Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs. Firestone Firehawk Sport: Firestone, Bridgestone’s second brand with deep American roots, is stepping into the ultra-high performance arena with the all-new Firehawk Sport. On the other side, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 stands tall as one of the most respected names in the UHP summer category. Will the Firehawk Sport disrupt the status quo, or will the Pilot Sport 5 defend its throne? Let the summer tire battle begin!
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Results: Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs Firestone Firehawk Sport
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 Firestone Firehawk Sport 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 stops 1.7 meters shorter in wet braking, a 6% advantage over the Firestone Firehawk Sport. In straight aquaplaning, it maintains grip 2.4 km/h higher, or 3% better. Overall, the Michelin is the safer performer in the wet.
Firehawk Sport :
- -6% in wet braking
- -3% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
In dry braking, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 stops 0.4 meters shorter than the Firestone Firehawk Sport, a 1% advantage. The difference is small, but Michelin still leads.
Firehawk Sport :
- -1% in dry braking
Wear
The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 lasts 21,900 km longer than the Firestone Firehawk Sport, a 39% mileage advantage. In abrasion, Michelin wears slower at 56.1 mg/km/t compared to Firestone’s 81.1 mg/km/t — a 31% lower wear rate. Michelin clearly leads in durability.
Firehawk Sport :
- -39% in mileage
- -31% in abrasion
Noise
The Firestone Firehawk Sport runs quieter at 72.3 dB, which is 0.8 dB lower than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 — a 1% reduction in rolling noise. Firestone has the edge in noise comfort.
Firehawk Sport :
- +1% in exterior noise (-0.8 dB)
Fuel Consumption
The Firestone Firehawk Sport uses 0.1 l/100km less fuel than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5, a 2% improvement in fuel efficiency. It’s a slight edge, but Firestone wins on consumption.
Firehawk Sport :
- +2% in fuel consumption
Price
In 225/40 R18, the Firestone Firehawk Sport is priced at €87, making it €36 cheaper than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 at €123 — a 41% lower price.
Tire size: 225/40 R18
- Pilot Sport 5 : € 123
- Firehawk Sport : € 87
Difference: -41% more cheaper for Firehawk Sport
Summary
As a tire expert, the clear winner is the Michelin Pilot Sport 5. It delivers stronger wet and dry braking, significantly better mileage, and lower wear. While the Firehawk Sport is quieter and cheaper, Michelin’s all-around performance and durability make it the better choice for drivers who prioritize safety and long-term value.
Dr Edwin Pang