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Pirelli P Zero (PZ4) vs Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S — Compared

Relative Score (0–100): 60% professional tests, 40% owner reviews.

Pilot Sport 4 S is ahead, 81–65

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Tire APirelli

P Zero (PZ4)

Summer

Tests 67 · 33 tests Owners 63 · 2,592 reviews

Best test result: #1 of 10 in 2023 AUTO Straßenverkehr 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 (dry subj. steering response)

“Urus Performante: Pirelli P Zero gone after 5.5k miles — normal or switch? My stock Pirelli P Zero (PZ4) on my Urus Performante are already done after just 5,500 miles (~9,500 km), mostly highway driving, no speeding, no track. Pretty disappointed with the lifespan. Got quoted $5,000 for the same Lamborghini-certified set. Alternatives are Michelin ($3,500), Nankang or any other options? Is this normal wear for this car? And are the OEM-certified tires actually worth that price, or better to switch?”

Tire BMichelin

Pilot Sport 4 S

Summer

Tests 81 · 27 tests Owners 82 · 6,601 reviews

Best test result: #1 of 22 in 2022 Consumer Reports Ultra High Performance Summer Tires (overall ranking)

“If you can burn through a set of rock hard Bridgestones in 8k miles then you must be driving like a nutter. Most will see 20k miles on the fronts. You also talk about "throwing" the car around. If you're flinging the car around, I think you'd find the car a lot more predictable on 4 tyres of the same type rather than those on the front axle being a lot gripper than those on the rear axle. I'd recommend 35psi fronts and 33psi backs, if you were running 4 x PS4s. Back end stability is a little way off the likes of a Golf GTI when you start flinging it around - rear axle grip for both wheels on a bend would be far better with multilink rear suspension (which the Polo doesn't have). I've momentarily lost the back end once when I had all Bridgestones on. My 2018 Polo GTI went tail happy doing some moderate acceleration out of a large roundabout (so large it was almost straight) when I had 4000.miles on - bone dry road on a warm day. In the outside lane, a Golf GTD gunned it at twice my rate of acceleration, with no drama. That was the incident that made me decide to ditch the Bridgestones for PS4s.”

Category by category

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

  1. 81

    Dry

    Pilot Sport 4 S +10
    91
    Why this score
    SourceP Zero (PZ4)Pilot Sport 4 S
    Professional tests (TWG score)8792
    Reviews found online7389
    Dry Braking (% of best)97%95%
    Dry Handling (% of best)98%98%
    Dry (% of best)94%94%
  2. 79

    Wet

    Pilot Sport 4 S +6
    85
    Why this score
    SourceP Zero (PZ4)Pilot Sport 4 S
    Professional tests (TWG score)8685
    Reviews found online6985
    Longitudinal Aquaplaning (% of best)82%94%
    Transverse Aquaplaning (% of best)100%91%
    Wet (% of best)81%88%
    Wet Braking (% of best)92%97%
    Wet Circle (% of best)99%95%
    Wet Handling (% of best)97%99%
  3. 66

    Comfort

    Pilot Sport 4 S +9
    75
    Why this score
    SourceP Zero (PZ4)Pilot Sport 4 S
    Professional tests (TWG score)6970
    Reviews found online6281
    Interior Noise (% of best)90%80%
  4. 68

    Noise

    Pilot Sport 4 S +1
    69
    Why this score
    SourceP Zero (PZ4)Pilot Sport 4 S
    Professional tests (TWG score)7271
    Reviews found online64–
    Exterior Noise (% of best)86%99%
  5. 33

    Treadwear

    Pilot Sport 4 S +38
    71
    Why this score
    SourceP Zero (PZ4)Pilot Sport 4 S
    Professional tests (TWG score)2670
    Reviews found online4571
  6. 69

    Handling

    Pilot Sport 4 S +17
    86
    Why this score
    SourceP Zero (PZ4)Pilot Sport 4 S
    Reviews found online6986
Scores at a glance
CategoryPirelli P Zero (PZ4)Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
Relative Score 65 81
Dry 81 91
Wet 79 85
Comfort 66 75
Noise 68 69
Treadwear 33 71
Handling 69 86

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

P Zero (PZ4)

Pilot Sport 4 S

The professional test results behind the scores

Each result is shown as % of the best tire in that test. “Same test” rows are the strictest comparison: both tires were measured side by side.

DisciplineCategoryP Zero (PZ4)Pilot Sport 4 SΔBoth?
Interior Noise Comfort 90% #2/10 · 2023 AUTO Straßenverkehr 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 80% #5/10 · 2023 AUTO Straßenverkehr 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 +10.0 Same test
Curved Aquaplaning Curved 87% #8/15 · 2021 Auto Bild 19 inch Summer Tyre Test 84% #11/15 · 2021 Auto Bild 19 inch Summer Tyre Test +3.2 Same test
Dry Braking Dry 97% #6/10 · 2025 AZ Summer Tyre Test 95% #2/7 · 2025 Autobild Sports Cars UUHP Tyre Test +2.8 Different tests
Dry Handling Dry 98% #6/9 · 2021 EVO Summer Tyre Test 98% #8/9 · 2025 EVO Summer Tyre Test 0.0 Different tests
Dry Dry 94% #4/9 · 2023 ACE/ARBÖ/GTÜ 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 94% #3/10 · 2023 AUTO Straßenverkehr 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 +0.6 Different tests
Rolling Resistance Efficiency 80% #15/15 · 2021 Auto Bild 19 inch Summer Tyre Test 95% #2/9 · 2025 EVO Summer Tyre Test −15.3 Different tests
Exterior Noise Noise 86% #3/9 · 2023 ACE/ARBÖ/GTÜ 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 99% #2/7 · 2024 Autobild Sportscars Summer TIre Test R20 −13.3 Different tests
Noise Other 99% #11/15 · 2021 Auto Bild 19 inch Summer Tyre Test 100% #2/9 · 2021 Auto Bild UUHP Summer Tyre Test −1.4 Different tests
Price Other 69% #6/10 · 2022 Sport Auto UHP, UUHP and Semi Slick Tyre Test 63% #6/6 · 2018 EVO UUHP Tyre Test +5.9 Different tests
Subj. Elk Test Other 90% #3/10 · 2023 AUTO Straßenverkehr 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 90% #3/10 · 2023 AUTO Straßenverkehr 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 0.0 Same test
Dry Subj. Steering Response Other 100% #1/10 · 2023 AUTO Straßenverkehr 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 90% #4/10 · 2023 AUTO Straßenverkehr 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 +10.0 Same test
Subj. Wet Circle Other 80% #4/10 · 2023 AUTO Straßenverkehr 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 80% #4/10 · 2023 AUTO Straßenverkehr 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 0.0 Same test
Dry Braking Other 94% #3/3 · 2022 Auto Express UUHP Summer Tire Test R19 99% #2/3 · 2022 Auto Express UUHP Summer Tire Test R19 −5.2 Same test
Dry Handling Other 99% #2/3 · 2022 Auto Express UUHP Summer Tire Test R19 99% #3/3 · 2022 Auto Express UUHP Summer Tire Test R19 +0.2 Same test
Internal Noise Other 100% #1/3 · 2022 Auto Express UUHP Summer Tire Test R19 99% #2/3 · 2022 Auto Express UUHP Summer Tire Test R19 +0.7 Same test
Tested Tread Life (Miles) Other 46% #20/22 · 2022 Consumer Reports Ultra High Performance Summer Tires 62% #6/22 · 2022 Consumer Reports Ultra High Performance Summer Tires −15.4 Same test
Wet Lateral Stability Other 80% #2/10 · 2023 AUTO Straßenverkehr 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 80% #2/10 · 2023 AUTO Straßenverkehr 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 0.0 Same test
Lateral Stability Other 99% #2/3 · 2022 Auto Express UUHP Summer Tire Test R19 96% #3/3 · 2022 Auto Express UUHP Summer Tire Test R19 +3.0 Same test
Wet Braking Other 95% #3/3 · 2022 Auto Express UUHP Summer Tire Test R19 97% #2/3 · 2022 Auto Express UUHP Summer Tire Test R19 −1.9 Same test
Wet Handling Other 99% #2/3 · 2022 Auto Express UUHP Summer Tire Test R19 99% #3/3 · 2022 Auto Express UUHP Summer Tire Test R19 +0.2 Same test
Overall Ranking Overall 86% #4/22 · 2022 Consumer Reports Ultra High Performance Summer Tires 100% #1/22 · 2022 Consumer Reports Ultra High Performance Summer Tires −14.3 Same test
Straight Aqua Straight 94% #9/20 · 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tyre Test 97% #6/7 · 2024 EVO Summer Tyre Test −3.2 Different tests
Subj. Comfort Subj 100% #2/20 · 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test 90% #2/8 · 2019 Sport Auto 20 Inch UHP Tyre Test +10.0 Different tests
Subj. Dry Handling Subj 92% #6/7 · 2024 EVO Summer Tyre Test 98% #2/6 · 2018 EVO UUHP Tyre Test −5.8 Different tests
Subj. Noise Subj 96% #3/7 · 2024 EVO Summer Tyre Test 98% #2/7 · 2024 EVO Summer Tyre Test −2.0 Same test
Subj. Wet Handling Subj 89% #4/9 · 2023 ACE/ARBÖ/GTÜ 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 78% #6/10 · 2023 AUTO Straßenverkehr 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 +11.1 Different tests
Longitudinal Aquaplaning Wet 82% #7/9 · 2023 ACE/ARBÖ/GTÜ 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 94% #6/7 · 2024 Autobild Sportscars Summer TIre Test R20 −11.8 Different tests
Transverse Aquaplaning Wet 100% #1/3 · 2022 Auto Express UUHP Summer Tire Test R19 91% #3/3 · 2022 Auto Express UUHP Summer Tire Test R19 +8.9 Same test
Wet Wet 81% #10/10 · 2023 AUTO Straßenverkehr 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 88% #5/10 · 2023 AUTO Straßenverkehr 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 −6.7 Same test
Wet Braking Wet 92% #6/7 · 2024 EVO Summer Tyre Test 97% #5/11 · 2023 Sport Auto UHP Tyre Test −4.9 Different tests
Wet Circle Wet 99% #3/10 · 2025 AZ Summer Tyre Test 95% #5/10 · 2020 UHP, UUHP and Track Day Tyre Test +4.4 Different tests
Wet Handling Wet 97% #4/4 · 2025 Sport Auto UUHP Tyre Test 99% #2/5 · 2017 Car and Driver UHP Tyre Test −1.8 Different tests

Pros, cons & observations

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

Tire A P Zero (PZ4)

Pros

  • Outstanding dry grip and handling performance
  • Precise steering feedback and agile cornering stability
  • Low road noise and high comfort on smooth tarmac

Cons

  • Rapid tread wear, especially on performance or rear-wheel-drive vehicles
  • Subpar performance and susceptibility to aquaplaning in cold or heavy wet weather
  • Stiff ride quality that can transmit harsh impacts on rough roads
All owner themes in the P Zero (PZ4) 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

Pirelli P Zero (PZ4)

Negative

Community sentiment regarding the Pirelli P Zero (PZ4) is largely critical, with users reporting extremely rapid tread wear and severe grip issues outside of warm, dry conditions. While some drivers consider them for OEM run-flat availability, multiple posts highlight concerns over poor longevity and lackluster wet and cold weather performance compared to competitors like Michelin.

r/BMWI4 ·3 upvotes ·2025-12-26

“Pirelli P Zero Tyres But if a rant. Brought my i4 edrive 40 about 14 months ago from a main dealer here in the UK. The front tyres (Hankook) had decent tread, obviously the rears did not, so the dealer swapped them for brand new Pirelli PZero (PZ4) tyres at the rear. Honest to god I have never driven tyres so dam trash in my life. Anything other than a perfect warm dry day, there is little to no grip and car struggles to put its power down. I assume the Zero in P Zero refers to the grip levels. Just wondered if anyone else had any experience with Pirelli’s? Read more”
Top themes
#rapid tread wear#cold and wet grip#run flat availability#comparison to Michelin#OEM tire lifespan#luxury versus sport variants

Based on 7 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/RZ34 ·1 upvote ·2026-10-08

“I got 30k miles out of the pilot sport 4s and pilot sport all season 4. The cost difference was not too bad and the all season 4 grip almost as well and are rated to 11f vs 40f for the pilot sport 4s. And they all wore evenly. Upsizing definitely made it feel more planted 245 275.”
r/CarTrackDays ·1 upvote ·2020-07-03

“The Pilot Sport 4's are great tires for dual duty use. You'll want to keep hot pressures below 37-38 PSI. Anything above that they get very greasy, very fast. In the cars I've driven with them (a few BMW M cars, a 911 I think if I remember), you'll usually set your best laps in the first 4-5 laps of a session depending on temps. Once they over heat heat, as with any street tire, you have to park them for an hour to get the temps down again (downside to steel radials). I'd also recommend Hankook RS4s if you want a more durable track tire. That's what I run. Very long lasting, but not as great in the wet as the PS4s would be. Road noise would also be an issue for street use.”
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 · Pirelli P Zero (PZ4) B · Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
CategorySummerSummer
Vehicle typePassenger Car / CrossoverPassenger Car / Crossover
Sizes available193110
Rim diameters17″ – 24″17″ – 22″

Which one should you actually buy?

Pirelli P Zero (PZ4)

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S

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

Pick tire B You want the longest tread life

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scores 71 vs 33 on treadwear.

Pick tire B You enjoy sharp, responsive handling

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scores 86 vs 69 on handling.

Pick tire B You want the most grip on dry roads

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scores 91 vs 81 on dry.

Pick tire B You want the most comfortable ride

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scores 75 vs 66 on comfort.

Tire A · Pirelli P Zero (PZ4)
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Tire B · Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
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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.

Community buzz from Reddit and forums is shown for context only — it never changes the score.

81

Leads

Pilot Sport 4 S

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