Are you confused about which to go for between Michelin Pilot Super Sport, Pilot Sport 4S, and PS2 tires? Then, this review will help you make the right choice based on your needs.
In this article, we will compare the Michelin Pilot Super Sport, Pilot Sport 4S, and PS2 to show you their performance, durability, pricing, and many more. Besides, with each stage of comparison, we are sure to show you each winner and the overall best tire for your demand.
Michelin Pilot Super Sport vs. Pilot Sport 4S vs. PS2: Comparison Table
The Pilot Sport 4S is the newest generation among these Michelin tires. Meanwhile, the Pilot Super Sport comes in second as the next newer version, with the original PS2 as the oldest one. Beyond being the most recent, the Pilot Sport 4S is also the fastest on the list and moves at a lightning pace.
Summer tires possess similar properties, but each of the models mentioned differs in its unique manner. The table below is an overview of how each tire performs according to each category:
| Michelin Pilot Super Sport | Michelin Pilot Sport 4S | Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Performance | Good | Excellent | Fair |
| Wet Performance | Good | Excellent | Fair |
| Snow & Ice Performance | Bad | Bad | Bad |
| Noise Level | Less Noise | Least Noise | More Noise |
| Comfort Level | More Comfortable | Most Comfortable | Least Comfortable |
| Treadwear Warranty | 30,000 miles | 30,000 miles | 20,000 mile |
| Price | Cheapest | Most Expensive | More Expensive |
Specifications
| Pilot Super Sport | Pilot Sport 4S | Pilot Sport PS2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Available Rim Size | 17’’, 18’’, 19’’, 20’’, 21’’, 22’, 23’’ | 17’’, 18’’, 19’’, 20’’, 21’’, 22’, 23’’ | 17’’, 18’’, 19’’, 20’’, 21’’, 22’ |
| Weight | 19.6 - 35.7 lbs | 18.9 - 41.1 lbs | 21 - 35 lbs |
| Treadwear Warranty | 30,000 miles | 30,000 miles | 20,000 miles |
Before diving into the detailed analysis below, let’s take a look at what other users comment on Michelin Pilot Super Sport, Pilot Sport 4S, and PS2:
- “For my 2012 GTS, I’m running PSS and like them better than my previous PS2s. I’ll probably go with PS4S next.” (love2drive – https://rennlist.com/forums/997-forum/1035817-michelin-pilot-sport-ps2-vs-ps-4s.html)
- “When I had PS2s, it was grippier on the track and did well in when the tires heat up. When I got the PSS, they were cheaper, more comfortable, but less grippy when the tires heat up. They squeal less too, so I got less feedback when the car was going to let go versus the PS2s. In addition, PSS are supposed to last longer than PS2s. Everyone running PS2s would have to get new tires in less than a year, so the PSS were a great relief when they came out. I thought PSS is supposed to replace the PS2s. I see the PSS a good street and track tire that don’t wear out too fast.” (waterrei https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/997/335800-michelin-pilot-super-sport-vs-pilot-sport-ps2.html)
- “I had PS2s on my previous car, now PS4Ss, both were fresh tires. If you consider that my first car was 18ns and the second is on 19 inch wheels, it’s quite incredible. I think the ride is softer and quieter, my wife noticed it immediately (she is a high threshold sensor for ride quality). I thought that maybe gen 2 car (vs my previous gen 1) has different dampers, but I doubt it. Then is the grip… I have a low speed last curve on my way home which I use to say a proper goodbye to the car before parking in my garage. When I take it right in the PS4Ss the car almost lifts the inside wheels and stands on the outside tire wells. It plants even better than the PS2s, which I thought was a great tire, both wet and dry.” (Boski – https://www.planet-9.com/threads/ps4s-vs-pss-ps2-long-term-reviews.245415/)
- “The 4S are the newest and widely considered to be the #1 summer tire. The first time I drove them they made the runflats seem like old wooden wagon wheels. The Michelins grip the road. Go into a fast on-ramp and the car feels like an open wheel F1 car. As you bend into the turn you can feel the outer sidewall actually grip the pavement. In the pouring rain they are just as amazing.“ (johnung – https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1632015)
Michelin Pilot Super Sport vs. Pilot Sport 4S vs. PS2: Detailed Analysis
+ Best Budget
+ Runner-up
+ Best Overall
+ Our Choice
+ Not as good as
Super Sport & Sport 4S
Dry Performance
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is a summer tire with excellent dry performance levels. With its superb qualities under dry conditions, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S surpasses its counterparts in this category.
The outer portion of the tire features a carbon black material that dissipates heat and is perfect for dry and even desert conditions. Moreover, its quality structure creates improved grip and seamless stability on the road without fearing accidents.
Although not as impressive as Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, the Michelin Pilot Super Sport also does well in the dry performance ratings. It has a bi-compound thread design where the outer rubbers are optimized for dry handling. Besides, it also provides a firm grip even under high temperatures.
Finally, the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 has an average dry performance level. It has dual compound threads, which ensure increased grip and traction under dry conditions. However, it is not comparable with the other two tires on this list.
Wet Performance
In this category, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S shines as well. Even during wet conditions, this tire excels at grip and traction. Its carbon black exterior comes with a contact patch. As a result, it absorbs pressures and stresses on the tire, improving its grip in turgid wet conditions.
The Michelin Pilot Super Sport follows the Pilot Sport 4S. Its inner and outer design is fitted with threading that expels water. Furthermore, it also comes with a compound pattern that spreads temperature and pressure evenly across the tire.
Meanwhile, the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 is the least of these three tires for wet performance. Though its threading isn’t as engineered for grip as the other two, it is also acceptable on wet terrains.
Pilot Super Sport
Pilot Sport 4S
Pilot Sport PS2
Snow and Ice Performance
Firstly, they are explicitly summer tires for summer terrains and conditions. Secondly, these tires’ materials cannot effectively handle the temperature and traction to operate under snow and icy conditions. As such, they can easily get stuck or skid along the ice which could result in a fatal accident. They are also not appropriate for temperatures below 5C, and will wear out under extremely cold and icy environments.
Noise Level
In terms of noise levels, the Pilot Sport 4S is the quietest. The Pilot Sport 4S has a Michelin Acoustic technology that provides a layer of sound-absorbing foam that reduces cabin noise during use. The sound level is absorbed as you ride in these tires, and noise is reduced to the barest minimum.
The Pilot Super Sport offers a reasonable sound level, though not as good as the Pilot Sport 4S. This tire’s lesser grip and traction cause it to produce a tad bit less noisy sound. Besides, its exterior design features a sturdy compound threading and texture that absorb impact forces and reduce noise levels.
Finally, the Pilot Sport PS2 is the noisiest of these three tires but doesn’t do so poorly compared to other tires. PS2 tires have a treading that is acoustically tuned in an asymmetrical pattern to lower the noise from each tire as it spins.
Comfort Level
You won’t feel disappointed about the comfort of the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S. The reason is that the Pilot Sport 4S has smooth sidewalls to guarantee a more comfortable on-road experience. Besides, the exterior is wrapped with a high-density Twaron fiber that ensures stability even at high speeds. Also, the variable patches on the surface that reduce stresses and pressures will make your driving very enjoyable.
Meanwhile, the Michelin Pilot Super Sport doesn’t offer much comfort like the Pilot Sport 4S. Instead, it produces a moderate driving comfort as the tires are built to be rugged and durable on the road. The Pilot Sport PS2, on the other hand, delivers similar comfort as the Pilot Super Sport except that it doesn’t offer the same strength.
Treadwear Warranty
All Michelin tires come with some forms of treadwear warranty. Each mileage or treadwear warranty varies from tire line to tire line.
Both the Michelin Pilot Super Sport and the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S have about 30,000 miles each mileage warranty. As for the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2, it possesses a treadwear warranty of only about 20,000 miles, making it second in this category.
Price
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires cost up to $349 for a complete set, which is the most expensive option on this list. The thing is this tire will be worth your budget and it will be a wise investment because its excellent performance far exceeds the other two competitors.
The Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 ranges from about $120 to $300. However, remember that it also depends on the size. Meanwhile, the Michelin Pilot Super Sport the most affordable tire, with a price from $83.99 to $120.
Final Thoughts
+ Best Budget
+ Runner-up
+ Best Overall
+ Our Choice
+ Not as good as
Super Sport & Sport 4S
The Pilot Sport 4S is essentially at the top of the class in each performance level for summer tires. It is well balanced and perfectly utilizes each of its sterling qualities.
To conclude, if you’re looking for the summer tire that performs excellently in every area, the Pilot Sport 4S will be a wise choice for your sports car.
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