Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: In one corner, we have the Michelin Pilot Sport 5, the latest evolution of Michelin’s ultra-high performance (UHP) lineup, engineered for precision handling and exceptional longevity. In the other, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2, a lightweight, grip-focused contender that’s all about agility and responsiveness. Both tires promise top-tier summer performance, but which one dominates in dry grip, wet control, and overall driving feel? It’s Michelin’s refined excellence versus Dunlop’s razor-sharp responsiveness—let the battle begin!
Table of Contents
Results: Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
The results featured here are from the 2025 ADAC Summer Tire Test, with 16 model of the finest tires were tested. Wear bring a extremely priced and expensive test were provided to our delight. The accompanying graph presents a side-by-side comparison of the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 across various performance categories, with the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 serving as the benchmark at the 100% mark.
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
The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 takes the edge in wet braking, a 2.3-meter gap, meaning the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 needs 8% more distance to stop in the wet. However, the SportMaxx RT 2 fights back in straight-line aquaplaning, a 1.3 km/h advantage, making it 2% better than the Pilot Sport 5. Surprisingly, the Dunlop outperforms Michelin in this category, proving it has strong water evacuation capabilities.
SportMaxx RT 2 :
- -7% in wet braking
- +2% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 takes the edge in dry braking, a 1.8-meter gap, meaning the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 needs 5% more distance to stop on dry roads.
SportMaxx RT 2 :
- -5% in dry braking
Wear
The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 takes the edge in wear, a 14,700 km gap, meaning the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 wears out 26% faster. In abrasion, the Pilot Sport 5 again leads, a 34.9 mg/km/t difference, making the SportMaxx RT 2 wear 62% faster per kilometer.
SportMaxx RT 2 :
- -26% in mileage
- -38% in abrasion
Noise
The Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 takes the edge in exterior noise, a 0.3 dB gap, but with a roughly 0% difference, the noise levels are practically the same.
SportMaxx RT 2 :
- ~0% in exterior noise (-0.3 dB)
Fuel Consumption
The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 and Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 are evenly matched in fuel consumption, with no difference between them.
SportMaxx RT 2 :
- 0% in fuel consumption
Price
The Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 is 31% cheaper than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 in the 225/40 R18 size, making it the more budget-friendly option.
Tire size: 225/40 R18
- Pilot Sport 5 : € 123
- SportMaxx RT 2 : € 94
Difference: -31% more cheaper for SportMaxx RT 2
Summary
The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 clearly dominates, offering superior braking, longevity, and wear resistance, making it the best choice for performance and durability. The Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 fights back with better aquaplaning resistance and a much lower price, but Michelin remains the clear winner in overall capability.
Dr Edwin Pang