Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs Maxxis Victra Sport 5 — A Clash in the UHP Summer Segment!
In one corner, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5, a top-tier ultra-high performance summer tire from one of the most respected names in the industry. In the other, the Maxxis Victra Sport 5, an aggressive challenger punching above its weight with surprising performance. It’s the classic battle of premium refinement versus rising value — grip, handling, and control on the line. Let the UHP summer showdown begin!
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Results: Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs Maxxis Victra Sport 5
The results presented here are from the 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test, where 20 of the best tire models were selected from an initial pool of 50. Given the high cost and extensive nature of wear testing, we were delighted to have it included. The accompanying graph provides a side-by-side comparison of the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs Maxxis Victra Sport 5 across various performance categories, with the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 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 BMW 1 series as the test vehicle.
Wet
In wet braking, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 comes to a stop in 43.2 meters, while the Maxxis Victra Sport 5 takes 45.5 meters. That’s a 2.3-meter difference, giving the Michelin a 5% shorter stopping distance. For wet handling, the Michelin averages 73.3 km/h through the course, edging out the Maxxis at 72 km/h — a 1.3 km/h advantage or about 2% faster. However, in straight-line aquaplaning, the Maxxis slightly edges ahead, resisting aquaplaning up to 80.6 km/h versus the Michelin’s 80.5 km/h, a negligible 0% difference.
From a wet performance perspective, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 clearly leads in both braking and handling, offering better control and safety when it matters most.
Victra Sport 5:
- -5% in wet braking
- -2% in wet handling
- ~0% in aquaplaning
Dry
In dry braking, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 stops in 33.5 meters, just slightly shorter than the Maxxis Victra Sport 5 at 33.9 meters. That’s a 0.4-meter difference, giving the Michelin a 1% advantage. In dry handling, the gap is much more pronounced — the Michelin averages 120.5 km/h, while the Maxxis manages 116.7 km/h, a 3.8 km/h difference or roughly 3% slower.
Overall, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 delivers sharper dry performance, especially in handling, where it clearly outpaces the Maxxis in both precision and speed.
Victra Sport 5:
- -1% in dry braking
- -3% in dry handling
Wear
When it comes to wear, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 lasts an impressive 52,170 kilometers, while the Maxxis Victra Sport 5 reaches just 28,490 kilometers. That’s a massive difference of 23,680 kilometers, giving the Michelin a 45% longer tread life. In terms of durability, the Michelin dominates — offering nearly double the mileage of the Maxxis, making it the clear winner for long-term value.
Victra Sport 5:
- -45% in mileage
Comfort & Noise
In subjective comfort, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 scores 5.0 points, while the Maxxis Victra Sport 5 trails behind with 3.9 points, showing a significant 1.1-point gap or 6% lower rating for the Maxxis. However, when it comes to noise levels, the Maxxis is quieter at 72.2 dB compared to the Michelin’s 74.3 dB, making it 2.1 dB quieter — a difference of about 3%.
Victra Sport 5:
- -6% in subjective comfort
- +3% in exterior noise (-2.1 dB)
Rolling Resistance
In rolling resistance, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 records 8.94 N/kN, while the Maxxis Victra Sport 5 measures higher at 9.41 N/kN. That’s a 0.47 N/kN difference, giving the Michelin a 5% lower rolling resistance. This means the Michelin is more efficient in reducing energy loss, making it the better option for fuel economy and lower CO₂ emissions.
Victra Sport 5:
- -5% in rolling resistance
Price
For the 225/40 R18 size, the Maxxis Victra Sport 5 is priced at €76, while the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 comes in at €118. That makes the Maxxis a striking 55% cheaper.
Tire size: 225/40 R18
- Pilot Sport 5 : € 118
- Victra Sport 5: € 76
Difference: -55% more cheaper for Victra Sport 5.
Summary
From a tire expert’s point of view, the clear winner here is the Michelin Pilot Sport 5. It outperforms the Maxxis Victra Sport 5 in every critical area that matters to driving enthusiasts—wet and dry handling, braking, comfort, rolling resistance, and especially wear, where it lasts nearly twice as long. While the Maxxis is quieter and far cheaper, the Michelin delivers the all-round performance and longevity expected from a true UHP benchmark.
Dr Edwin Pang