Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs Pirelli P Zero PZ4
Across the tests, Michelin consistently converts small dry gaps and notably stronger wet safety margins into higher overall rankings and superior cost-per-km. Pirelli counters with crisper turn-in, frequent wins in dynamic handling metrics, and lower cabin noise, but it's hampered by higher wear and weaker aquaplaning resistance in several sizes-especially when an OE-specific PZ4 was included.
Test Results
Independent comparison tyre tests are the best source of data to get tyre information from, and the good news is there have been seven tests which compare both tyres directly!
| Tyre | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Michelin Pilot Sport 5 | four | |
| Pirelli P Zero PZ4 | two | |
| one draws in one tests | ||
While it might look like the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 is better than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 purely based on the higher number of test wins, tyres are very complicated objects which means where one tyre is better than the other can be more important in real world use.
Let's look at how the two tyres compare across multiple tyre test categories.
Key Strengths
- Excellent wet safety: consistently shorter wet braking and stronger aquaplaning resistance
- Outstanding longevity and lower cost-per-km
- Balanced, predictable handling with precise steering and stability
- Competitive rolling resistance aiding efficiency
- Sharp, engaging dry and wet handling with neutral balance
- Lower external noise levels
- Often lower purchase price
- Strong dry grip and braking with sporty feedback
Dry Braking
Looking at data from seven tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during four dry braking tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 stopped the vehicle in 1% less distance than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Dry Braking: Michelin Pilot Sport 5
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [s]
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during one dry handling [s] tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was 0.06% faster around a lap than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.
Best In Dry Handling [s]: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during two dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was 0.67% faster around a lap than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from seven tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during four wet braking tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 stopped the vehicle in 4.34% less distance than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Wet Braking: Michelin Pilot Sport 5
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [s]
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during two wet handling [s] tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was 1.3% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.
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 three tyre tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during two wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was 0.59% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Circle
Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during three wet circle tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was 0.24% faster around a wet circle than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.
Best In Wet Circle: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from five tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during four straight aqua tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 floated at a 0.67% higher speed than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Straight Aqua: Michelin Pilot Sport 5
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during three curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 slipped out at a 5.07% higher speed than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Michelin Pilot Sport 5
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
Subj. Comfort
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during one subj. comfort tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 scored 8.33% more points than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Subj. Comfort: Michelin Pilot Sport 5
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from five tyre tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during five noise tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 measured 1.61% quieter than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.
Best In Noise: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Wear
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during three wear tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 is predicted to cover 38.85% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Wear: Michelin Pilot Sport 5
See how the Wear winner was calculated >>
Value
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during three value tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 proved to have a 33.26% better value based on price/1000km than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Value: Michelin Pilot Sport 5
See how the Value winner was calculated >>
Price
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during three price tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 cost 9.9% less than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.
Best In Price: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
See how the Price winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from five tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during three rolling resistance tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 had a 4.99% lower rolling resistance than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Michelin Pilot Sport 5
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
Abrasion
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during one abrasion tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 wore 40% less per 1000km driven than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Abrasion: Michelin Pilot Sport 5
See how the Abrasion winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
Michelin Pilot Sport 5 Driver Reviews
Across 89 reviews, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 is widely described as an excellent all-round UHP summer tyre with standout wet performance, strong dry grip, and high driver confidence at speed. Many drivers also praise its comfort/refinement and generally low road noise versus rival sporty tyres, with a large portion reporting very good tread life for the category. The most repeated drawback is a less engaging steering feel (softer sidewalls, mild understeer, and reduced feedback) compared with sharper alternatives like Pilot Sport 4S/Continental SportContact 7, while price is a smaller but recurring complaint.
Based on 97 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 tyre 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 tyre 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 Pirelli P Zero PZ4 remains a compelling driver's tyre-alert steering, frequent wins in wet/dry handling laps, quieter pass-by noise, and a lower purchase price in many cases. However, its shorter lifespan and occasionally weaker wet margins and aquaplaning limit its overall value proposition. If you prioritize confidence in the wet and total ownership cost, choose Michelin. If you want taut responses and a quieter, more playful feel-and accept higher wear-Pirelli delivers. Practical takeaway: PS5 for everyday fast road use and long mileage, PZ4 for weekend drives where steering feel matters most.
Key Differences
- Wet braking: Michelin frequently 10-15% shorter; Pirelli occasionally ahead but usually trails
- Aquaplaning: Michelin stronger in both straight and curved; Pirelli more vulnerable
- Longevity: Michelin wear life ~35-85% higher across tests
- Value: Michelin markedly lower cost per 1,000 km despite higher upfront price
- Noise: Pirelli consistently quieter by ~2 dB in several tests
- Handling feel: Pirelli crisper and more dynamic; Michelin more stable and predictable
Overall Winner: Michelin Pilot Sport 5
Based on the tyre test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 has demonstrated better overall performance in this comparison. However, as you can see from the spider diagram above, each tyre has its own strengths which should be considered in your final tyre buying choice.Similar Comparisons
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Footnote
This page has been developed using tyre industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tyres in the same test.
Why is this important? Tyre 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 tyre test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tyre tests performed on different days or at different locations.
As a result you will see other tests on Tyre 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 tyre comparison, Tyre Reviews doesn't.