tirewheelguide
Head-to-head Updated

Michelin Pilot Sport 3 PS3 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 1 + 27 road tests and 308 + 6,614 owner reviews. How we score

Pilot Sport 4 S is ahead, 86–75

Check price on Amazon · Pilot Sport 4 S or Pilot Sport 3 PS3 on Amazon
Add your size for an exact match
/R

Both Amazon links then search this exact size.

TireWheelGuide may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

Michelin Pilot Sport 3 PS3
Tire AMichelin

Pilot Sport 3 PS3

Summer

± 7

Tests 72 · 1 test Owners 78 · 308 reviews

“I used them for my PS3’s last year, got the cash back offer too. Saved a fortune over the other big name tyre suppliers.”

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
Tire BMichelin

Pilot Sport 4 S

Summer

± 4

Tests 82 · 27 tests Owners 86 · 6,614 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.

  1. 73

    Dry

    Pilot Sport 4 S +20
    93
    Why this score
    SourcePilot Sport 3 PS3Pilot Sport 4 S
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 1 / 25 tests6794
    Reviews found online8392

    Pilot Sport 3 PS3: 60% × 67.2 + 40% × 82.6 = 73

    Pilot Sport 4 S: 60% × 94.3 + 40% × 92.1 = 93

  2. 80

    Wet

    Pilot Sport 4 S +8
    88
    Why this score
    SourcePilot Sport 3 PS3Pilot Sport 4 S
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 1 / 26 tests7686
    Reviews found online8491

    Pilot Sport 3 PS3: 60% × 76.3 + 40% × 84.4 = 80

    Pilot Sport 4 S: 60% × 86.4 + 40% × 90.7 = 88

  3. 74

    Comfort

    Pilot Sport 4 S +5
    79
    Why this score
    SourcePilot Sport 3 PS3Pilot Sport 4 S
    Professional tests (TWG score) · – / 6 tests≈ 70 (est.)70
    Reviews found online7684

    Pilot Sport 3 PS3: 40% × 70.4 (est.) + 60% × 75.8 = 74

    Pilot Sport 4 S: 40% × 70.4 + 60% × 84.2 = 79

    No road tests of comfort for Pilot Sport 3 PS3. The test half is the tested tires’ average (69): owners’ comfort ratings barely follow the road tests.

  4. –

    Noise

    No comparison
    69
    Why this score
    SourcePilot Sport 3 PS3Pilot Sport 4 S
    Professional tests (TWG score) · – / 20 tests–70
    Reviews found online–≈ 67 (est.)

    Pilot Sport 4 S: 60% × 70.3 + 40% × 66.6 (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.

  5. 66

    Treadwear

    Pilot Sport 4 S +6
    72
    Why this score
    SourcePilot Sport 3 PS3Pilot Sport 4 S
    Professional tests (TWG score) · – / 1 tests≈ 66 (est.)70
    Reviews found online6574

    Pilot Sport 3 PS3: 60% × 65.8 (est.) + 40% × 65.3 = 66

    Pilot Sport 4 S: 60% × 70.2 + 40% × 74.1 = 72

    No road tests of treadwear for Pilot Sport 3 PS3. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.35).

  6. 81

    Handling (owners)

    Pilot Sport 4 S +9
    90
    Why this score
    SourcePilot Sport 3 PS3Pilot Sport 4 S
    Reviews found online8190
  7. 55

    Efficiency

    Pilot Sport 4 S +17
    72
    Why this score
    SourcePilot Sport 3 PS3Pilot Sport 4 S
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 1 / 23 tests5572
Scores at a glance
CategoryMichelin Pilot Sport 3 PS3Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
Relative Score 75 86
Dry 73 93
Wet 80 88
Comfort 74 79
Noise – 69
Treadwear 66 72
Handling (owners) 81 90
Efficiency 55 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 starts at “Important”. Treadwear starts at “Neutral” here: road tests measured it for at most one of the two tires, so it rests on owner reviews. Move the sliders and the scores update instantly.

Important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Less important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Less important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost

Only one of the two tires has a score here, so this weight changes nothing in the head-to-head.

Neutral
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Less important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Not important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Recomputed
Headline score
± 7

Pilot Sport 3 PS3

± 4

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.

DisciplineCategoryPilot Sport 3 PS3Pilot Sport 4 SΔHead-to-head
Dry Braking Dry 95% #3/3 · Michelin Pilot Sport VS EV Specific Performance Tyres 94% #8/8 · 2026 Autobild Sports Cars Summer Tyre Test – Different tests
Dry Handling Dry 97% #3/3 · Michelin Pilot Sport VS EV Specific Performance Tyres 100% #2/8 · 2026 Autobild Sports Cars Summer Tyre Test – Different tests
Straight Aquaplaning Wet 100% #1/3 · Michelin Pilot Sport VS EV Specific Performance Tyres 100% #1/8 · 2026 Autobild Sports Cars Summer Tyre Test – Different tests
Wet Braking Wet 89% #3/3 · Michelin Pilot Sport VS EV Specific Performance Tyres 90% #7/8 · 2026 Autobild Sports Cars Summer Tyre Test – Different tests
Wet Handling Wet 97% #3/3 · Michelin Pilot Sport VS EV Specific Performance Tyres 90% #6/8 · 2026 Autobild Sports Cars Summer Tyre Test – Different tests
Rolling Resistance Efficiency 80% #3/3 · Michelin Pilot Sport VS EV Specific Performance Tyres 98% #2/8 · 2026 Autobild Sports Cars Summer Tyre Test – Different tests
Also published by the testers (not in the score)
Price Cost 82% #3/3 · Michelin Pilot Sport VS EV Specific Performance Tyres 46% #11/11 · 2023 Sport Auto UHP Tyre Test – Different tests
Overall Ranking Overall #10/16 2016 ADAC Tyre Test - 225/45 R17 #1/10 2026 ACE Summer Tyre Test – Different tests

Pros, cons & observations

Themes extracted from owner reviews found online — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.

Tire A Pilot Sport 3 PS3

Pros

  • Exceptional wet and dry grip
  • Outstanding wet-weather performance and hydroplaning resistance
  • Enhanced ride comfort and compliance over road imperfections

Cons

  • Faster-than-expected tread wear, particularly with spirited driving
  • Softer sidewalls can result in a slightly spongy or 'squidgy' feel during aggressive cornering
  • Higher initial purchase price compared to some mid-range alternatives
All owner themes in the Pilot Sport 3 PS3 review

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
All owner themes in the Pilot Sport 4 S review

What real owners are saying

From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of our score

Tire A

Michelin Pilot Sport 3 PS3

Mixed

Community sentiment regarding the Michelin Pilot Sport 3 (PS3) is mixed, with users commending its wet grip, aquaplaning resistance, and daily ride comfort. However, enthusiasts often note soft sidewalls and subdued sportiness compared to the PS2, with many recommending newer iterations like the PS4 and PS4S for sharper handling and reduced road noise.

r/tires ·1 upvote ·2026-04-09

“Is the Michelin Pilot Sport 3 a good choice for a daily driver? I've been considering changing my tires to Michelin Primacy 4 for my Mazda 2. I've been quoted with Michelin Pilot Sport 3 ones with manufacturing date of mid 2024 for 25% less, that the garage wants to clear from their warehouse. Is this an overkill? Edit: Thank you all for your help. I went with the PS3 and it seems that it was a good choice. Read more”
mx5nutz.com ·2025-11-11

“PS3 or rainsports do pretty well for daily use with the odd track day too.”
cliosport.net ·1 upvote ·2024-02-15

“I used them for my PS3’s last year, got the cash back offer too. Saved a fortune over the other big name tyre suppliers.”
Top themes
#Wet grip performance#Aquaplaning resistance#Comparison to PS4#Comfortable daily driving#Soft sidewall feel#Road noise issues#Availability and sizing

Based on 37 community posts

Tire B

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S

Positive

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.

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.”
r/WRXSTi ·149 upvotes ·2025-07-09

“New tires Pilot Sport 4s got some new Pilot Sport 4s in 245/40/18. way different to my yokohama advan AS+. a lot more grip, obviously. very minimal to no sidewall flex. very good tires. i had pilot sport 3's on my 2013 hatchback wrx back in the day. feels good to get back on some good tires again. Read more”
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 · Michelin Pilot Sport 3 PS3 B · Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
CategorySummerSummer
Vehicle typePassenger Car / CrossoverPassenger Car / Crossover
Sizes available—110
Rim diameters—17″ – 22″

Which one should you actually buy?

Michelin Pilot Sport 3 PS3

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S

Winner: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S — better dry, efficiency and handling. It leads or ties in every category we score.

Pick tire B You want the most grip on dry roads

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scores 93 vs 73 on dry.

Pick tire B You want lower fuel or energy use

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scores 72 vs 55 on efficiency.

Pick tire B You enjoy sharp, responsive handling

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scores 90 vs 81 on handling.

Pick tire B Your priority is wet-weather safety

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scores 88 vs 80 on wet.

Tire A · Michelin Pilot Sport 3 PS3
Check price on Amazon
Tire B · Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
Check price on Amazon

TireWheelGuide may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

Pilot Sport 3 PS3 or Pilot Sport 4 S?

Which is better in the wet, Pilot Sport 3 PS3 or Pilot Sport 4 S?

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S, 88 vs 80 on our wet score.

Which grips better on dry roads, Pilot Sport 3 PS3 or Pilot Sport 4 S?

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S, 93 vs 73 on our dry score.

Which is more comfortable, Pilot Sport 3 PS3 or Pilot Sport 4 S?

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S, 79 vs 74 on our comfort score.

Which lasts longer, Pilot Sport 3 PS3 or Pilot Sport 4 S?

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S, 72 vs 66 on our treadwear score.

Which rolls more easily, Pilot Sport 3 PS3 or Pilot Sport 4 S?

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S, 72 vs 55 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