Menu

Michelin Pilot Sport 3 PS3 - Test Results

Test Statistics

22

Tests Completed

5th

Average Position

2nd

Best Result

10th

Worst Result

Performance Analysis

Michelin Pilot Sport 3 PS3 - Official Image

Michelin Pilot Sport 3 (PS3) delivers balanced, often top-tier wet and dry performance in earlier and mid-2010s tests, with multiple podiums and strong showings in ADAC/Auto Express/EVO. Its consistency slips in later years and larger sizes, and it lags versus newer generations and EV-focused tyres, evidenced by a last place in the 2023 EV comparison. Aquaplaning performance is a recurring highlight, while rolling resistance, price, and wear (in at least one ADAC) can undercut overall value. Overall, PS3 remains a competent UHP tyre for its era but is outclassed by newer designs.

Performance Strengths
  • Wet Weather Performance Strong
    • 2010 Auto Express: 2nd in wet braking, won curved wet tests
    • 2011 AMS: noted 'good aquaplaning properties' with Wet score 62/100
    • 2010 European ADAC: described 'very strong in the wet'
  • Dry Handling/Braking Moderate
    • 2010 Autocar RWD: 2/6 overall
    • 2012 EVO Summer: 3/10 overall on Audi A3
    • 2013 Sport Auto: 2/10 overall (dry/wet balance)
  • Aquaplaning Resistance Strong
    • 2010 AMS: 'good aquaplaning properties'
    • 2023 EV test: 1/3 in straight aquaplaning at 96.9 km/h
  • All-round Consistency (earlier era) Strong
    • 2010 Auto Express: 2/11 overall
    • 2011 Auto Express: 2/10 overall
    • 2013 Auto Express: 2/10 overall
    • 2010 ADAC: 4/16 overall
Performance Weaknesses
  • Aging Design vs Newer Generations Strong
    • 2015 EVO: 8/10 overall; 'Michelin struggled in the dry'
    • 2016 Test World: 7/13 overall with newer rivals present
    • 2023 EV-specific comparison: 3/3 overall, trailing by +12.2% wet braking
  • Rolling Resistance/Efficiency and Price Moderate
    • 2023 EV test: Rolling resistance +25.3% from best; Price +22.2% from best (3/3)
    • 2016 ADAC note: wear scored particularly poorly despite good dynamic results
  • Dry Performance Variability Moderate
    • 2015 EVO: 'struggled in the dry' finishing 8/10
    • 2011 Autobild: 8/10 overall in max performance 225/40 R18
    • 2023 EV test: Dry braking +5.3% and dry handling +3% from best (3/3)
Performance Over Time

Test History

3
of 3
Michelin Pilot Sport VS EV Specific Performance Tyres

2023
Winner: Hankook iON Evo

Ok.
Strong:
Straight Aqua
Weak:
Dry Braking, Dry Handling, Price, Rolling Resistance, Wet Braking, Wet Handling
View Test
7
of 13
2016 Test World Performance Tyre Test

2016
Winner: Continental Sport Contact 5

View Test
10
of 16
2016 ADAC Tyre Test - 225/45 R17

2016
Winner: Continental Sport Contact 5

View Test
8
of 10
2015 EVO Magazine Performance Tyre Test

2015
Winner: Continental Sport Contact 5

While Michelin had a relatively strong showing in the wet, the Pilot Sport 3 failed in the dry both subjectively and objectively, finishing ninth in both tests. It won the curved aquaplaning test.
View Test
3
of 11
2015 Auto Express Tyre Test

2015
Winner: Continental Sport Contact 5

While the Michelin Primacy 3 is a few years old, it still managed a great performance, excelling particularly in the aquaplaning tests where it won both the straight and curved aquaplaning.
View Test
6
of 14
2015 AZ 225/40 R18 Summer Tyre Test

2015
Winner: Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2

View Test
5
of 10
2014 EVO Max Performance Summer Tyre Test

2014
Winner: Continental Sport Contact 5

Winning both aquaplaning tests and the road route, there was plenty to like about the Michelin and its weighty steering feel
View Test
2
of 10
2013 Auto Express Summer Tyre Test

2013
Winner: Continental Sport Contact 5

Another old pattern on test, the Michelin seems to have fared better than the Pirelli and matched its 2010 and 2011 results, placing second overall. Winning both the aquaplaning tests the Michelin...
View Test
2
of 10
2013 Sport Auto Max Performance Summer Tyre Test

2013
Winner: Dunlop SportMaxx RT

The Michelin Pilot Sport 3 is one of the best in the dry, with a high level of grip and good high speed stability. When wet, the steering feel is still excellent but it lacks some of the ultimate g...
View Test
4
of 18
2013 European Summer Sports Tyre Test

2013
Winner: Continental Sport Contact 5

View Test
3
of 10
2012 EVO Summer Tyre Test

2012
Winner: Pirelli P Zero

Another tyre strong which is strong in the wet, only slightly disappointing with an average dry performance
View Test
5
of 9
2012 Autoreview Touring Tyre Test

2012
Winner: Hankook Ventus Prime2

View Test
4
of 10
2012 EVO Max Performance Tyre Test

2012
Winner: Continental Sport Contact 3

The new Pilot Sport 3 scored well objectively in all tests. Slightly let down by its subjective feel, EVO still recommend it as a great all round tyre, having the best blend of comfort and precisio...
View Test
2
of 10
2011 Auto Express Ultra High Performance Tyre Test

2011
Winner: Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2

The new Michelin Pilot Sport 3 scored well, matching last years second place with a strong performance. Perhaps indicating the scoring weighting was a little bit too towards aquaplaning (where it ...
View Test
4
of 11
2011 AMS Ultra High Performance Tyre Test

2011
Winner: Nokian V

Great tyre in the dry, a little let down by its wet performance
View Test
8
of 10
2011 Autobild Max Performance Summer Tyre Test

2011
Winner: Hankook Ventus S1 evo

View Test
5
of 14
2011 Auto Zeitung Max Performance Tyre Test

2011
Winner: Pirelli P Zero

A slight trade off of rolling resistance for an excellent wet performance
View Test
2
of 11
2010 Auto Express Ultra High Performance Tyre Test

2010
Winner: Continental Sport Contact 3

View Test
2
of 6
2010 Autocar Tyre Test - RWD

2010
Winner: Continental Sport Contact 3

View Test
4
of 16
2010 European Summer Tyre Test

2010
Winner: Pirelli CINTURATO P7

View Test
7
of 10
2010 AMS Premium Brand Tyre Test

2010
Winner: Hankook Ventus S1 evo

View Test
6
of 9
2010 Auto Zeitung Ultra High Performance Summer Tyre Test

2010
Winner: Pirelli P Zero

View Test