Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R vs Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS
- TR Score
- 7.2/10
- Owners say
- 77% · 4
- TR Score
- 9.3/10
- Owners say
- 81% · 2
In the 3 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS finished ahead 3 times and the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R not once. The P Zero Trofeo RS stopped 2.4% shorter in the dry.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS if you want the fastest laps and the most consistent performance across a full track session (it's the repeat test winner and the long-run leader). Choose the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R if your track use is shorter-stint/hot-lap focused and you value sharp steering feel plus a little extra straight-line aquaplaning safety margin for mixed-weather road miles-just expect more sensitivity to pick-up and a weaker consistency/value story versus the Pirelli.
Where the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R is stronger
- Strong straight-line aquaplaning resistance (73.4 km/h vs 70.6 km/h in the 2025 test)
- Can deliver excellent subjective dry feel/turn-in and confidence despite not always topping the stopwatch (8.5/10 subj. dry in 2025; praised for feedback in 2024)
- Lower rolling resistance in the shared data (9.4 vs 9.9 kg/t in 2025), plus frequently noted as a light set
Where the P Zero Trofeo RS is stronger
- Best overall dry performance across tests: wins all three comparisons and every dry handling result (e.g., 79.53 s vs 81.51 s in 2025)
- Short, repeatable dry braking with strong ABS compatibility in reports (e.g., 28.8 m vs 29.99 m in AutoBild 2026; also highlighted as best single result)
- Superior long-run consistency and usable operating window (e.g., 152.35 s vs 157.27 s long run in 2026; 142.45 s vs 146.32 s in 2024)
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 Cup 2 R vs P Zero Trofeo RS at a glance
| Category | Pilot Sport Cup 2 R | Gap | P Zero Trofeo RS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won3 shared tests | 0 | 3 | |
| Dry9 measurements | 0 | The P Zero Trofeo RS stopped 2.4% shorter in the dry (3 tests) | 8 |
| Wet8 measurements | 3 | 5 | |
| Value1 measurement | 1 | 0 | |
| Tyre Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 7.2/10 | The P Zero Trofeo RS by 2.1 | 9.3/10 |
| Owner rating4 and 2 reviews | 77% | The P Zero Trofeo RS by 4 points | 81% |
| Pricein the 2 tests that listed prices | +34.1% | The Pilot Sport Cup 2 R was dearer in 2 of 2 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 9 | 5 sizes made in both | 33 |
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, 2024 to 2026
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 Cup 2 R | Field | P Zero Trofeo RS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 AutoBild Track Day Tyre Test | P4 of 5 | P1 of 5 | |
| The FASTEST Track Tyres In The World Tested | P2 of 4 | P1 of 4 | |
| The BEST Track Day Tyres for 2024 | P2 of 6 | P1 of 6 |
Performance profile
5 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 Cup 2 R
Not ahead on any measurement here
P Zero Trofeo RS
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. 5 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Pilot Sport Cup 2 R
P Zero Trofeo RS
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.
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 Cup 2 R | Gap | P Zero Trofeo RS | Wins | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30.21 | 2.4% | 29.44 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||
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| 123.6 | 1.3% | 122.3 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||
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| 151.8 | 2.9% | 147.4 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 3.5% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 39.45 | 0.2% | 39.11 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||
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| 125.1 | 0.9% | 124.1 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 78.9 | 3.8% | 81.9 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 2.4% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 73.4 | 4% | 70.6 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 9.4 | 5.1% | 9.9 | 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 Cup 2 R scores 7.2 and the P Zero Trofeo RS 9.3 out of 10.
| Pilot Sport Cup 2 R | Category | P Zero Trofeo RS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 79 | Dry | 96 | ||
| 13 | Wet | 16 | ||
| 46 | Value | 15 | ||
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 Cup 2 R | Category | P Zero Trofeo RS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Dry Grip | 10 | ||
| 6 | Wet Grip | - | ||
| 10 | Road Feedback | 10 | ||
| 9.7 | Handling | 10 | ||
| 4.3 | Wear | 5 | ||
| 9.7 | Comfort | 4 | ||
Owners rate the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R 77% from 4 reviews and the P Zero Trofeo RS 81% from 2. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
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 tyre, 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 tyre page.
All 4 Pilot Sport Cup 2 R reviewsPirelli P Zero Trofeo RS
- 81%from 2 reviews
- 400 milesdriven by reviewers
All 2 P Zero Trofeo RS reviewsFitted the Trofeo RS Elect on the Taycan GTS for a track day. Traction is IMMENSE. Braking is IMMENSE. Road feedback is absolutely fantastic. You immediately connect with the tyre and you can confidently push to the limit and beyond. All its performance characteristics in the dry are truly exceptional. Lap times did not seem to get affected much by heat, the car could consistently run consecutive laps of around the same time. Unfortunately though the Taycan is a tyre destroyer even when driven properly. The tyres gave up very quickly. Alignment was set at the very limit of the settings suggested by Porsche. A bit aggressive but within factory limits. Around 2,4 bar back & forth seems to be optimal for the Taycan even though I did not really have the time to figure out exactly what was right. Overall, a thrill ride but a very short one.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tyre: 9 sizes of the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R and 33 of the P Zero Trofeo RS, 5 of them made in both.
| Category | Pilot Sport Cup 2 R | P Zero Trofeo RS |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer | Summer |
| Sizes made | 9 sizes, 20 to 21 inch | 33 sizes, 18 to 22 inch |
| Made in both | 5 sizes 255/35 R20265/35 R20275/30 R20285/30 R20315/30 R21 | |
| EU label wet grip | D100% | B52%C27%D21% |
| EU label rolling resistance | D70%C30% | D77%C23% |
| EU label noise | 73-75 dB B100% | 69-75 dB B75%A25% |
| On the market since | 2022 | 2023 |
| Replaced | - | Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R |
| Price in the shared tests | The Pilot Sport Cup 2 R was the dearer tyre in 2 of the 2 tests that listed prices, by 34.1% 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.
Michelin's Pilot Sport Cup 2 R and Pirelli's P Zero Trofeo RS sit at the sharp end of road-legal semi-slicks: tyres you buy for lap time first, and tolerate on-road compromises second. Both are trackday-and-competition summer tyres, but the shared test data shows they arrive at speed in different ways-one prioritising the cleanest, most repeatable dry performance, the other leaning more heavily on feel, efficiency, and a touch more safety margin when water is involved.
Across three independent head-to-heads in different sizes and vehicles, the pattern is consistent: the Trofeo RS repeatedly posts the fastest stopwatch results (including long-run consistency), while the Cup 2 R tends to appeal with its steering/feedback in the dry and stronger straight-line aquaplaning resistance. The practical question is whether you want the outright pace and session-to-session consistency of the Pirelli, or the Michelin's more nuanced blend of subjective feel and slightly better wet resilience.
Conclusion
If your priority is the quickest lap and the ability to repeat it over a full session, the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS is the clear winner in this dataset-taking 1st overall in all three shared tests. It leads dry braking and dry handling every time it's measured (e.g., 32.33 m vs 33.43 m braking and 79.53 s vs 81.51 s handling in the 2025 test), and it's notably stronger on long runs (e.g., 152.35 s vs 157.27 s in AutoBild 2026), where the Michelin is repeatedly flagged for drop-off and pick-up sensitivity.
The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R still has a compelling niche: it can feel excellent on a hot lap (often praised for turn-in and feedback), and it shows tangible advantages in the most “save you on the road” wet metrics-most clearly straight aquaplaning (73.4 km/h vs 70.6 km/h in 2025) and also better wet braking in that same test (33.04 m vs 34.64 m). However, the broader wet picture here is mixed-to-negative for the Michelin versus the Pirelli, and multiple reports highlight that Cup 2 R peak performance is short-lived, with long-run degradation and pick-up building quickly.
Value and fitment intent tilt the decision further: the Trofeo RS is repeatedly described as purpose-developed for specific modern track-capable cars and working cleanly with stability/ABS, while the Cup 2 R is noted as very expensive in at least one test and, on some platforms, not delivering a compensating grip advantage. The takeaway: choose Trofeo RS when lap time and consistency matter; choose Cup 2 R when you want a sharper-feeling tyre with a bit more aquaplaning headroom and you're doing shorter, cooler stints.
Pilot Sport Cup 2 R vs P Zero Trofeo RS: your questions
Is the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R or the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS the better tyre?
In the 3 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS finished ahead 3 times and the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R not once. On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R scores 7.2 and the P Zero Trofeo RS 9.3 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R or the P Zero Trofeo RS?
The P Zero Trofeo RS led 5 of the 8 wet measurements the shared tests recorded.
Which is better in the dry?
The P Zero Trofeo RS led 8 of the 9 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2.4% shorter in the dry across 3 tests.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 9.7/10 for the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R and 4/10 for the P Zero Trofeo RS.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R 77% from 4 reviews and the P Zero Trofeo RS 81% from 2.
Which is more expensive?
In the 2 tests that listed prices, the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R was the dearer tyre in 2 of them, by 34.1% 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 Cup 2 R is made in 9 sizes (20 to 21 inch) and the P Zero Trofeo RS in 33 (18 to 22 inch). 5 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R is graded D for wet grip and D for rolling resistance in most sizes; the P Zero Trofeo RS B and D.
Which is the newer tyre?
The P Zero Trofeo RS is the newer design: it reached the market in 2023, the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R in 2022. The P Zero Trofeo RS replaced the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R.
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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