Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs Toyo Proxes Sport 2: In the ultra-high-performance segment, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 and Toyo Proxes Sport 2, both launched in 2022, are set for an epic showdown. With Michelin’s precision and Toyo’s grip technology, these tires promise exceptional handling and thrilling performance. The battle is on—who will reign supreme?
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Results: Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs Toyo Proxes Sport 2
Results below were taken from the 2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Test which had13 tires tested. 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 Toyo Proxes Sport 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 Toyota GR Yaris.
Wet
In wet conditions, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 outperforms the Toyo Proxes Sport 2 in several areas. During wet braking, the Pilot Sport 5 stops in 39.1 meters, which is 3.9 meters shorter than the Proxes Sport 2’s 43 meters. Both tires have similar wet handling, with the Pilot Sport 5 averaging 84.8 km/h and the Proxes Sport 2 at 84.7 km/h.
On the wet circle, the Proxes Sport 2 is slightly faster, completing it in 11.07 seconds compared to the Pilot Sport 5’s 11.13 seconds. In straight aquaplaning resistance, the Pilot Sport 5 slips at 77.9 km/h, slightly higher than the Proxes Sport 2’s 76.3 km/h.
Proxes Sport 2 :
- -9% in wet braking
- ~0% in wet handling (lap speed)
- +1% in wet circle
- -2% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
In dry conditions, the Toyo Proxes Sport 2 surprisingly outperforms the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 in braking, stopping at 34.4 meters, which is 0.3 meters shorter than the Pilot Sport 5’s 34.7 meters. In dry handling, the two tires are nearly identical, with the Pilot Sport 5 averaging 114.6 km/h and the Proxes Sport 2 close behind at 114.4 km/h. The Proxes Sport 2’s impressive dry performance makes it a formidable competitor against the renowned Pilot Sport 5.
Proxes Sport 2 :
- +1% in dry braking
- ~0% in dry handling (lap speed)
Noise
In terms of exterior noise performance, the Toyo Proxes Sport 2 is quieter than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5. The Proxes Sport 2 registers at 67.5 dB, which is 0.8 dB lower than the Pilot Sport 5’s 68.3 dB. This makes the Proxes Sport 2 the better choice for a quieter ride.
Proxes Sport 2 :
- +1% in exterior noise (-0.9 dB)
Rolling Resistance
In terms of rolling resistance, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 performs better than the Toyo Proxes Sport 2. The Pilot Sport 5 has a rolling resistance of 8.62 N/kN, which is 0.42 N/kN lower than the Proxes Sport 2’s 9.04 N/kN. This indicates that the Pilot Sport 5 is more efficient, offering lower rolling resistance compared to the Proxes Sport 2.
Proxes Sport 2 :
- -3% in rolling resistance
Price
For the tire size 225/45 R18, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 is priced at €177, while the Toyo Proxes Sport 2 costs €121. This makes the Proxes Sport 2 approximately 46% cheaper than the Pilot Sport 5, offering significant savings.
Tire size: 225/45 R18
- Pilot Sport 5 : €177
- Proxes Sport 2 : €121
Difference: -46% more cheaper for Proxes Sport 2
Summary
As a tire expert, I can conclude that both the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 and the Toyo Proxes Sport 2 have their distinct advantages. The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 excels in rolling resistance and wet braking, making it a top choice for those seeking efficiency and superior wet performance. On the other hand, the Toyo Proxes Sport 2 impresses with its quieter ride and remarkable dry braking performance, all while being significantly more affordable. Each tire offers unique benefits, catering to different driving preferences and budgets.
Dr Edwin Pang