Tests 72 · 6 tests Owners 52 · 5,822 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 — 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 + 21 road tests and 5,822 + 12,721 owner reviews. How we score
Pilot Sport 4 is ahead, 81–64
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Tests 85 · 21 tests Owners 76 · 12,721 reviews
Best test result: #1 of 45 in 2019 Summer 53 Tyre Braking Shootout (dry braking)
“Those are Pilot sport 4 (all season). If it had s after the 4 it would be the summer high performance version. I put the pilot sport 4 on wife's GTI autobahn 2016. Great handling tire, stiff side walls, not the smoothest ride but best overall.”
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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71
Dry
Pilot Sport 4 +1687Why this score
Source Potenza S001 Pilot Sport 4 Professional tests (TWG score) · 4 / 20 tests 79 89 Reviews found online 59 84 Dry Braking (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 0–2 96% 100% Dry Handling (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–1 99% 100% Potenza S001: 60% × 79.4 + 40% × 59.4 = 71
Pilot Sport 4: 60% × 89.3 + 40% × 83.9 = 87
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75
Wet
Pilot Sport 4 +1489Why this score
Source Potenza S001 Pilot Sport 4 Professional tests (TWG score) · 4 / 20 tests 85 93 Reviews found online 60 85 Straight Aquaplaning (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–1 97% 100% Wet Braking (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 2–0 100% 96% Wet Handling (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0 100% 96% Potenza S001: 60% × 85.1 + 40% × 59.7 = 75
Pilot Sport 4: 60% × 92.5 + 40% × 84.5 = 89
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50
Snow
No comparison–Why this score
Source Potenza S001 Pilot Sport 4 Professional tests (TWG score) ≈ 60 (est.) – Reviews found online 37 – Potenza S001: 60% × 59.7 (est.) + 40% × 36.5 = 50
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).
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53
Comfort
Pilot Sport 4 +2376Why this score
Source Potenza S001 Pilot Sport 4 Professional tests (TWG score) · 1 / 6 tests 63 82 Reviews found online 47 72 Potenza S001: 40% × 63 + 60% × 46.5 = 53
Pilot Sport 4: 40% × 81.5 + 60% × 71.7 = 76
-
56
Noise
Pilot Sport 4 +1470Why this score
Source Potenza S001 Pilot Sport 4 Professional tests (TWG score) · 3 / 13 tests 56 73 Reviews found online 55 ≈ 66 (est.) Noise (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–1 97% 98% Potenza S001: 60% × 55.7 + 40% × 55.2 = 56
Pilot Sport 4: 60% × 73.1 + 40% × 66.3 (est.) = 70
No owner ratings of noise for Pilot Sport 4. The owner half is the owners’ average (66): owners’ noise ratings barely follow the road tests, so the tests say nothing about how owners would rate it.
-
52
Treadwear
Pilot Sport 4 +1971Why this score
Source Potenza S001 Pilot Sport 4 Professional tests (TWG score) · 3 / 3 tests 59 78 Reviews found online 43 60 Wear (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 0–2 74% 85% Potenza S001: 60% × 58.6 + 40% × 42.8 = 52
Pilot Sport 4: 60% × 78.1 + 40% × 59.5 = 71
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59
Handling (owners)
Pilot Sport 4 +2281Why this score
Source Potenza S001 Pilot Sport 4 Reviews found online 59 81 -
41
Efficiency
Pilot Sport 4 +3576Why this score
Source Potenza S001 Pilot Sport 4 Professional tests (TWG score) · 3 / 14 tests 41 76 Rolling Resistance (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–1 73% 88%
Scores at a glance
| Category | Bridgestone Potenza S001 | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 64 | 81 |
| Dry | 71 | 87 |
| Wet | 75 | 89 |
| Snow | 50 | – |
| Comfort | 53 | 76 |
| Noise | 56 | 70 |
| Treadwear | 52 | 71 |
| Handling (owners) | 59 | 81 |
| Efficiency | 41 | 76 |
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
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
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
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
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Important
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Less important
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Recomputed
Headline score
64
/ 100
Potenza S001
81
/ 100
Pilot Sport 4
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 4 times.
| Discipline | Category | Potenza S001 | Pilot Sport 4 | Δ | Head-to-head |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | Dry | 96% | 100% | −4.2 | 0–2 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2020 Tyre Market Overview Braking Test · 245/45 R18 |
| Dry Handling | Dry | 99% | 100% | −1.0 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test · 245/45 R18 |
| Dry Handling (tester's mark) | Dry | 90% #2/8 · 2019 Sport Auto 20 Inch UHP Tyre Test | 90% #2/9 · 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 | – | Different tests |
| Straight Aquaplaning | Wet | 97% | 100% | −3.3 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test · 245/45 R18 |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 100% | 96% | +3.6 | 2–0 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2020 Tyre Market Overview Braking Test · 245/45 R18 |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 100% | 96% | +3.6 | 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test · 245/45 R18 |
| Wet Handling (tester's mark) | Wet | 78% #3/8 · 2019 Sport Auto 20 Inch UHP Tyre Test | 78% #7/9 · 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 | – | Different tests |
| Comfort (tester's mark) | Comfort | 70% #5/8 · 2019 Sport Auto 20 Inch UHP Tyre Test | 70% #5/9 · 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 | – | Different tests |
| Noise | Noise | 97% | 98% | −1.4 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test · 245/45 R18 |
| Wear | Treadwear | 74% | 85% | −11.6 | 0–2 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2020 ADAC 18 Inch Summer Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 |
| Rolling Resistance | Efficiency | 73% | 88% | −15.5 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test · 245/45 R18 |
| Also published by the testers (not in the score) | |||||
| Price | Cost | 54% | 45% | +9.0 | 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test · 245/45 R18 |
| Total Cost of Ownership | Cost | #20/20 | #16/20 | – | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test · 245/45 R18 |
| Value | Cost | 60% | 60% | +0.2 | 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test · 245/45 R18 |
| Overall Ranking | Overall | #9/14 | #2/14 | – | 0–4 in 4 shared tests Newest: 2020 TCS Summer Tire Test R18 · 225/40R18 |
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
Pros
- Exceptional wet and dry traction with outstanding resistance to aquaplaning
- Noticeable improvement in ride comfort and a reduction in cabin noise compared to standard run-flat tires
- Progressive and predictable breakaway limits during spirited driving
Cons
- Faster-than-average treadwear, particularly under aggressive driving or on rear-wheel-drive performance cars
- Softer sidewalls can lead to a slight lack of initial steering precision and a vague feel at the limit for hardcore enthusiasts
- Performance drops off significantly in cold, freezing, or snowy winter conditions
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.
mbworld.org
“The SL received 4 early Christmas presents. Had to replace the original factory Bridgestone run flat tires due to age. Was advised by the Mercedes Benz service department to replace the 8 year old tires even though the car only has 875 (now 900) miles. Costco had them in stock and approximately 1 hour later I was on my way back home. They wouldn’t sell me anything but run flat tires, no spare tire etc., and this is the only run flat tire that they offer in 19 inch tire size. Hope this helps anyone else who needs to buy new tires for their SL. Happy Holidays, Mike”
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.. .”
avforums.com
·2021-05-26
“Had them on our old 520d Tourer and no complaints, decent in the wet from what I can remember.”
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
The community widely regards the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 line as a premium upgrade offering exceptional dry and wet grip, precise handling, and superior ride comfort compared to OEM or run-flat tires. While celebrated for performance, users frequently discuss its high price tag, faster treadwear, and noticeable drop in EV efficiency. Some drivers also note increased road noise and reduced traction when temperatures drop near freezing.
uk-polos.net
·2021-09-20
“So I went through my front two Bridgestones in 8000 mile - my own fault really. Anyway I've had Michelin PS4's fitted on the front since that's what 90% of people say to get. Well... They are sh*t in my opinion. I'm running 38psi in the front, so I'm open to trying different pressures if anyone else runs anything else. Twice under heavy breaking the car has completely lost traction - this NEVER happened with the same amount of speed and breaking on the Bridgestones. Three times when throwing the car into a hard corner the tyres have felt like they were skidding or possibly folding which resulted into a late grip which then whipped the car. Maybe I just need to get used to them but I've not noticed too much of an improvement in a straight line and breaking and cornering on them has been shocking. The cornering just seems awful, I've lost so much confidence driving the car now. I had the Eibach Sportline springs fitted just before I changed the tyres and the handling went through the roof, now all that seems to of gone... Any thoughts? Pressures? Do the tyres just not fit how I drive?”
r/ft86
·3 upvotes ·2022-01-09
“I just installed A/S PS4 from Michelin on my BRZ recently & man they are so nice. How quiet it is, is wow, night and day. They handle quite nice except when it's still cold (sub 40F) on highway, traction control triggers but it may bc I'm lowered and yet to do my alignment. I don't know compared to stock, I was on Falken prior. I am using different tire set-up then stock however. I have 245/35 at the front and 265/35 in rear. My only regret is not going up to 40 on the sidewall for more meat. This is on 18" wheels.”
r/JettaGLI
·59 upvotes ·2026-09-27
“Reminder: Tires are the key to this car Just replaced my Michelin Pilot Sport 4 AS tires with a new set ahead of the rainy season. Lasted 36K miles. It was the best mod to the car and a fresh set reminded just how good a brand new set is. The car is glued to the road, riding wonderfully smooth and quiet. Spend the money, get the best tires for you. The tune can wait. And it will need it.”
Top themes
#Wet and dry grip#Run-flat replacement upgrade#Treadwear and longevity#Cold weather performance#Road noise and comfort#EV range and efficiency#Comparison to Continental tires
Based on 246 community posts
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Bridgestone Potenza S001 | B · Michelin Pilot Sport 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Summer | Summer |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | Passenger Car / Crossover |
| Sizes available | 55 | 62 |
| Rim diameters | 15″ – 21″ | 16″ – 20″ |
| Tread depth | 8/32″ | — |
| UTQG | 280 A A | 300 - 320 A - AA A |
| Sidewall | Blackwall | — |
| Max pressure | 50 psi | — |
| Sizes in common | 39 | 39 |
Which one should you actually buy?
64
/ 100
Bridgestone Potenza S001
81
/ 100
Michelin Pilot Sport 4
Winner: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 — better efficiency, comfort and handling. It leads or ties in every category we score.
Pick tire B
You want lower fuel or energy use
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 scores 76 vs 41 on efficiency.
Pick tire B
You want the most comfortable ride
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 scores 76 vs 53 on comfort.
Pick tire B
You enjoy sharp, responsive handling
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 scores 81 vs 59 on handling.
Pick tire B
You want the longest tread life
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 scores 71 vs 52 on treadwear.
Pick tire A
Your priority is wet braking
Bridgestone Potenza S001 won 2 of 2 shared wet braking tests.
Tire A · Bridgestone Potenza S001
Tire B · Michelin Pilot Sport 4
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Potenza S001 or Pilot Sport 4?
Which is better in the wet, Potenza S001 or Pilot Sport 4?
Michelin Pilot Sport 4, 89 vs 75 on our wet score.
Which grips better on dry roads, Potenza S001 or Pilot Sport 4?
Michelin Pilot Sport 4, 87 vs 71 on our dry score.
Which is quieter, Potenza S001 or Pilot Sport 4?
Michelin Pilot Sport 4, 70 vs 56 on our noise score.
Which is more comfortable, Potenza S001 or Pilot Sport 4?
Michelin Pilot Sport 4, 76 vs 53 on our comfort score.
Which lasts longer, Potenza S001 or Pilot Sport 4?
Michelin Pilot Sport 4, 71 vs 52 on our treadwear score.
Which rolls more easily, Potenza S001 or Pilot Sport 4?
Michelin Pilot Sport 4, 76 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