Head-to-head Updated

Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs Uniroyal RainSport 5 — 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 23 + 12 road tests and 6,449 + 4,530 owner reviews. How we score

Pilot Sport 5 is ahead, 87–66

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Michelin Pilot Sport 5
Tire AMichelin

Pilot Sport 5

Summer

± 4

Tests 86 · 23 tests Owners 88 · 6,449 reviews

Best test result: #1 of 20 in 2026 Autobild Summer Tyre Test (dry handling (tester's mark))

“Put some 235/45 R17 ps5’s on my 9-5 They fill up the arches quite nice!”

Uniroyal RainSport 5
Tire BUniroyal

RainSport 5

Summer

± 6

Tests 67 · 12 tests Owners 65 · 4,530 reviews

Best test result: #1 of 50 in 2023 ADAC Summer Tyre Test (straight aquaplaning)

“Odlicne. Malo se brze trose ali drže ko lude. Imao 2 seta rainsport 3 i jedan set rainsport 5. Nažalost, na novom autu je dimenzija u kojoj nema rainsporta tako da uopce ne znam sta da kupim”

Category by category

Relative Score per category, 0–100. Open “Why this score” for the tests and owner ratings behind it.

Key facts

  • In 4 tests that measured dry braking for both, Pilot Sport 5 won 4 and RainSport 5 won 0 (average 97% vs 88% of the best).
  • In 4 tests that measured wet braking for both, Pilot Sport 5 won 4 and RainSport 5 won 0 (average 95% vs 91% of the best).
  1. 92

    Dry

    Pilot Sport 5 +36
    56
    Why this score
    SourcePilot Sport 5RainSport 5
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 23 / 11 tests9355
    Reviews found online9158
    Dry Braking (% of best) · 4 shared tests · wins 4–097%88%
    Dry Handling (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–098%95%

    Pilot Sport 5: 60% × 92.9 + 40% × 90.8 = 92

    RainSport 5: 60% × 54.5 + 40% × 58.4 = 56

  2. 94

    Wet

    Pilot Sport 5 +11
    83
    Why this score
    SourcePilot Sport 5RainSport 5
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 23 / 11 tests9488
    Reviews found online9476
    Straight Aquaplaning (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–195%100%
    Wet Braking (% of best) · 4 shared tests · wins 4–095%91%
    Wet Handling (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–098%96%

    Pilot Sport 5: 60% × 94.1 + 40% × 93.6 = 94

    RainSport 5: 60% × 87.6 + 40% × 75.9 = 83

  3. 79

    Comfort

    Pilot Sport 5 +11
    68
    Why this score
    SourcePilot Sport 5RainSport 5
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 9 / – tests71≈ 69 (est.)
    Reviews found online8568

    Pilot Sport 5: 40% × 71 + 60% × 84.8 = 79

    RainSport 5: 40% × 68.9 (est.) + 60% × 67.8 = 68

    No road tests of comfort for RainSport 5. The test half is the tested tires’ average (69): owners’ comfort ratings barely follow the road tests.

  4. 47

    Noise

    RainSport 5 +24
    71
    Why this score
    SourcePilot Sport 5RainSport 5
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 15 / 3 tests3374
    Reviews found online≈ 67 (est.)≈ 67 (est.)
    Noise (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–197%99%

    Pilot Sport 5: 60% × 33.2 + 40% × 66.6 (est.) = 47

    RainSport 5: 60% × 73.8 + 40% × 66.6 (est.) = 71

    No owner ratings of noise for Pilot Sport 5 or RainSport 5. 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. 87

    Treadwear

    Pilot Sport 5 +29
    58
    Why this score
    SourcePilot Sport 5RainSport 5
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 6 / 5 tests9257
    Reviews found online7961
    Wear (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–088%64%

    Pilot Sport 5: 60% × 91.9 + 40% × 78.9 = 87

    RainSport 5: 60% × 56.8 + 40% × 60.5 = 58

  6. 89

    Handling (owners)

    Pilot Sport 5 +27
    62
    Why this score
    SourcePilot Sport 5RainSport 5
    Reviews found online8962
  7. 64

    Efficiency

    Pilot Sport 5 +8
    56
    Why this score
    SourcePilot Sport 5RainSport 5
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 17 / 4 tests6456
    Rolling Resistance (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–088%86%
Scores at a glance
Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs Uniroyal RainSport 5: scores by category (0–100)
CategoryMichelin Pilot Sport 5Uniroyal RainSport 5
Relative Score 87 66
Dry 92 56
Wet 94 83
Comfort 79 68
Noise 47 71
Treadwear 87 58
Handling (owners) 89 62
Efficiency 64 56

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.

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Recomputed
Headline score
± 4

Pilot Sport 5

± 6

RainSport 5

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, Michelin Pilot Sport 5 finished ahead 4 times and Uniroyal RainSport 5 0 times.

DisciplineCategoryPilot Sport 5RainSport 5ΔHead-to-head
Dry Braking Dry 97% 88% +8.6 4–0 in 4 shared tests Newest: 2026 Summer Braking Super Tyre Test - How do 52 Tyres Perform in Wet and Dry Braking? · 245/45 R19
Dry Handling Dry 98% 95% +3.0 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tyre Test · 225/45 R18
Straight Aquaplaning Wet 95% 100% −4.9 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tyre Test · 225/45 R18
Wet Braking Wet 95% 91% +4.2 4–0 in 4 shared tests Newest: 2026 Summer Braking Super Tyre Test - How do 52 Tyres Perform in Wet and Dry Braking? · 245/45 R19
Wet Handling Wet 98% 96% +2.2 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tyre Test · 225/45 R18
Noise Noise 97% 99% −1.2 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tyre Test · 225/45 R18
Wear Treadwear 88% 64% +24.1 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tyre Test · 225/45 R18
Rolling Resistance Efficiency 88% 86% +2.6 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tyre Test · 225/45 R18
Also published by the testers (not in the score)
Price Cost 58% 79% −21.6 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tyre Test · 225/45 R18
Total Cost of Ownership Cost #6/20 #11/20 – 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tyre Test · 225/45 R18
Value Cost 70% 70% 0.0 0–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tyre Test · 225/45 R18
Overall Ranking Overall #9/50 #24/50 – 4–0 in 4 shared tests Newest: 2026 Summer Braking Super Tyre Test - How do 52 Tyres Perform in Wet and Dry Braking? · 245/45 R19

Pros, cons & observations

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

Tire A Pilot Sport 5

Pros

  • Outstanding wet and dry traction with high resistance to aquaplaning
  • Superior tread life and longevity compared to competitors and previous generations
  • Noticeable improvements in ride comfort and a quieter cabin over rough road surfaces

Cons

  • Softer sidewalls can lead to initial steering vagueness or understeer during hard cornering
  • Higher price point compared to some tier-one competitors
  • Performance and grip degrade significantly under intense track heat or heavy circuit use
All owner themes in the Pilot Sport 5 review

Tire B RainSport 5

Pros

  • Outstanding wet weather traction and aquaplaning resistance
  • High level of ride comfort and low road noise
  • Good dry grip for everyday, normal driving conditions

Cons

  • Soft sidewalls lead to vague handling and a 'floating' or boat-like feel in corners
  • Faster tread wear reported by some users, especially with enthusiastic driving
  • Lack of steering feedback and precision for spirited or track driving
All owner themes in the RainSport 5 review

What real owners are saying

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

Tire A

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

Positive

Community opinion on the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 is overwhelmingly positive for daily street driving, praising its exceptional wet grip, tread longevity, and quiet comfort compared to run-flats and older performance tires. However, several enthusiasts note downsides for aggressive or track use, specifically citing softer sidewalls, muted steering feedback, and poor heat resistance leading to delamination under track conditions. Most drivers consider it an outstanding premium all-rounder for sporty street cars rather than a dedicated track or extreme-performance tire.

r/i20n ·17 upvotes ·2025-07-21

“Tyres: Ps5’s initial impression Tyres seem to be a common question across a few forums so I thought ide share. So after 12 months (27,000kms) with my i20n, I was (over) due to replace my tyres. While I loved the p-zeros, I wasn’t keen on the short life, so went with the pilot sport 5. My impressions as follows: Initial impression: a lot less road noise than the p-zero City drive: no noticeable difference (apart from the reduced noise) Highway drive: handling is not noticeably changed, but the reduced noise is really appreciated here! Twisty’s: the difference here is notable, ps5’s don’t provide quite the same aggressive limitless grip feel as the p-zeros. Still holds the line perfectly but noted a bit of slip on the inside front wheel under heavy throttle. I do approx 100km on back roads commuting to and from work every day, so I’ll update this thread if I find anything worth reporting Read more”

r/AudiA5 ·1 upvote ·2026-04-30

“I had PS5’s on they were great literally all the grip you could ever want (not a very powerful car) and they have an incredibly long life span, I didn’t find them loud at all and i also now have an Audi a5 coupe and the car itself blocks out most noise especially if you have music on so it’s not something you should worry about, I know the Asym6 have more grip but it’s marginal I’d personally get the ps5’s just because of the beautiful side wall!”

r/TeslaUK ·3 upvotes ·2026-03-27

“Pilot sport 5? Hi, after replacement tyres for M3. Just touched 30k miles and all 4 need doing. Michelin 235/45 ZR18 (98Y) XL TL PILOT SPORT 5 I was looking at these 154 pounds from Costco. Only they’re not T rated. Was comparing them with the original 235/45 ZR 18 PILOT SPORT 4 XL TO TESLA these are 204 pounds at Costco. Thoughts on whether the PS5 will be ok please? Visited a couple of independent tyre shops yesterday, 1 quoted budget 100 each through to PS4s at 230 each. The second wouldn’t quote on non Tesla approved, so just quoted the PS4 T0s at 203 each. Cheers”

Top themes
#wet grip performance#tread wear longevity#daily driving comfort#track heat delamination#soft sidewall steering feedback#road noise levels#comparison with ps4s

Based on 174 community posts

Tire B

Uniroyal RainSport 5

Positive

Community sentiment towards the Uniroyal RainSport 5 is largely positive, with frequent praise for its outstanding wet grip, comfortable ride, and solid value as a mid-range tire. While many drivers consider it an ideal option for wet climates and light hot hatches, several users note that it wears out relatively quickly compared to premium alternatives.

r/tires ·2 upvotes ·2025-05-09

“Advice on tires Hey r/tires ! The all-season tired I have on my car atm are nearing the end of their life. And I wanna use this opportunity to switch to summer and winter tires. Went to a local tireshop and had them give me an offer. These are the tires they suggested: Uniroyal Rainsport 5 (pretty good in wet conditions but just okay in everything else) Barum Polaris 6 (overall okay but not so good in wet conditions) Are these okay or do you guys have any better suggestions? Not looking to bust the bank, but also don't wanna cheap out. Location: Germany Tiresize: 205/55 R16 Car: Opel Astra Sportstourer K+ (Facelift) Thank for any replies in advance! Read more”

r/GolfGTI ·2 upvotes ·2023-10-12

“Michelin PS4/PS5 Vs Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 vs Uniroyal Rainsport 5? Thanks again for you oil related answers! Looks like my front cheap dealership tyres need to be changed and I have decided to go for a much better performance oriented tyre. I have limited my options down to these 3 as per recommendations among other owners and reviews I've read. Although they all seem to be very evenly matched to one another. I noticed the price is where they differ. The Uniroyals, although well sued and recommended among the community (including the tyre saleswoman who has a wrx), are €90 a tyre which isn't so bad. The goodyears are €97 per tyre and finally the Michelins are the most expensive at an impressive €122 for PS4's and €130 for PS5s. Is the price hike worth it? or would it better to settle for the more affordable but still capable goodyears and Uniroyals? my GTI is my daily and fun car so something capable of both would be great thanks!”

r/ItalyMotori ·1 upvote ·2025-06-16

“Uniroyal rainsport 5 Ciao a tutti, Ho un dubbio: sto montando i pneumatici indicati sul titolo ma, pur non avendo un disegno speculare tra interno ed esterno non indicano il verso di rotazione. E’indicato solo interno ed esterno. Allego foto pneumatico anteriore dx. È indifferente se questo pneumatico l’avessi montato sulla parte anteriore sx ? Read more”

Top themes
#wet weather grip#value and pricing#tread wear and longevity#UK climate suitability#mid-range versus premium#road noise and comfort

Based on 21 community posts

Specs side by side

Attribute A · Michelin Pilot Sport 5 B · Uniroyal RainSport 5
CategorySummerSummer
Vehicle typePassenger Car / CrossoverPassenger Car / Crossover
Sizes available66104
Rim diameters16″ – 22″15″ – 21″
Sizes in common5454

Which one should you actually buy?

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

Uniroyal RainSport 5

Winner: Michelin Pilot Sport 5 — better dry, treadwear and handling. Pick the Uniroyal RainSport 5 if noise matters most to you.

Pick tire A You want the most grip on dry roads

Michelin Pilot Sport 5 scores 92 vs 56 on dry.

Pick tire A You want the longest tread life

Michelin Pilot Sport 5 scores 87 vs 58 on treadwear.

Pick tire A You enjoy sharp, responsive handling

Michelin Pilot Sport 5 scores 89 vs 62 on handling.

Pick tire B You want a quieter cabin

Uniroyal RainSport 5 scores 71 vs 47 on noise.

Tire A · Michelin Pilot Sport 5
Tire B · Uniroyal RainSport 5

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Pilot Sport 5 or RainSport 5?

Which is better in the wet, Pilot Sport 5 or RainSport 5?

Michelin Pilot Sport 5, 94 vs 83 on our wet score.

Which grips better on dry roads, Pilot Sport 5 or RainSport 5?

Michelin Pilot Sport 5, 92 vs 56 on our dry score.

Which is quieter, Pilot Sport 5 or RainSport 5?

Uniroyal RainSport 5, 71 vs 47 on our noise score.

Which is more comfortable, Pilot Sport 5 or RainSport 5?

Michelin Pilot Sport 5, 79 vs 68 on our comfort score.

Which lasts longer, Pilot Sport 5 or RainSport 5?

Michelin Pilot Sport 5, 87 vs 58 on our treadwear score.

Which rolls more easily, Pilot Sport 5 or RainSport 5?

Michelin Pilot Sport 5, 64 vs 56 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