Michelin and
Hankook are both premium tyre brands that produce some of the highest quality tyres on the market.
When discussing
tyre brands, few can compete with the recognisability and quality of Michelin, with the French brand manufacturing tyres since the 20th century.
Hankook are no different, with their range of tyres slowly starting to be recognised as premium tyres due to their innovative technologies and reliability.
Both these brands have many marquee tyre models, with Michelin’s Pilot Sport 4 and Hankook’s Ventus S1 Evo 3 being at the forefront of the brands’ line-ups.
Today we will cover the key features of both tyre models to determine what tyre is right for you.
Pilot Sport 4 Overview
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 has been a standout tyre model for Michelin since its debut, delivering exceptional performance on dry roads.
Drawing on Michelin’s extensive motorsport experience, the Pilot Sport 4 features a hybrid aramid and nylon belt in its tread pattern, significantly improving its longevity. This design provides greater mileage compared to its predecessor.
Leveraging Michelin’s Dynamic Response technology, this summer tyre boasts enhanced steering capabilities, resulting in more responsive and precise handling.
Several car manufacturers have selected the Pilot Sport model as an original equipment (OE) tyre model, with vehicles like the BMW 1 Series and Ford Fiesta initially equipped with Pilot Sport 4 tyres.
When launched in 2016, the Pilot Sport 4 succeeded the Pilot Sport 3.
The Ventus S1 Evo 3 is a premium
summer tyre that has been a very popular option for Hankook customers.
A high performance tyre, the Ventus model has been designed to provide fantastic traction on both wet and dry weather conditions through the interlocking grooves developed on the tyre.
Hankook’s Highly Enriched Synthetic Silica Compound technology enhances steering and mileage of the tyre with the highly purified and quality silica compound being vulcanised at low temperatures.
Many car brands have chosen the Ventus S1 Evo 3 as an OE tyre over the years, with manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz and Tesla opting for the Hankook model to be fitted on their new cars.
Upon its release in 2018, the Ventus S1 Evo 3 replaced the Ventus S1 Evo 2.
Tyre label ratings are an EU-regulated rating system where a tyre model is assessed on key tyre performance factors. These ratings typically vary between different tyre sizes.
The tyre label categories are as follows:
Fuel Efficiency – Ranked A to E
Wet Grip – Ranked A to E
Tyre Noise – Ranked with numbers and A to C/Decibels (dB)
Pilot Sport 4 Label Ratings
Fuel Efficiency: A – D (mostly C)
Wet Grip: A – B (mostly B)
Tyre Noise: 70B – 73B
Ventus S1 Evo 3 Label Ratings
Fuel Efficiency: A – D (mostly C)
Wet Grip: A – C (mostly A)
Tyre Noise: 67A – 75B
Pilot Sport 4 Awards
Since its debut in 2016, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 has earned numerous awards, accolades, and favourable results in various tyre tests.
In 2020, the ADAC conducted a comparative tyre test and awarded the Pilot Sport 4 the title of 'Best in Overall Performance.'
Additionally, the Pilot Sport 4 was recognized as the 'Best Tyres for Hot Hatches' by DriverReviews in their 2022 annual awards.
The model's capabilities are further highlighted in tyre tests. The Pilot Sport 4 secured first place among 11 tyre models in the 2022 AutoBild tyre tests, winning the top prize in the Sports Cars Ultra-High Performance (UHP) Summer Tyre category.
These awards and tyre tests further emphasise the success that the PS4 has had since its release.
Ventus S1 Evo 3 Awards
Much like the Pilot Sport 4, the Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 3 has received well deserved praise within the tyre industry.
In 2021, the Hankook tyre model outperformed 53 other 225/45 R17 UHP summer tyres in wet braking through an Auto Bild summer tyre test.
The Ventus S1 Evo 3 SUV, a version of the model catered to
4x4s, was heralded with the ‘recommended’ label from Auto Express in their ‘SUV Tyre Test’ category.
Along with their 2021 summer tyre test, Auto Bild’s 2023 224/45 R18 summer tyre test saw the Ventus S1 Evo 3 prevail in both wet and dry braking performance.
These successful tyre tests conducted by industry experts shine a light on how capable the Ventus model’s performance is in both wet and dry weather conditions.
Customer Reviews
Powered by DriverReviews, our customers at Blackcircles.com can review their previously purchased tyre.
The four categories in which our customers review their tyres on 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
customers have reviewed the Pilot Sport 4 as follows:
Ventus S1 Evo 3 Customer Reviews
customers have reviewed the Ventus S1 Evo 3 as follows:
Michelin PS4 vs Hankook S1 Evo 3: Which tyre lasts longer in 2026?
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 remains the benchmark for tread longevity, frequently outlasting the Hankook by several thousand miles. Its hybrid aramid and nylon belt ensures a slower, more even wear rate over time.
Is the Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 3 better for EV range?
The Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 3, particularly in its 'EV' specification, often provides superior rolling resistance, which can extend battery range. It is frequently selected as original equipment for high-torque electric vehicles due to its efficiency.
Which tyre is safer for the UK’s wet climate?
Both tyres carry 'A' ratings for wet grip, but the Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 3 often edges out the Michelin in pure wet braking distance. However, the Michelin offers more predictable handling when cornering in heavy rain.
How do these tyres compare for road noise on motorways?
The Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 3 is generally the quieter of the two, offering a more comfortable ride that absorbs road imperfections better than the stiffer Michelin. This makes it a preferred choice for long-distance motorway cruising.
Is the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 still worth the premium price?
Yes, if your priority is steering precision and the lowest cost-per-mile. While the initial investment is higher, the extended lifespan often makes it the more economical choice over a three-year period.
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