Michelin are a leading tyre manufacturer that has been innovating in the industry since late 19th 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.
This article will depict what key features both have, what our customers at Blackcircles.com feel about both tyres, and more.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 vs Pilot Super Sport: What’s the Difference?
The biggest difference between the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 and Michelin Pilot Super Sport is the type of performance they are designed to deliver.
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 is a premium performance summer tyre engineered to balance responsive handling, excellent wet grip and everyday usability. It is designed for drivers who want engaging performance on the road without compromising comfort.
The Michelin Pilot Super Sport is an ultra-high-performance summer tyre originally developed for powerful sports cars and supercars. It prioritises exceptional dry grip, high-speed stability and precise handling, making it particularly well suited to enthusiastic driving.
It’s also worth noting that Michelin has since introduced the
Pilot Sport 5, the latest generation of its premium performance road tyre. Drivers buying new tyres today may also wish to compare the Pilot Sport 5, which builds on the Pilot Sport 4 with improvements in wet braking, tread life and steering precision.
In simple terms:
Choose the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 if you want a performance tyre for everyday road driving.
Choose the Michelin Pilot Super Sport if you’re maintaining the original equipment fitment on an older high-performance vehicle.
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.
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 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 E
Wet Grip – Ranked A to E
Tyre Noise – Ranked with numbers and A to C/Decibels (dB)
Label ratings shown are for a 225/40 R18 tyre. Ratings can vary between different tyre sizes and fitment variations.
Label rating
Michelin Pilot Sport 4
Michelin Pilot Super Sport
Fuel Efficiency
C
D
Wet Grip
A
B
Tyre Noise
71B
72B
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 Comparing Pilot Sport 4 with Pilot Super Sport
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
customers have reviewed the Pilot Sport 4 as follows:
Pilot Super Sport Customer Reviews
customers have reviewed the Pilot Super Sport as follows:
Always choose the tyre that matches your vehicle manufacturer’s approved tyre size and specification.
Why Do Performance Car Manufacturers Choose Michelin?
Michelin has spent decades developing tyres for some of the world’s most demanding performance vehicles. Knowledge gained through motorsport helps influence the technologies used in its road tyres, delivering exceptional grip, steering precision and long-lasting performance.
Michelin tyres are trusted as original equipment by many of the world’s leading performance manufacturers, including Porsche, Ferrari, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG, Audi, Tesla, McLaren, Aston Martin and Bentley. This commitment to innovation has helped Michelin become one of the world’s most respected premium tyre brands.
What Is The Price Difference Between The Pilot Sport 4 vs Pilot Super Sport?
Prices for tyre models will typically vary amongst tyre sizes.
Fully fitted prices for the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 range from £ to £.
Fully fitted prices for the Michelin Pilot Super Sport range from £ to £.
Should You Buy The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 Or Pilot Super Sport?
Both tyres remain excellent Michelin performance tyres, but they suit different types of drivers.
Choose the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 if you want an engaging performance tyre that combines excellent wet grip, responsive handling and everyday comfort.
Choose the Michelin Pilot Super Sport if you’re replacing original equipment tyres on an older sports car or want to retain the manufacturer’s recommended specification.
If you’re buying a new set of Michelin performance tyres today, it’s also worth considering the
Michelin Pilot Sport 5. As the latest generation of Michelin’s premium performance road tyre, it builds on the Pilot Sport 4 with improvements in wet braking, tread life and steering precision, making it the recommended choice for most modern performance cars.
Where Can I Buy Michelin Pilot Sport 4 Or Pilot Super Sport?
You can buy both the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 and, where available, the Michelin Pilot Super Sport directly from Blackcircles.com. Simply enter your vehicle registration or tyre size to compare available options, view fully fitted prices and book fitting at one of thousands of trusted local garages across the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 better than the Pilot Super Sport?
Yes. For most drivers, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 is the better all-round tyre thanks to its combination of excellent wet grip, responsive handling and everyday usability. The Pilot Super Sport remains an excellent option for maintaining the original equipment specification on older performance cars.
Is the Michelin Pilot Super Sport still worth buying?
Yes. The Michelin Pilot Super Sport remains a capable ultra-high-performance tyre. However, drivers buying new tyres today should also consider the
Michelin Pilot Sport 5, which offers the latest Michelin performance tyre technology for everyday road driving.
Which tyre offers better wet weather performance?
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 has been engineered to provide stronger wet grip and braking performance than the Pilot Super Sport, making it the better choice for everyday driving in changing weather conditions.
Which tyre offers better dry grip?
Both tyres deliver excellent dry grip, although the Pilot Super Sport was specifically developed with high-performance sports cars in mind and remains highly regarded for enthusiastic driving.
Which tyre is likely to last longer?
Both tyres are designed for long-lasting performance. Actual tyre life depends on driving style, road conditions and vehicle maintenance.
Can I use Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres on the track?
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 is suitable for enthusiastic road driving and occasional track use, although drivers who regularly attend track days may benefit from Michelin’s more focused ultra-high-performance tyres.
Which tyre is quieter?
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 generally provides a quieter and more refined driving experience for everyday road use. Noise levels vary depending on tyre size and vehicle fitment.
Are Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres suitable for electric vehicles?
Yes. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 is available in sizes suitable for many electric vehicles and offers the durability and handling characteristics required by modern EVs.
Is the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 still worth buying?
Yes. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 remains an excellent premium performance tyre. However, Michelin has since introduced the
Pilot Sport 5, which builds on the Pilot Sport 4 with improvements in wet grip, longevity and steering precision. If it’s available in the correct size for your vehicle, it’s worth considering the newer model.
Which Michelin performance tyre should I choose?
Choose the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 if you want an excellent balance of everyday performance, wet grip and comfort. Choose the Pilot Super Sport if you’re maintaining the original equipment specification on an older high-performance vehicle. If you’re buying a new set of tyres today, it’s also worth comparing the
Michelin Pilot Sport 5, Michelin’s latest premium performance road tyre.
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