Michelin Pilot Sport 4S vs Vredestein Ultrac Pro: The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S has been the undisputed king of the Ultra Ultra High Performance (UUHP) tire segment since its launch in 2017, setting the benchmark for what a performance tire should be. Now, in 2024, the Vredestein Ultrac Pro enters the arena, aiming to dethrone the reigning champion. The stage is set for an epic showdown between these two titans of tire technology—will the Ultrac Pro have what it takes to challenge the legendary 4S? Let the battle begin!
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Results: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S vs Vredestein Ultrac Pro
Results below were taken from 2024 Autobild Sports Car UUHP Tire Test with a total of 7 tires tested, The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin Pilot Sport 4S vs Vredestein Ultrac Pro based on the relevant performance category. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Note that for both wet & dry handling evaluation, the average lap speed was used instead of the standard lap time & subjective rating. The tire size of interest is a 265/35R19 at the front and 295/30R20 at the rear which is a common tire size configuration for Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG . You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT .
Dry
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S outperforms the Vredestein Ultrac Pro in dry braking, stopping 1.3 meters shorter at 37.8 meters compared to the Ultrac Pro’s 39.1 meters. In dry handling, the Pilot Sport 4S also holds the advantage, maintaining a higher speed of 109.9 km/h, while the Ultrac Pro trails slightly at 108.5 km/h. These differences highlight the superior dry performance of the Pilot Sport 4S over the Ultrac Pro.
Ultrac Pro :
- -3% in dry braking
- -1% in dry handling (average speed)
Wet
In wet braking, the Vredestein Ultrac Pro stops 0.3 meters shorter than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, with a distance of 53.1 meters compared to the 4S’s 53.4 meters. During wet handling, the Ultrac Pro also edges ahead, achieving an average speed of 77 km/h, slightly faster than the Pilot Sport 4S’s 76.6 km/h. In straight-line aquaplaning resistance, the Ultrac Pro significantly outperforms the Pilot Sport 4S, with a slipping speed of 100.3 km/h compared to the 4S’s 94.4 km/h. We were surprised to see how well the Ultrac Pro performs in wet conditions, out beating the Michelin.
Ultrac Pro :
- +1% in wet braking
- +1% in wet handling (average speed)
- +6% in straight aquaplaning
Exterior Noise
The Vredestein Ultrac Pro produces less exterior noise than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, registering at 70.5 dB compared to the 4S’s 71.2 dB. This 0.7 dB difference indicates that the Ultrac Pro offers a slightly quieter ride compared to the Pilot Sport 4S.
Ultrac Pro :
- +1% in exterior noise (-0.7 dB)
Rolling Resistance
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S exhibits slightly lower rolling resistance at 8.11 N/kN, compared to the Vredestein Ultrac Pro’s 8.35 N/kN. This difference shows the 4S’s marginally better efficiency. However, it’s important to note that rolling resistance is one of the lowest priorities in the UUHP segment, where performance characteristics like handling and braking are far more critical.
Ultrac Pro :
- -3% in rolling resistance
Price
In the 265/35 R19 tire size, the Vredestein Ultrac Pro is priced at €220, making it 35% cheaper than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, which costs €341. This significant price difference highlights the value that the Ultrac Pro offers in the high-performance tire market.
Tire size: 265/35 R19
- Pilot Sport 4S: € 341
- Ultrac Pro : € 220
Difference: -35% more cheaper for Ultrac Pro.
Summary
From a tire expert’s perspective, the Vredestein Ultrac Pro delivers impressive price-performance value, particularly when you consider how it holds its own against the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S in key performance areas like wet and noise. While its differences in dry performances are relatively small. Even though Michelin has announced a successor to the 4S, it’s limited to specific OE tire sizes, making the Ultrac Pro an even more compelling choice for those seeking top-tier performance without breaking the bank.
Dr Edwin Pang