +2.4% in rolling resistance
Price
Michelin being Michelin with no surprises as it commands one of the highest priced tire in the market as Pilot Sport 4S is €14 more compared to the P Zero PZ4. The pricing below was taken directly from the test itself.
Tire size: 225/40 R18
P Zero PZ4: €81.1
Difference: -17% more cheaper for P Zero PZ4.
Summary
Pilot Sport 4S had a small advantage in dry & was clearly the best tire in aquaplaning. However the P Zero PZ4 excels in wet braking, noise, rolling resistance and comes with a much cheaper price. Considering all these points, from our point of view, P Zero PZ4 is the winner of this duel !