Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect vs Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R: In the realm of street-legal track day tires, the showdown between the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect and the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R represents the pinnacle of performance. The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect, known for its exceptional grip and durability, and the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R, celebrated for its precision and speed, are both contenders vying for the top spot. This battle between two titans of the tire world isn’t just a comparison; it’s a clash of engineering marvels, each promising to transform your track day experience.
Table of Contents
Results
Results below were taken from 2022 Sport Auto UHP, UUHP and Semi Slick Tire Test with a total of 10 tires tested, The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect vs Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R based on the relevant performance category. Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Note that for both wet & dry handling evaluation, the average lap speed was used instead of the standard lap time & subjective rating. The tire size of interest is 235/35 R19 which is a common tire size for Audi R8 & Volkswagen Golf R. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a Hyundia I30N which is a very fast car relative to its size.
Dry
When it comes to dry performances, a key factor for track-used tires, both the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect and the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R deliver impressive results, albeit with minor differences.
In dry braking from 100 km/h (62 mph) to a complete stop, the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect stops at 35.8 meters (117 feet), while the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R takes a slightly longer distance of 36 meters (118 feet). This small difference of 0.2 meters (less than 1 foot) indicates that the Michelin tire has a marginally better stopping power in dry conditions.
Regarding dry handling, as measured by average lap time speed, the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R has a slight edge with an average speed of 135 km/h (84 mph), compared to the Michelin’s 133.7 km/h (83 mph). This difference suggests that the Pirelli tire slightly outperforms in maintaining higher speeds around the track, which could contribute to faster lap times.
In summary, while the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect has a slight advantage in dry braking, the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R edges ahead in maintaining higher speeds during dry handling, making it a preferred choice for those prioritizing lap time speed.
P Zero Trofeo R:
- -1% in dry braking
- +1% in dry handling (average speed)
Wet
While wet performance might be a secondary factor for track-focused tires like the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect and the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R, it’s essential for their street legality.
In wet braking, the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect has a noticeable advantage, stopping at 37.5 meters (123 feet), compared to the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R’s 40 meters (131 feet). This difference of 2.5 meters (8 feet) indicates the Michelin’s superior braking performance in wet conditions. For wet handling, the Michelin again takes the lead with an average speed of 83.4 km/h (52 mph), outperforming the Pirelli’s 80.4 km/h (50 mph). This suggests better stability and grip for the Michelin tire in wet handling scenarios.
In the wet circle test, which measures lateral grip in wet conditions, the Michelin achieves 6.93 meters per second, slightly exceeding the Pirelli’s 6.67 meters per second, further demonstrating Michelin’s superior grip in wet conditions. For straight aquaplaning, where resistance to water film is evaluated, the Michelin manages a higher speed of 66 km/h (41 mph) compared to Pirelli’s 60.9 km/h (38 mph), indicating better aquaplaning resistance in a straight line. Lastly, in curved aquaplaning, assessing the tire’s ability to resist aquaplaning in a turn, the Michelin achieves 2.2 meters per second squared, marginally better than Pirelli’s 2 meters per second squared, suggesting higher resistance to aquaplaning in curves.
Overall, the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect consistently outperforms the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R in wet performance tests, showing its superior handling capabilities in wet conditions, despite its primary design focus on dry conditions.
P Zero Trofeo R:
- -6% in wet braking
- -4% in wet handling (average speed)
- -4% in wet circle
- -8% in straight aquaplaning
- -9% in curved aquaplaning
Exterior Noise
When it comes to exterior noise, a factor that can impact both driver comfort and environmental considerations, there is a slight difference between the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect and the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R. The Michelin tire produces noise at 68.2 decibels, which is marginally lower than the Pirelli’s 69.4 decibels. This difference of 1.2 decibels indicates that the Michelin is a slightly quieter tire, potentially offering a more comfortable ride in terms of noise levels. While the difference is not substantial, it does suggest a minor edge for the Michelin in terms of producing less road noise.
P Zero Trofeo R:
- -2% in exterior noise (+0.8 dB)
Rolling Resistance
In the high-performance segment of track day tires, where the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect and the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R reside, rolling resistance is often the least prioritized feature. Nonetheless, it’s interesting to note the differences between these two models.
The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect shows a rolling resistance of 9.4 N/kN, which is slightly lower than the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R’s 10.2 N/kN. This difference of 0.8 N/kN indicates that the Michelin tire is marginally more efficient in terms of energy loss due to rolling resistance. A lower rolling resistance generally means better fuel efficiency and less energy required to keep the tire rolling.
However, it’s important to remember that in this segment, focused on maximum grip and performance on the track, the minor difference in rolling resistance is often overshadowed by the tires’ capabilities in handling, speed, and braking.
P Zero Trofeo R:
- -8% in rolling resistance
Price
When comparing the prices of the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect and the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R, both sized 235/35 R19, there’s a significant difference that’s quite puzzling. The Michelin is priced at €292, which is considerably less expensive than the Pirelli at €538. This difference of €246 is quite substantial and might not be immediately clear why such a disparity exists.
Tire size: 235/35 R19
- Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect: $ 425
- P Zero Trofeo R: $ 434
Difference: +2% more expensive for P Zero Trofeo R.
Summary
As a tire expert, I’ve thoroughly analyzed the performances of the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect and the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R, with a particular focus on their suitability for track usage. In the critical aspect of dry performance, which is of utmost importance for track enthusiasts, both tires stand on equal footing. They each exhibit exceptional grip and handling on dry surfaces, positioning them as top choices for dry track conditions.
However, the noticeable differences become apparent in wet conditions. In this arena, the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect demonstrates a clear advantage. It consistently outperforms the Pirelli in crucial areas such as wet braking, handling, and resistance to aquaplaning. This superior wet performance is significant, especially when considering the unpredictability of weather during track days and the necessity for reliable performance under varying conditions.
In conclusion, the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect emerges as the definitive winner in this comparison. It not only equals the Pirelli in dry conditions but also surpasses it in wet performance. For drivers seeking a tire that delivers top-tier performance on the track, while also providing assured safety in wet conditions, the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect stands out as an exceptional choice.
Dr Edwin Pang