Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs Nokian Powerproof 1
- TR Score
- 9.4/10
- Owners say
- 85% · 135
- TR Score
- 8.4/10
- Owners say
- 86% · 4
In the 3 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 finished ahead 3 times and the Powerproof 1 not once. The Pilot Sport 5 lasted 48.3% longer in the wear tests; the Powerproof 1 was 1.2 dB quieter.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Performance-focused or mixed-weather summer drivers should choose the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 for superior braking, handling, and longevity. Comfort-oriented, budget-minded users prioritizing low noise and slightly better efficiency may consider the Nokian Powerproof 1, accepting longer wet stops and shorter tread life.
Where the Pilot Sport 5 is stronger
- Class-leading wet and dry braking (+4-9% shorter in tests)
- Stable, precise handling with strong curved aquaplaning resistance
- Excellent tread life and low abrasion (often best-in-test mileage)
Where the Powerproof 1 is stronger
- Low exterior noise (≈72-73 dB) for quieter cruising
- Slight efficiency edge: lower rolling resistance and fuel use
- Good straight-line aquaplaning reserves
The bullet points are analysis of the shared tests and of owner reviews; the measured wins in each discipline are in the tables below. Where the two disagree, the figures are right.
Pilot Sport 5 vs Powerproof 1 at a glance
| Category | Pilot Sport 5 | Gap | Powerproof 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won3 shared tests | 3 | 0 | |
| Dry4 measurements | 4 | The Pilot Sport 5 stopped 4.5% shorter in the dry (3 tests) | 0 |
| Wet10 measurements | 8 | The Pilot Sport 5 stopped 8.4% shorter in the wet (3 tests) | 1 |
| Comfort3 measurements | 1 | The Powerproof 1 was 1.2 dB quieter (2 tests) | 2 |
| Value5 measurements | 3 | The Pilot Sport 5 lasted 48.3% longer in the wear tests (2 tests) | 2 |
| Tyre Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.4/10 | The Pilot Sport 5 by 1.0 | 8.4/10 |
| Owner rating135 and 4 reviews | 85% | Too close to call | 86% |
| Pricein the 2 tests that listed prices | +50% | The Pilot Sport 5 was dearer in 2 of 2 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 66 | 36 sizes made in both | 54 |
Wins count every measurement the shared tests recorded for both tyres; a tick marks the tyre 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 in 2025
Each row is one published test in which both tyres 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 5 | Field | Powerproof 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test | P1 of 20 | P17 of 20 | |
| 2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | P3 of 18 | P14 of 18 | |
| 2025 Summer Tyre Test Shootout | P2 of 52 | P13 of 52 |
Performance profile
6 measurements from the 3 shared tests, each tyre shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Pilot Sport 5
Powerproof 1
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
In each test the better of the two figures counts as 100% and the other as its share of it, so a 36 m stop against 34.2 m is 95%; each spoke averages the shared tests that recorded it. The scale stops at 90%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 8 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Pilot Sport 5
Powerproof 1
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Category scores are percentiles among tyres of the same season and class: 90 means this tyre 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 5
Not ahead in any category
Powerproof 1
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Owners rate the Pilot Sport 5 85% from 135 reviews and the Powerproof 1 86% 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 tyres 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 5 | Gap | Powerproof 1 | Wins | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34.17 | 4.5% | 35.8 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 120.5 | 2.9% | 117.1 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 33.37 | 8.4% | 36.47 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 35.3 | 9.5% | 39 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 73.3 | 2.1% | 71.8 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 14.83 | 1.1% | 14.99 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 80.2 | 0.5% | 79.8 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 3.13 | 3.9% | 3.02 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 16.3% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 73.7 | 1.2 dB | 72.55 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||
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| 54,285 | 48.3% | 37,160 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 8.94 | 0.1% | 8.93 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 5.6 | 1.8% | 5.5 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 56.1 | 17.1% | 67.7 | 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 tyres 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 Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Pilot Sport 5 scores 9.4 and the Powerproof 1 8.4 out of 10.
| Pilot Sport 5 | Category | Powerproof 1 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93 | Dry | 74 | ||
| 96 | Wet | 78 | ||
| 22 | Comfort | 52 | ||
| 59 | Value | 43 | ||
Category scores are percentiles among tyres of the same season and class: 90 means this tyre out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
What owners say
| Pilot Sport 5 | Category | Powerproof 1 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Dry Grip | 9 | ||
| 9 | Wet Grip | 9.3 | ||
| 8.1 | Road Feedback | 8.5 | ||
| 8.3 | Handling | 8.5 | ||
| 8 | Wear | 8 | ||
| 8.2 | Comfort | 8.8 | ||
Owners rate the Pilot Sport 5 85% from 135 reviews and the Powerproof 1 86% from 4. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Michelin Pilot Sport 5
- 85%from 135 reviews
- 83%would buy again
- 1,150,326 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners rate the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 very highly overall, with most highlighting standout grip in both the dry and wet and plenty of confidence for fast road driving. Comfort and refinement are also frequently praised for a UHP tyre, with many finding it quiet and easy-going day to day. Wear is more divisive: many report strong mileage, but around one in ten complain of quicker wear than expected (and a smaller group mention uneven wear). Around one in eight owners also wish for sharper, more precise steering feel compared with sportier rivals.
- Outstanding wet grip and confidence in the rain
- Very strong dry grip with big reserves
- Comfortable, compliant ride for a performance tyre
- Refined, relatively quiet motorway manners (especially when new)
- Steering feel can be a bit vague or slower to respond than rivals
- Can wear quicker than expected for some drivers
- Not happy when pushed hard on track; can overheat and lose grip
Summarised by AI from 121 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 135 Pilot Sport 5 reviewsI have driven on PS5 for the first season in my 150HP car (Cupra Leon ST).
The grip both in dry and in the wet is excellent - I tried to push them to the limit many times and have never been able to lose the grip so far.
Although I have to mention that they feel very soft close at the limit - even though the grip always delivers in the end, the tyre often „floats” when turning that you may start wondering if the tyre will make it out of the corner.
Due to their softness, I find them comfortable as for the summer tyre on small bumps.
Summing up - the grip is excellent, very safe and stable, breaking is sharp and… the tyre itself looks amazing.
Something worth mentioning is that the rim protector doesn’t exist in this tyre - if that’s something you care about, the PS5 is not for you.
Although I can’t find any cons in terms of safety in PS5, as a tyre geek, I think about replacing them for the next season for something with more sharp/sporty steering (I would appreciate any recommendations).
Nokian Powerproof 1
- 86%from 4 reviews
- 47,641 milesdriven by reviewers
All 4 Powerproof 1 reviewsBought them because of the price, 70 euro/tyre size 225/50/17. Mine are made in china, idk if this is a disadvantage or is a lower quality than the ones that are made in other country.
Personally, pretty good tyres overall, good grip in both dry and wet conditions and good stability. Tyres are a little noisy, but it's not that bad. Not that confortable as expected, but very decent for their price.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tyre: 66 sizes of the Pilot Sport 5 and 54 of the Powerproof 1, 36 of them made in both.
| Category | Pilot Sport 5 | Powerproof 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer | Summer |
| Sizes made | 66 sizes, 16 to 22 inch | 54 sizes, 17 to 20 inch |
| Made in both | 36 sizes 205/45 R17215/40 R17215/45 R17225/45 R17225/50 R17225/55 R17235/45 R17225/40 R18225/45 R18225/50 R18235/40 R18235/45 R18and 24 more | |
| EU label wet grip | A89%B11% | A100% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C82%B10%A9% | C80%B20% |
| EU label noise | 70-75 dB B100% | 69-73 dB B74%A26% |
| On the market since | 2022 | 2023 |
| Replaced | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 (2015) | Nokian PowerProof (2018) |
| Awards | Winner: Best Tyres for Hot Hatches (Compact Sports Cars) (DriverReviews, 2026/27) Winner: Best Tyres for Hot Hatches (DriverReviews, 2024/25) | - |
| Price in the shared tests | The Pilot Sport 5 was the dearer tyre in 2 of the 2 tests that listed prices, by 50% on average. Each test priced the tyres in its own market at the time; only the gap is comparable. | |
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.
This head-to-head pits two max-performance summer tyres with very different propositions: Michelin's Pilot Sport 5, a proven benchmark for balanced grip and longevity, versus Nokian's Powerproof 1, a newer value-driven option emphasizing low noise and efficiency. All shared tests were run in 225/40 R18, giving a clear like-for-like picture.
Across three independent 2025 tests, the Michelin consistently finishes at or near the top (1/21, 3/18, 2/52), while the Nokian sits mid-pack to lower (17/21, 14/18, 13/52). The biggest gaps appear in wet and wear performance, where Michelin delivers shorter stopping distances and far higher mileage, while Nokian's strongest cards are quieter operation and slightly lower rolling resistance/fuel use.
Conclusion
The data show a decisive overall advantage for the Michelin Pilot Sport 5. It wins every shared dry and wet braking contest (by ~4-9%), is quicker in wet handling/circle, and delivers substantially better tread life (roughly +33-64% mileage), which offsets its higher purchase price in real cost per km. Steering precision and stability were repeatedly praised, reinforcing its driver-confidence advantage in mixed weather.
The Nokian Powerproof 1 makes its case with lower cabin noise, marginally better rolling resistance and fuel use, and competitive straight-line aquaplaning. However, its longer wet stops, understeer tendencies at the limit, and notably shorter wear life limit its appeal for spirited or all-weather summer driving. If you value dynamic performance, safety margins in the wet, and long-term value, choose the Michelin. If your priorities are comfort, quieter cruising, and a lower upfront price, the Nokian is the budget-friendlier pick.
Pilot Sport 5 vs Powerproof 1: your questions
Is the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 or the Nokian Powerproof 1 the better tyre?
In the 3 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 finished ahead 3 times and the Powerproof 1 not once. On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Pilot Sport 5 scores 9.4 and the Powerproof 1 8.4 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Pilot Sport 5 or the Powerproof 1?
The Pilot Sport 5 led 8 of the 10 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 8.4% shorter in the wet across 3 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Pilot Sport 5 led 4 of the 4 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 4.5% shorter in the dry across 3 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Pilot Sport 5 lasted 48.3% longer in the wear tests (2 tests). Owners rate wear 8/10 for the Pilot Sport 5 and 8/10 for the Powerproof 1.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The Powerproof 1 was 1.2 dB quieter (2 tests). Owners rate comfort 8.2/10 for the Pilot Sport 5 and 8.8/10 for the Powerproof 1.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Pilot Sport 5 85% from 135 reviews and the Powerproof 1 86% from 4.
Which is more expensive?
In the 2 tests that listed prices, the Pilot Sport 5 was the dearer tyre in 2 of them, by 50% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Pilot Sport 5 is made in 66 sizes (16 to 22 inch) and the Powerproof 1 in 54 (17 to 20 inch). 36 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Pilot Sport 5 is graded A for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Powerproof 1 A and C.
Which is the newer tyre?
The Powerproof 1 is the newer design: it reached the market in 2023, the Pilot Sport 5 in 2022. The Pilot Sport 5 replaced the Michelin Pilot Sport 4. The Powerproof 1 replaced the Nokian PowerProof.
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Run either of these?
Your review is the part of this page no test can supply: how the tyre 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 tyres 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 Tyre Reviews Score rates each tyre out of 10 from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold, so two tyres can be compared even before a test has run them together.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tyre Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tyres independently since 2007.
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