Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs GT Radial SportActive 2: In this exciting head-to-head comparison, we pit two titans of the Ultra High Performance (UHP) tire segment against each other: the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 and the GT Radial SportActive 2. Launched in 2022, the Pilot Sport 5 is Michelin’s latest offering, renowned for its superior handling and cutting-edge technology. On the other side, we have the SportActive 2, GT Radial’s 2021 entry, known for its impressive performance and competitive pricing. The question is, can the GT Radial SportActive 2 stand up to the mighty Michelin Pilot Sport 5? Let’s find out!
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Results: Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs GT Radial SportActive 2
Results below were taken from the 2023 AutoBild Summer Test while includes an amazing 50 tires from its preliminary braking rounds. Only 20 tires made it through to the final round and a full detail evaluation was completed with these 20 tires. The wet & dry handling performances are evaluated objectively using the average lap speed rather than the preferred subjective ratings.
The graph above shows the comparison between Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs GT Radial SportActive 2 based on the relevant performance category. The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark. The tire size of interest is 225/45 R18 which is a common tire size for Mercedes-Benz C 200 and Kia Stinger . You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice is a BMW 3 series.
Wet
In wet conditions, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 outperforms the GT Radial SportActive 2 in braking, stopping 2.2 meters shorter at 40.6 meters compared to 42.8 meters from 100 km/h to 0. In wet handling, the Pilot Sport 5 also takes the lead, with an average speed of 75.5 km/h, slightly ahead of the SportActive 2’s 74.3 km/h. However, in straight aquaplaning resistance, the GT Radial SportActive 2 edges out the Michelin, with a slipping speed of 107.2 km/h versus the Pilot Sport 5’s 105.7 km/h.
SportActive 2 :
- -5% in wet braking
- -2% in wet handling (lap speed)
- +1% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
In dry conditions, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 outshines the GT Radial SportActive 2 in braking, stopping 1.8 meters shorter at 34.1 meters compared to 35.9 meters from 100 km/h to 0. In terms of dry handling, the Pilot Sport 5 maintains a slight advantage with an average speed of 119.1 km/h, just ahead of the SportActive 2’s 118.4 km/h.
SportActive 2 :
- -5% in dry braking
- -1% in dry handling
Wear
The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 offers superior mileage performance, lasting 55,600 km compared to the GT Radial SportActive 2’s 38,800 km. Calculating the cost per 1,000 km, the Pilot Sport 5 costs approximately €3.18 (€177 / 55.6), while the SportActive 2 costs around €2.01 (€78 / 38.8). Although the Pilot Sport 5 lasts longer, the value is in favor of the SportActive 2, as its cost per 1,000 km is significantly lower than Michelin’s.
SportActive 2 :
- -30% in mileage
Noise
In terms of exterior noise performance, the GT Radial SportActive 2 is quieter, producing 72.9 dB compared to the Michelin Pilot Sport 5’s 73.8 dB. This difference of 0.9 dB makes the SportActive 2 a slightly quieter option on the road.
SportActive 2 :
- +1% in exterior noise (-0.9 dB)
Rolling Resistance
In terms of rolling resistance, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 performs better with a lower value of 8.09 N/kN compared to the GT Radial SportActive 2’s 8.32 N/kN. This indicates that the Pilot Sport 5 has a slightly lower rolling resistance, which can contribute to better fuel efficiency.
SportActive 2 :
- -3% in rolling resistance
Price
For tire size 225/45 R18, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 costs €177, while the GT Radial SportActive 2 is priced at €78. This makes the SportActive 2 approximately 56% cheaper than the Pilot Sport 5.
Tire size: 225/45 R18
- Pilot Sport 5 : €177
- SportActive 2 : €78
Difference: -56% more cheaper for SportActive 2
Summary
As a tire expert, I’d say the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 excels in durability, offering superior mileage and lower rolling resistance, which translates to better fuel efficiency. Its wet and dry handling performance is also top-notch. On the other hand, the GT Radial SportActive 2 stands out for its affordability, quieter ride, and excellent value with a lower cost per 1,000 km. Both tires have their advantages, making them strong contenders in their respective strengths.
Dr Edwin Pang