Michelin Pilot Sport 4S vs Pirelli P Zero PZ5: After toppling the undisputed test champion Continental SportContact 7, the all-new 2025 Pirelli P Zero PZ5 has its sights set on an even greater prize—the legendary Michelin Pilot Sport 4S. As the long-reigning king of the UUHP segment, the 4S has built its legacy on consistent performance and balance. But can the revamped PZ5 dethrone this icon? It’s a clash of titans—new tech vs. proven mastery. Let the ultimate battle for ultra-high performance supremacy begin!
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Results: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S vs Pirelli P Zero PZ5
The results presented here are from the Tyre Review’s Best Performance Tyres For 2025 Test, where 7 of the best UUHP tire models were selected. The accompanying graph provides a side-by-side comparison of the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S vs Pirelli P Zero PZ5 across various performance categories, with the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S serving as the benchmark at 100%.
The tire size of interest is the 225/40R18 tire size, a popular choice for vehicles like the BMW 3 series Audi A4. For further insights into various tire sizes, feel free to consult our latest tire size table. The tests were conducted using a standard Volkswagen Golf as the test vehicle.
Wet
In wet braking, the Pirelli P Zero PZ5 stops 0.6 meters shorter than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, a 3% improvement. For wet handling, the PZ5 completes the lap 2.86 seconds faster than the 4S, which is 3% quicker. Subjectively, the PZ5 also feels slightly more composed, scoring 0.5 points higher than the 4S, a 3% difference. In straight-line aquaplaning, the PZ5 maintains grip at 0.5 km/h higher speed than the 4S, a marginal 1% advantage.
P Zero PZ5 :
- +3% in wet braking
- +3% in wet handling
- +3% in subjective wet handling
- +1% in aquaplaning
Dry
In dry braking, the Pirelli P Zero PZ5 stops 0.49 meters earlier than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, giving it a 1% advantage. Around the dry handling track, the PZ5 is quicker by 0.99 seconds, which translates to a 1% gain in speed. Both tires are rated equally in subjective dry handling, with each scoring 9.75 points, showing they deliver the same driving feel to the tester.
P Zero PZ5 :
- +1% in dry braking
- +1% in dry handling
- 0% in subjective dry handling
Comfort & Noise
In subjective comfort, both the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S and the Pirelli P Zero PZ5 are rated equally at 10 points, meaning they offer the same level of ride quality. When it comes to noise, the PZ5 is quieter by 1.3 dB, which is about 2% less noise compared to the 4S.
P Zero PZ5 :
- 0% in subjective comfort
- +2% in exterior noise (+1.3 dB)
Rolling Resistance
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S has slightly lower rolling resistance at 8.7 N/kN compared to the Pirelli P Zero PZ5 at 8.9 N/kN. This gives the 4S a 2% advantage in rolling efficiency, meaning it may offer marginally better fuel economy or range.
P Zero PZ5 :
- -2% in rolling resistance
Price
In size 225/40 R18, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S costs €155 while the Pirelli P Zero PZ5 is priced at just €104—a massive 49% cheaper. Given that the PZ5 outperforms the 4S in both wet and dry handling, brakes shorter in all conditions, runs quieter, and matches it in comfort, it really sounds like a no-brainer.
Tire size: 225/40 R18
- Pilot Sport 4S : € 155
- P Zero PZ5 : € 104
Difference: -49% more cheaper for P Zero PZ5.
Summary
As a tire expert, it’s clear to me that the new Pirelli P Zero PZ5 takes the win in this duel. It brakes shorter, handles quicker in both wet and dry, runs quieter, and matches the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S in comfort—all while being nearly 50% cheaper. With that level of performance and value, the PZ5 isn’t just impressive—it’s the smarter choice.
Dr Edwin Pang