Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S vs Pirelli P Zero PZ4
The data shows a clear trend: Michelin consistently dominates braking (dry and especially wet), lap-time pace and efficiency, while Pirelli often counters with sharper wet handling balance, stronger subjective wet feel, lower noise, and better purchase price in many tests. We'll unpack where each tire leads, how meaningful the gaps are, and which suits your driving priorities.
Test Results
Independent comparison tire tests are the best source of data to get tire information from, and the good news is there have been eight tests which compare both tires directly!
| Tire | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S | seven | |
| Pirelli P Zero PZ4 | one |
While it might look like the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S is better than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 purely based on the higher number of test wins, tires are very complicated objects which means where one tire is better than the other can be more important in real world use.
Let's look at how the two tires compare across multiple tire test categories.
Key Strengths
- Class-leading dry and wet braking across most tests
- Consistently strong dry pace and precise, progressive handling
- Lower rolling resistance (often 5-26% advantage)
- Improved aquaplaning resistance vs earlier iterations; robust straight-line aqua
- Agile, confidence-inspiring wet handling and turn-in
- Often quieter on pass-by noise
- Competitive dry performance with forgiving balance
- Generally lower purchase price in comparable sizes
Dry Braking
Looking at data from eight tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was better during seven dry braking tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S stopped the vehicle in 0.88% less distance than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Dry Braking: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [s]
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was better during three dry handling [s] tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was 0.46% faster around a lap than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Dry Handling [s]: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was better during three dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was 0.07% faster around a lap than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Dry Handling
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was better during two subj. dry handling tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scored 7% more points than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
See how the Subj. Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from eight tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was better during six wet braking tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S stopped the vehicle in 5.87% less distance than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Wet Braking: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [s]
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during three wet handling [s] tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was 0.47% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S.
Best In Wet Handling [s]: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during three wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was 1.89% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Wet Handling
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during two subj. wet handling tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 scored 6.67% more points than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S.
Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
See how the Subj. Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Circle
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during one wet circle tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 had 1.28% higher lateral wet grip than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S.
Best In Wet Circle: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from seven tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was better during four straight aqua tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S floated at a 1.23% higher speed than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Straight Aqua: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from six tire tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during three curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 slipped out at a 2.67% higher speed than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
Subj. Comfort
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was better during one subj. comfort tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scored 7.81% more points than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Subj. Comfort: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
Subj. Noise
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was better during one subj. noise tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scored 2.08% more points than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Subj. Noise: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
See how the Subj. Noise winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from six tire tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during four noise tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 measured 0.91% quieter than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S.
Best In Noise: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Price
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during four price tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 cost 20.85% less than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S.
Best In Price: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
See how the Price winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from seven tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was better during five rolling resistance tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S had a 8.16% lower rolling resistance than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S Driver Reviews
Across 130 reviews, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S is widely praised for outstanding dry and wet grip, short braking distances, and high confidence on both spirited road use and occasional track days. Many drivers report improved ride comfort and reduced noise versus runflats, along with predictable behavior at the limit and generally good longevity for a UHP tire. A minority note softer sidewalls leading to less precise steering/turn-in, higher price, and some noise on coarse surfaces. Overall sentiment skews strongly positive given the high proportion of top scores.
Based on 150 reviews with an average rating of 85%
Pirelli P Zero PZ4 Driver Reviews
Drivers generally describe the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 as a sporty, high-grip summer tire with excellent dry performance, sharp steering response, and strong braking/feedback when warm. Wet grip is often rated good in light rain or when up to temperature, but many report reduced confidence in cold conditions and a notable weakness in standing water/aquaplaning, especially as tread depth drops. A frequent theme is fast wear and a performance drop-off (more noise and less wet security) as the tire wears, making running costs feel high for some owners.
Based on 85 reviews with an average rating of 74%
Replace very very good Yokohama V105 one year old.
To try them out.
First-class comfort (top) + rolling silence
A little above the Yoko on the dry,
In the rain, they are incredible ! Well above all that I have tried :
Dunlop RT, PS3, Yoko V105, Hankook V12 K110.
No idea about wear again ... The +:
- Braking (this is a big highlight)
- Motricity
- Handling
They are equipped with protections of the rims although the option is not specified (in France).
The sides are stiffer than the PS3 for... Continue reading this review using the link below
Conclusion
The P Zero PZ4's appeal lies in its wet-handling poise, quick turn-in character, lower cabin noise, and usually lower purchase price. However, its wet braking can lag meaningfully in some sizes/tests (e.g., +17% vs PS4S in Sport Auto 2025), and rolling resistance tends to be higher.
If you prioritise all-round performance, braking safety in any weather, and efficiency, choose the Michelin. If you value a keen wet-handling balance, quieter cruising and a friendlier upfront price-and you accept longer wet stops in certain specs-the Pirelli can still be a smart buy.
Key Differences
- Test wins: Michelin 7 vs Pirelli 1-Michelin is more consistently top-tier
- Braking edge: PS4S typically stops shorter; notable wet gaps of ~6-17% in several tests
- Handling character: PZ4 often feels sharper in wet transitions; PS4S more precise/progressive overall
- Aquaplaning: Mixed; PS4S stronger in straight aqua more often, PZ4 competitive in curved aqua
- Efficiency: PS4S usually lower rolling resistance (up to ~26% advantage), aiding economy and heat management
- Value/noise: PZ4 commonly cheaper and quieter; PS4S often pricier but delivers broader capability
Overall Winner: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
Based on the tire test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S has demonstrated better overall performance in this comparison. However, as you can see from the spider diagram above, each tire has its own strengths which should be considered in your final tire buying choice.Similar Comparisons
Looking for more tire comparisons? Here are other direct comparisons involving these tires:
Footnote
This page has been developed using tire industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tires in the same test.
Why is this important? Tire testing is heavily affected by things like surface grip levels and surface temperature, which means you can only compare values from the same day. During a tire test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tire tests performed on different days or at different locations.
As a result you will see other tests on Tire Reviews which feature both the %s and %s, but as they weren't conducted on the same day, the results are not comparable.
Lots of other websites do this sort of tire comparison, Tire Reviews doesn't.