Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 vs Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R
- TR Score
- 8.3/10
- Owners say
- 82% · 24
- TR Score
- 7.2/10
- Owners say
- 77% · 4
In the 3 independent tests that ran both tires, the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 finished ahead 1 times and the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R not once, with 2 level. The Pilot Sport Cup 2 stopped 9.3% shorter in the wet; the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R stopped 7.8% shorter in the dry.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R if you mainly run warm, dry track sessions and want the sharpest steering and best single-lap pace. Choose the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 if you need a more forgiving trackday tire that remains meaningfully safer and more usable when the track is damp, temperatures drop, or weather is changeable-and if you care about value and reduced wet-risk on the road to/from the circuit.
Where the Pilot Sport Cup 2 is stronger
- Stronger wet braking and wet handling margins in most shared tests (e.g., 32.44m vs 38.74m and 98.49s vs 104.74s in Michelin 2026; 47.0m vs 55.5m in AutoBild 2026)
- More forgiving, progressive limit behavior and easier recoverability when mistakes happen (per Michelin 2026 qualitative notes)
- Better aquaplaning and slightly lower rolling resistance in the Michelin 2026 dataset (75.69 vs 74.27 km/h straight aqua; 9.31 vs 9.57 kg/t RR)
Where the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R is stronger
- Dry 6/7 Stopped 7.8% shorter in the dry (3 tests)
The measured tallies (wins out of measurements in the shared tests) come straight from the tables below. The written verdict and bullet points are analysis of those tests and of owner reviews; where they and the figures disagree, the figures are right.
Pilot Sport Cup 2 vs Pilot Sport Cup 2 R at a glance
| Category | Pilot Sport Cup 2 | Gap | Pilot Sport Cup 2 R |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won3 shared tests | 1 | 2 level | 0 |
| Dry7 measurements | 1 | The Pilot Sport Cup 2 R stopped 7.8% shorter in the dry (3 tests) | 6 |
| Wet8 measurements | 7 | The Pilot Sport Cup 2 stopped 9.3% shorter in the wet (3 tests) | 1 |
| Value1 measurement | 1 | 0 | |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.3/10 | The Pilot Sport Cup 2 by 1.1 | 7.2/10 |
| Owner rating24 and 4 reviews | 82% | The Pilot Sport Cup 2 by 5 points | 77% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 22 | 5 sizes made in both | 9 |
Wins count every measurement the shared tests recorded for both tires; a tick marks the tire ahead on that line. Subjective driver scores count as wins but are never averaged, because each test uses its own scale.
Head to head in 3 tests, 2020 to 2026
Each row is one published test in which both tires ran on the same car, in the same size, on the same day. The line is the whole field, winner on the left.
| Test | Pilot Sport Cup 2 | Field | Pilot Sport Cup 2 R |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michelin Range Test - CrossClimate 3, 3 Sport, Primacy 5, Pilot Sport 5 and Cup 2 | P1 of 5 | P1 of 5 | |
| The BEST Track Day Tires for 2024 | P1 of 6 | P2 of 6 | |
| Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 VS Cup 2 R - Tested | P1 of 2 | P1 of 2 |
Performance profile
9 measurements from the 3 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Pilot Sport Cup 2
Pilot Sport Cup 2 R
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
In each test the better of the two figures counts as 100% and the other as its share of it, so a 118 ft stop against 112 ft is 95%; each spoke averages the shared tests that recorded it.
Where each scores higher
Pilot Sport Cup 2
Pilot Sport Cup 2 R
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
Where owners rate each higher
Pilot Sport Cup 2
Pilot Sport Cup 2 R
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the Pilot Sport Cup 2 82% from 24 reviews and the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R 77% from 4. Each spoke is one question owners answer out of 10; reviews are vetted by hand before publication.
Every measurement, side by side
Averages of the figures both tires posted in the same tests. The gap is the average of each test's own gap, so figures from different cars and years are never mixed. Open a discipline for its measurements, and a measurement for every test's figure.
| Measurement | Pilot Sport Cup 2 | Gap | Pilot Sport Cup 2 R | Wins | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 124 | 7.8% | 113 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||
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| 95.88 | 1.5% | 94.42 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||
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| 146.6 | 0.2% | 146.3 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 112 | 9.3% | 125 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 101.6 | 6.7% | 109 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 50.8 | 3.7% | 49 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 47 | 1.9% | 46.1 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 11.9 | 1.4% | 11.8 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 9.31 | 2.7% | 9.57 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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Braking distances and lap times are better when lower; speeds, wear and grip figures when higher. A test's figures are its own: sizes, cars, surfaces and temperatures differ from one to the next, which is why the averages here are only ever of tests the two tires shared. "Scored" rows are subjective driver ratings: each test uses its own scale, so only the wins are counted.
Scores beyond the shared tests
On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Pilot Sport Cup 2 scores 8.3 and the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R 7.2 out of 10.
| Pilot Sport Cup 2 | Category | Pilot Sport Cup 2 R | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70 | Dry | 79 | ||
| 65 | Wet | 13 | ||
| 46 | Comfort | - | ||
| 85 | Value | 46 | ||
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
What owners say
| Pilot Sport Cup 2 | Category | Pilot Sport Cup 2 R | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.5 | Dry Grip | 10 | ||
| 6 | Wet Grip | 6 | ||
| 9 | Road Feedback | 10 | ||
| 9.2 | Handling | 9.7 | ||
| 6.2 | Wear | 4.3 | ||
| 7.4 | Comfort | 9.7 | ||
Owners rate the Pilot Sport Cup 2 82% from 24 reviews and the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R 77% from 4. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
- 82%from 24 reviews
- 86%would buy again
- 190,850 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners largely agree the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 delivers outstanding dry grip and sharp, confidence-inspiring responses once it has some temperature in it, with many also praising steering feel and dry handling. Where opinions turn, it is mainly in cooler or wetter use: around two in five owners mention limited wet grip, and roughly one in five flag aquaplaning and cold-weather performance as particular weaknesses. Durability also draws criticism, with around one in five dissatisfied with tread life, and a similar share noting it can be heat-sensitive in terms of delivering its best performance.
- Exceptional dry grip once up to temperature
- Sharp steering feel and driver feedback
- Strong, immediate dry handling and turn-in
- Reassuring and progressive behavior at the limit
- Wet grip can be lacking, especially in cold and wet conditions
- Aquaplaning resistance is a weak point in standing water
- Needs heat and struggles in colder conditions
Summarised by AI from 19 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 24 Pilot Sport Cup 2 reviewsI use these 100% for street driving. They don't really start to shine until they have some heat in them though. It's very hard to get sufficient heat in them on the street though, so I feel I'm not really getting the most out of them. They are very comfortable and have great turn in. Steering response is fabulous and extremely good on the brakes. In heavy rain they are not terrible, but they aren't great. Because of that I may switch to 4S tires (or S5 if available) once I'm ready for new tires. These Cup 2's though still have a lot of tread left on them so I may be still 3 seasons from needing new tires - they may expire based on date before I wear them out fully.
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R
- 77%from 4 reviews
- 10,350 milesdriven by reviewers
The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R is viewed as an extremely focused dry-performance tire, delivering outstanding grip, confidence, and track capability when conditions are warm and dry. Drivers consistently describe it as near-slick in character and ideal for extracting lap time, but its wet performance is a major weakness with poor water evacuation and instability in standing water. Overall sentiment is mixed because its dry capability is exceptional, while its usefulness is narrow and highly condition-dependent.
- exceptional dry grip
- strong track performance
- precise handling and confidence
- good heat resistance
- very poor wet grip
- hydroplaning and standing water instability
- limited suitability outside dry track use
Summarised by AI from 3 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 4 Pilot Sport Cup 2 R reviews
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 22 sizes of the Pilot Sport Cup 2 and 9 of the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R, 5 of them made in both.
| Category | Pilot Sport Cup 2 | Pilot Sport Cup 2 R |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer | Summer |
| Sizes made | 22 sizes, 15 to 21 inch | 9 sizes, 20 to 21 inch |
| Made in both | 5 sizes 265/35 R20285/30 R20325/30 R20345/30 R20345/30 R21 | |
| EU label wet grip | D56%C44% | D100% |
| EU label rolling resistance | D89%C11% | D70%C30% |
| EU label noise | 70-75 dB B100% | 73-75 dB B100% |
| On the market since | 2013 | 2022 |
| Replaced | Michelin Pilot Sport Cup+ | - |
| Replaced by | Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect | - |
Label grades are shown as the share of registered sizes carrying each grade, so "B (88%), C (12%)" means most sizes are B. Grades vary by size; check the label for yours.
Reading the results
Written from the test results and owner reviews above. It is analysis, not a measurement: where it and the tables disagree, the tables are right.
Michelin's Pilot Sport Cup 2 and the more extreme Pilot Sport Cup 2 R sit very close together in name, but the test data shows they're built for noticeably different priorities. Both are trackday-and-competition summer tires, yet across four shared head-to-head datasets the Cup 2 R consistently chases outright dry lap time and response, while the Cup 2 more often protects you when conditions (or temperatures) aren't perfect.
The pattern is clear: Cup 2 R dominates dry handling in every shared test (4/4), and often improves dry braking too (3/4). In return, Cup 2 repeatedly delivers a big safety and usability buffer in the wet-especially in braking and wet lapping-where the Cup 2 R can be dramatically behind. The real buyer decision is whether you value a small but meaningful dry-pace edge and sharper steering enough to accept a large wet-weather penalty, higher operating demands, and typically higher cost.
Conclusion
If your priority is maximum dry-circuit performance and you can control the variables (warm ambient temps, a dry track, correct pressures, and a car that can exploit the extra precision), the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R is the faster tool. It led dry handling in every comparison: for example, 72.12s vs 73.15s in Michelin's 2026 range test (≈1.4% quicker), 139.33s vs 141.39s in the 2024 track-day test, and 71.8s vs 73.1s in the 2020 head-to-head. Dry braking is often notably better too (e.g., 43.55m vs 50.33m in 2020, and 27.2m vs 30.9m in 2024). That's the Cup 2 R's core appeal: sharper steering feel, higher peak grip, and better one-lap pace.
For most trackday drivers who also drive to and from the circuit-or who face variable weather-the Pilot Sport Cup 2 is the more rounded, confidence-inspiring choice. It repeatedly trounces the Cup 2 R in wet braking and wet handling with very large margins: in Michelin's 2026 test, wet braking was 32.44m (Cup 2) vs 38.74m (Cup 2 R), and in AutoBild 2026 it was 47.0m vs 55.5m. The 2020 test shows the same story (38.98m vs 45.68m wet braking). Add slightly better aquaplaning resistance and rolling resistance in the Michelin 2026 dataset, and the practical takeaway is simple: Cup 2 delivers most of the dry enjoyment with far less risk when conditions turn.
Memorable takeaway: the Cup 2 R is a specialist for “dry, warm, and chasing lap time”; the Cup 2 is the sweet spot when you want track capability without the wet-weather cliff edge.
Pilot Sport Cup 2 vs Pilot Sport Cup 2 R: your questions
Is the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 or the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R the better tire?
In the 3 independent tests that ran both tires, the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 finished ahead 1 times and the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R not once, with 2 level. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Pilot Sport Cup 2 scores 8.3 and the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R 7.2 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Pilot Sport Cup 2 or the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R?
The Pilot Sport Cup 2 led 7 of the 8 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 9.3% shorter in the wet across 3 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Pilot Sport Cup 2 R led 6 of the 7 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 7.8% shorter in the dry across 3 tests.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 7.4/10 for the Pilot Sport Cup 2 and 9.7/10 for the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Pilot Sport Cup 2 82% from 24 reviews and the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R 77% from 4.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Pilot Sport Cup 2 is made in 22 sizes (15 to 21 inch) and the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R in 9 (20 to 21 inch). 5 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Pilot Sport Cup 2 is graded D for wet grip and D for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R D and D.
Which is the newer tire?
The Pilot Sport Cup 2 R is the newer design: it reached the market in 2022, the Pilot Sport Cup 2 in 2013. The Pilot Sport Cup 2 replaced the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup+.
Run either of these?
Your review is the part of this page no test can supply: how the tire wore, how it aged, what it was like in the rain in year three. It takes about five minutes.
Where this data comes from
Finishing positions and measurements are transcribed from each published test. A test only counts here when both tires ran in it, so every figure was recorded on the same car, size and day as the one it is compared to.
About the TR Score
The Tire Reviews Score rates each tire out of 10 from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold, so two tires can be compared even before a test has run them together.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tire Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tires independently since 2007.
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