Michelin Pilot Sport 4 vs Pilot Super Sport

Michelin are a leading tyre manufacturer that has been innovating in the industry since late 19^th century.

Founded in 1889, the French tyre brand has established themselves within the premium tyre market through their top quality tyre models.

These include their Primacy series, CrossClimate series, and many more. However, it is possible that the most well-known tyre model series in Michelin’s line-up is their Pilot Sport tyres.

The two Pilot Sport models we will be comparing today is the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 and the Michelin Pilot Super Sport.

This article will depict what key features both have, what our customers at Blackcircles.com feel about both tyres, and more.

Pilot Sport 4 Overview

The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 is a premium summer tyre manufactured by Michelin since 2016.

Developed to suit high performance, the PS4 is equipped with Michelin’s dynamic response technology to deliver the best traction available for different road conditions.

Given Michelin’s experience in motorsport events such as Formula E and World Rally Championship, the tread compound is produced with great expertise and innovation to ensure road grip and cornering is heightened.

The tyre compound is made up of a blend of elastomers and hydrophobic silica to further enhance the reliable braking performances of the tyre and wet grip, reducing the risk of aquaplaning.

Many car manufacturers have opted for the Pilot Sport 4 as an Original Equipment (OE) tyre for their cad models over the years, including BMW, Volkswagen, and Mercedes-Benz.

Upon its release, the Pilot Sport 4 replaced the Pilot Sport 3.

Pilot Super Sport Overview

The Michelin Pilot Super Sport is an Ultra-High Performance (UHP) tyre that was released by Michelin back in 2011.

Engineered for spirited road and track use, the Pilot Super Sport is equipped with Michelin’s Contact Patch 2.0 technology, maximising road contact resulting in greater steering precision and cornering.

Also, Michelin’s Bi-Compound technology enhances traction whilst driving in wet conditions, offering control and grip through these driving surfaces.

To ensure stable and reliable performance, Michelin has crafted the tyre with a Twaron belt. This innovative design provides variable grip levels, evenly distributing tension and grip forces across the tyre's surface.

As the Pilot Super Sport is a UHP, some of the most luxury car brands like Ferrari and Porsche have chosen the tyre as an OE tyre for many of their car models.

The Pilot Super Sport was replaced by the Pilot Sport 4 S in 2017, however, is still produced by Michelin to this day.

Tyre Label Ratings

Tyre label ratings are an EU regulated rating system, where a tyre model is ranked in key performance categories. Label ratings might vary between different tyre sizes.

The performance categories are as follows:

Fuel Efficiency – Ranked A to G

Wet Grip – Ranked A to G

Tyre Noise – Ranked with numbers and A to C/Decibels (dB)

Pilot Sport 4 Label Ratings

The fuel efficiency ratings for Pilot Sport 4 tyres range from A to D, with the majority of sizes typically rated at C.

In terms of wet grip, most sizes achieve an A rating, though a few are rated B.

The noise ratings for these tyres fall between 70B and 73B.

Pilot Super Sport Label Ratings

Fuel efficiency ratings for the Pilot Super Sport are mostly D, with some sizes/fitments having a C rating.

Wet grip ratings consist of either A or B for the UHP, depending on tyre size.

External tyre noise for the Michelin Pilot Super Sport range between 71B and 75B.

Customer Reviews

Our customer review system is powered by DriverReviews, where customer are given the opportunity to review their previously purchased tyre model.

The four categories in which our customers review their tyres are:

• Overall Ratings
• Would the customer buy the tyres again
• Does the car feel better to drive
• Were the tyres value for money

Pilot Sport 4 Customer Reviews

• Overall rating of my tyres – 4.7/5
• I would buy the same tyres again – 4.7/5
• The car feels better to drive – 4.5/5
• The tyres were value for money – 4.3/5

Pilot Super Sport Customer Reviews

• Overall rating of my tyres – 4.6/5
• I would buy the same tyres again – 4.7/5
• The car feels better to drive – 4.4/5
• The tyres were value for money – 4.1/5

Pilot Sport 4 Common Tyre Sizes

• 225/40 R18
• 225/45 R17
• 235/40 R18

Pilot Super Sport Common Tyre Sizes

• 225/40 R18
• 245/35 R18
• 265/35 R19

Pilot Sport 4 Common Car Models

• Volkswagen Golf
• Volkswagen Golf GTI
• Audi S3

Pilot Super Sport Common Car Models

• BMW 1 Series
• BMW M2
• BMW M3

Price Ranges

Prices for tyre models will typically vary amongst tyre sizes.

Fully fitted tyre prices for the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 range from £110.09 to £342.97.*

Fully fitted tyre prices for the Michelin Pilot Super Sport range from £139.85 to £581.54.*

*Please note, prices for tyres may fluctuate in time, with the prices listed being from today’s date (21/05/24).