Tests 72 · 6 tests Owners 52 · 5,811 reviews
Best test result: #1 of 20 in 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test (wet braking)
“Had a set of run flats for a brief period, heavy tires, very stiff sidewalls, wouldn't run them again.. .”
Head-to-head
Updated
Bridgestone Potenza S001 vs Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S — Compared
Relative Score (0–100): the weighted average of the categories below, each 60% road tests and 40% owner reviews (comfort 40/60). Based on 6 + 27 road tests and 5,811 + 6,632 owner reviews. How we score
Pilot Sport 4 S is ahead, 83–64
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Tests 81 · 27 tests Owners 86 · 6,632 reviews
Best test result: #1 of 15 in 2021 Auto Bild 19 inch Summer Tyre Test (dry braking)
“A note about the pilot sport 4 S: in cold weather (below 5 degrees) even if it isn't icy, the tyre compound hardens and has dramatically reduced grip. They are excellent summer tyres though, good in the wet too. These days I run Uniroyal rainsport 5 and they're very good.”
Category by category
Relative Score per category, 0–100. Open “Why this score” for the tests and owner ratings behind it.
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72
Dry
Pilot Sport 4 S +2193Why this score
Source Potenza S001 Pilot Sport 4 S Professional tests (TWG score) · 4 / 25 tests 79 95 Reviews found online 60 92 Dry Braking (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 0–2 94% 100% Dry Handling (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 1–1 98% 99% Dry Handling (tester's mark) (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–0 90% 90% Potenza S001: 60% × 79.5 + 40% × 59.6 = 72
Pilot Sport 4 S: 60% × 94.6 + 40% × 91.7 = 93
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75
Wet
Pilot Sport 4 S +1388Why this score
Source Potenza S001 Pilot Sport 4 S Professional tests (TWG score) · 4 / 26 tests 85 86 Reviews found online 60 90 Straight Aquaplaning (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 1–0 94% 93% Wet Handling (tester's mark) (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–0 78% 78% Wet Braking (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 0–2 86% 96% Wet Handling (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 0–1 95% 98% Potenza S001: 60% × 85.1 + 40% × 59.8 = 75
Pilot Sport 4 S: 60% × 86 + 40% × 90.4 = 88
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51
Snow
No comparison–Why this score
Source Potenza S001 Pilot Sport 4 S Professional tests (TWG score) ≈ 60 (est.) – Reviews found online 37 – Potenza S001: 60% × 59.6 (est.) + 40% × 36.9 = 51
No road tests of snow for Potenza S001. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.32).
-
53
Comfort
Pilot Sport 4 S +2679Why this score
Source Potenza S001 Pilot Sport 4 S Professional tests (TWG score) · 1 / 6 tests 63 70 Reviews found online 47 84 Comfort (tester's mark) (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–1 70% 90% Potenza S001: 40% × 63.1 + 60% × 47 = 53
Pilot Sport 4 S: 40% × 70.4 + 60% × 84 = 79
-
56
Noise
Pilot Sport 4 S +1369Why this score
Source Potenza S001 Pilot Sport 4 S Professional tests (TWG score) · 3 / 20 tests 56 70 Reviews found online 56 ≈ 67 (est.) Noise (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 1–1 97% 98% Potenza S001: 60% × 55.7 + 40% × 55.5 = 56
Pilot Sport 4 S: 60% × 70.3 + 40% × 66.5 (est.) = 69
No owner ratings of noise for Pilot Sport 4 S. The owner half is the owners’ average (67): owners’ noise ratings barely follow the road tests, so the tests say nothing about how owners would rate it.
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52
Treadwear
Pilot Sport 4 S +2072Why this score
Source Potenza S001 Pilot Sport 4 S Professional tests (TWG score) · 3 / 1 tests 59 70 Reviews found online 43 74 Tested Tread Life (Miles) (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–1 54% 62% Potenza S001: 60% × 58.7 + 40% × 43.1 = 52
Pilot Sport 4 S: 60% × 70.2 + 40% × 74.4 = 72
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60
Handling (owners)
Pilot Sport 4 S +3090Why this score
Source Potenza S001 Pilot Sport 4 S Reviews found online 60 90 -
41
Efficiency
Pilot Sport 4 S +3172Why this score
Source Potenza S001 Pilot Sport 4 S Professional tests (TWG score) · 3 / 23 tests 41 72 Rolling Resistance (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 0–2 91% 95%
Scores at a glance
| Category | Bridgestone Potenza S001 | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 64 | 83 |
| Dry | 72 | 93 |
| Wet | 75 | 88 |
| Snow | 51 | – |
| Comfort | 53 | 79 |
| Noise | 56 | 69 |
| Treadwear | 52 | 72 |
| Handling (owners) | 60 | 90 |
| Efficiency | 41 | 72 |
Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.
Weight the categories that matter to you
Wet grip and treadwear start at “Important” — the two things buyers rank highest. Move the sliders and the scores update instantly.
Important
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Important
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Neutral
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Only one of the two tires has a score here, so this weight changes nothing in the head-to-head.
Less important
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Important
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Recomputed
Headline score
64
/ 100
Potenza S001
83
/ 100
Pilot Sport 4 S
Only categories both tires have data for count toward the headline score.
The professional test results behind the scores
Per discipline: the average % of the best tire over every test both tires were in, and how many of those tests each one won. “Different tests” rows compare results from separate tests.
In the overall rankings of 4 tests that ran both, Bridgestone Potenza S001 finished ahead 0 times and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S 4 times.
| Discipline | Category | Potenza S001 | Pilot Sport 4 S | Δ | Head-to-head |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | Dry | 94% | 100% | −5.6 | 0–2 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2019 Sport Auto 20 Inch UHP Tyre Test · 245/30 R20 |
| Dry Handling | Dry | 98% | 99% | −0.5 | 1–1 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2019 Sport Auto 20 Inch UHP Tyre Test · 245/30 R20 |
| Dry Handling (tester's mark) | Dry | 90% | 90% | 0.0 | 0–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2019 Sport Auto 20 Inch UHP Tyre Test · 245/30 R20 |
| Straight Aquaplaning | Wet | 94% | 93% | +1.0 | 1–0 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2019 Sport Auto 20 Inch UHP Tyre Test · 245/30 R20 |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 86% | 96% | −10.3 | 0–2 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2019 Sport Auto 20 Inch UHP Tyre Test · 245/30 R20 |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 95% | 98% | −2.8 | 0–1 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2019 Sport Auto 20 Inch UHP Tyre Test · 245/30 R20 |
| Wet Handling (tester's mark) | Wet | 78% | 78% | 0.0 | 0–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2019 Sport Auto 20 Inch UHP Tyre Test · 245/30 R20 |
| Comfort (tester's mark) | Comfort | 70% | 90% | −20.0 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2019 Sport Auto 20 Inch UHP Tyre Test · 245/30 R20 |
| Noise | Noise | 97% | 98% | −0.8 | 1–1 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2019 Sport Auto 20 Inch UHP Tyre Test · 245/30 R20 |
| Tested Tread Life (Miles) | Treadwear | 54% | 62% | −7.6 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2022 Consumer Reports Ultra High Performance Summer Tires · 215/60R18 |
| Rolling Resistance | Efficiency | 91% | 95% | −3.9 | 0–2 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2019 Sport Auto 20 Inch UHP Tyre Test · 245/30 R20 |
| Also published by the testers (not in the score) | |||||
| Price | Cost | 54% #18/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | 46% #11/11 · 2023 Sport Auto UHP Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Overall Ranking | Overall | #12/22 | #1/22 | – | 0–4 in 4 shared tests Newest: 2022 Consumer Reports Ultra High Performance Summer Tires · 215/60R18 |
Pros, cons & observations
Themes extracted from owner reviews found online — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
Tire A Potenza S001
Pros
- Precise and sharp steering response
- Strong dry-pavement cornering grip
- Stiff sidewalls providing robust rim protection and high-speed stability
Cons
- High levels of road noise and cabin drone
- Stiff, harsh ride quality (particularly noticeable on run-flat versions)
- Poor or unpredictable wet-weather grip and sudden loss of traction
Tire B Pilot Sport 4 S
Pros
- Exceptional grip and predictable handling in both dry and wet conditions
- Noticeable reduction in road noise and improved ride comfort compared to competitors and run-flats
- Sharper steering response and improved cornering stability
Cons
- High initial purchase price
- Rapid tread wear reported by some aggressive drivers and track users
- Soft sidewalls can cause a slightly vague or laggy initial response during rapid steering transitions
What real owners are saying
From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of our score
Tire A
Mixed
Bridgestone Potenza S001
Community sentiment regarding the Bridgestone Potenza S001 is predominantly mixed to negative, particularly concerning the run-flat variants. Drivers frequently report stiff sidewalls, harsh ride quality, road noise, premature wear, and tread cracking, leading many to switch to non-run-flat alternatives like Michelin. However, several owners find them adequate for spirited driving, citing satisfactory dry and wet grip as well as acceptable ride comfort on specific vehicle setups.
r/TyreReviews
·3 upvotes ·2026-02-22
“Replacing Bridgestone Potenza s001 RunFlats with Primacy 5 vs. PS5. Suggestions? I drive a VW Jetta which only has 160 Hp. I do occasionally really enjoy some spirited driving or taking aggressive turns. My considerations are that I do really care about Comfort and road noise and so that leads me towards the Primacy 5. At the same time, I don't think the power of my car justifies the PS5. My question is basically, I've online that for runflats to be runflats they have really stiff sidewalls, which might be contributing to the current feel of my car and I wonder if, even though everything else about the Potenza s001 is quite worse compared to the Primacy 5, I wonder if I will miss the stiff sidewall? And just because of that should I consider the PS5?”
f30.bimmerpost.com
“Quote: Originally Posted by ProjectBoost Yeah and the Bridgestone's should be replaced too. +1 Bridgestone Potenza S001 are near the bottom of all run flat tires. If you prefer run flat tires, Pirelli P Zero are much better.”
svtperformance.com
·2 upvotes ·2023-08-06
“Had a set of run flats for a brief period, heavy tires, very stiff sidewalls, wouldn't run them again.. .”
Top themes
#run-flat stiffness and harshness#premature tread wear#tread cracking issues#wet and dry grip#switching to non-run-flats#road noise generation#OEM tire replacement
Based on 43 community posts
Tire B
Positive
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
The community widely regards the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S as a benchmark max-performance summer tire, praising its outstanding dry and wet grip, stability, and daily driving refinement. Common criticisms focus on its premium price, rapid tread wear on high-powered heavy vehicles or hot track sessions, and significantly reduced grip in cold weather. Many enthusiasts consider it an ideal street tire, though some note softer sidewalls compared to predecessors or recommend dedicated track tires for hard circuit driving.
bobistheoilguy.com
·2024-01-21
“My 2020 Kia Forte GT came with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires. Those were not going to work in the PNW as a daily driver tire. I went right to Costco and bought some Michelin Pilot All season tires, the ones that compete with the Continental DWS at the time. I listed the take offs on Craigslist for $400 and sold them that day.”
r/CarTalkUK
·4 upvotes ·2025-01-26
“A note about the pilot sport 4 S: in cold weather (below 5 degrees) even if it isn't icy, the tyre compound hardens and has dramatically reduced grip. They are excellent summer tyres though, good in the wet too. These days I run Uniroyal rainsport 5 and they're very good.”
r/cars
·4 upvotes ·2018-08-21
“I’ll say this. Going from the Pilot Super Sport to the Pilot Sport 4 S of the same size, I’m disappointed in the soft sidewall of the 4 S. This is an 8.5” wide wheel with 235/40/18 tires. The left-right fast slalom action got a bit mushy like the weight transfer was slowed down when I switched to the 4 S. I think a shorter sidewall 4 S would perform better in this way, or the same tire on a 9” wide wheel too. That said, the dry and wet grip is exceptional. To save money, I’d recommend the Continental ExtremeContact Sport.”
Top themes
#Wet and dry grip#Track day durability#High price vs alternatives#Tread life and wear#Cold weather performance#Sidewall stiffness and comfort
Based on 208 community posts
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Bridgestone Potenza S001 | B · Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Summer | Summer |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | Passenger Car / Crossover |
| Sizes available | 55 | 110 |
| Rim diameters | 15″ – 21″ | 17″ – 22″ |
| Tread depth | 8/32″ | — |
| UTQG | 280 A A | — |
| Sidewall | Blackwall | — |
| Max pressure | 50 psi | — |
| Sizes in common | 36 | 36 |
Which one should you actually buy?
64
/ 100
Bridgestone Potenza S001
83
/ 100
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
Winner: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S — better efficiency, handling and comfort. It leads or ties in every category we score.
Pick tire B
You want lower fuel or energy use
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scores 72 vs 41 on efficiency.
Pick tire B
You enjoy sharp, responsive handling
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scores 90 vs 60 on handling.
Pick tire B
You want the most comfortable ride
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scores 79 vs 53 on comfort.
Pick tire B
You want the most grip on dry roads
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scores 93 vs 72 on dry.
Tire A · Bridgestone Potenza S001
Tire B · Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
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Potenza S001 or Pilot Sport 4 S?
Which is better in the wet, Potenza S001 or Pilot Sport 4 S?
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S, 88 vs 75 on our wet score.
Which grips better on dry roads, Potenza S001 or Pilot Sport 4 S?
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S, 93 vs 72 on our dry score.
Which is quieter, Potenza S001 or Pilot Sport 4 S?
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S, 69 vs 56 on our noise score.
Which is more comfortable, Potenza S001 or Pilot Sport 4 S?
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S, 79 vs 53 on our comfort score.
Which lasts longer, Potenza S001 or Pilot Sport 4 S?
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S, 72 vs 52 on our treadwear score.
Which rolls more easily, Potenza S001 or Pilot Sport 4 S?
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S, 72 vs 41 on our efficiency score.
How do we compare tires?
Every category score blends two independent signals. 60% comes from professional tire tests (braking distances, lap times, noise measurements), each result compared with every other tire in the same test and newer tests counting more. 40% comes from owner reviews found online, adjusted for how generously each site rates. Both use one scale: the average tested tire gets 70, the best 100. When a tire has only one of the two, the missing half is estimated from the other and the score stays closer to average; with no road test and fewer than five owner reviews it gets no score yet.
Handling is the exception: road tests measure it inside the dry and wet scores, so its own row comes from owner ratings only and starts as less important.
Community buzz from Reddit and forums is shown for context only — it never changes the score. Full methodology