Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs Pirelli P Zero PZ5: The UHP scene is buzzing with the arrival of Pirelli’s new P Zero PZ5, a fresh contender aiming to shake up the segment. Michelin’s Pilot Sport 5, already a proven all-rounder with a reputation for balanced performance and durability, suddenly faces a direct challenge. Can the PS5 hold its ground against the bold new PZ5, or will Pirelli’s latest weapon steal the spotlight? This is shaping up to be a clash worth watching.
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Results: Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs Pirelli P Zero PZ5
The results presented here are from the Auto Express Best car tyres to buy now 2025: Test, where 9 of the best UHP & UUHP tire models were selected. The accompanying graph provides a side-by-side comparison of the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs Pirelli P Zero PZ5 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 Volkswagen Golf GTI as the test vehicle.
Wet
In wet braking, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 stops 0.7 m later than the Pirelli P Zero PZ5, about 3% longer. In wet handling, the Michelin is 0.99 s slower around the lap, roughly 1% behind. For straight–line aquaplaning, the Michelin resists water at 4% higher speed than the Pirelli. Overall, the PZ5 edges ahead in braking and handling, but the PS5 has the upper hand in aquaplaning resistance.
P Zero PZ5 :
- +3% in wet braking
- +1% in wet handling
- -4% in aquaplaning
Dry
In dry braking, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 stops 1.39 m later than the Pirelli P Zero PZ5, about 5% longer. In dry handling, the Michelin is just 0.08 s slower, a difference of only 1%. Overall, the PZ5 shows a clear edge in braking, while both are essentially equal in handling.
P Zero PZ5 :
- +5% in dry braking
- +1% in dry handling
Comfort & Noise
In noise and refinement, the Pirelli P Zero PZ5 scores 7% better than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5, offering a quieter and more comfortable ride.
P Zero PZ5 :
- +7% in interior noise & comfort
Rolling Resistance
In rolling resistance, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 performs 7% better than the Pirelli P Zero PZ5, making it the more energy-efficient tire.
P Zero PZ5 :
- -7% in rolling resistance
Mileage
The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 shows a 38% higher mileage performance compared to the Pirelli P Zero PZ5. These results are based on the Auto Bild 2025 Summer Test, with the PZ5 mileage figure estimated from a 15% improvement over the PZ4’s result in earlier testing against the Pilot Sport 5.
P Zero PZ5 :
- -38% in mileage (estimated)
Price
For 225/40 R18, the Pirelli P Zero PZ5 at €104 is 13% cheaper than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 at €118.
Tire size: 225/40 R18
- Pilot Sport 5 : € 118
- P Zero PZ5 : € 104
Difference: -13% more cheaper for P Zero PZ5.
Summary
From my perspective as a tire expert, the Pirelli P Zero PZ5 impresses with sharper wet and dry braking, slightly quicker handling, and better noise comfort, all at a lower price. The Michelin Pilot Sport 5, however, fights back with stronger aquaplaning resistance, lower rolling resistance for better efficiency, and significantly longer mileage, making it the more enduring choice.
Dr Edwin Pang