Car enthusiasts often debate the differences between the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 and the Pilot Sport 4S, two of the most respected high-performance tires available today.
Both options deliver precision handling, responsive steering, and impressive traction, yet each carries its own strengths that cater to different driving needs. The Pilot Sport 4 is designed with daily performance in mind, offering a balance between spirited driving and comfort.
On the other hand, the Pilot Sport 4S raises the bar with technology borrowed from Michelin’s motorsport division, delivering enhanced grip and sharper performance at higher speeds. Drivers who enjoy weekend track sessions or push their cars to the limit on performance roads often lean toward the 4S.
Those who want everyday usability with sporty flair may find the Pilot Sport 4 a more practical choice. Exploring these differences helps drivers pick the perfect tire for their driving style.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 vs Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
Performance tires are not all the same. Some are designed for a balance between comfort and sporty handling. Others aim for maximum grip and speed, often at the cost of tread life. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 and the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S are two popular names in this category.
Both come from Michelin’s performance family, but they do not serve the same type of driver. One is tuned for daily spirited use, while the other leans closer to track and high-performance needs. Let’s break them down in detail.
MICHELIN Pilot Sport 4
Product Details
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Brand: Michelin
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Size: 245/40ZR18 XL 97Y
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Section Width: 245 mm
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Load Capacity: 1609 lbs
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Tread Depth: 10/32″
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Tread Type: Asymmetrical
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Maximum Pressure: 50 psi
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Rim Width: 9.5 inches
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Tire Diameter: 25.9 inches
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Rim Size: 18 inches
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Aspect Ratio: 40
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Load Index: 97
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Speed Rating: Y
Features
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 was created to offer sporty performance for everyday drivers. It is a max-performance summer tire, meaning it focuses on handling, grip, and braking in warm conditions.
Key highlights:
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Dynamic Response Technology: Uses a hybrid aramid and nylon belt under the tread. This improves steering precision and stability at higher speeds.
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Silica-Enriched Compound: The tread has a mix of silica and elastomers. This allows the tire to stay grippy in both dry and wet roads.
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Asymmetrical Pattern: The inner tread evacuates water to resist hydroplaning, while the outer tread holds wide shoulder blocks for cornering grip.
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Tread Depth Advantage: At 10/32″, it has more usable rubber than many summer performance tires. This translates to slightly longer tread life compared to the Pilot Sport 4S.
What is the Good?
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Strong grip on both wet and dry pavement.
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Longer tread life than the 4S, thanks to deeper grooves.
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Comfortable and quiet enough for daily driving.
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Very predictable handling, making it easy for less experienced drivers to enjoy spirited driving.
What is the Bad?
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Grip fades under extreme track conditions.
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Not as sharp in cornering as the 4S.
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Can feel softer for aggressive drivers who want more stiffness.
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Still limited to summer use — loses performance in cold weather.
Overall Opinion
The Pilot Sport 4 is the all-rounder of Michelin’s performance line. It balances sporty feedback with comfort, tread life, and everyday usability.
If you want a summer tire that performs well without being too harsh, this tire is an excellent choice.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
Product Details
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Brand: Michelin
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Size: 265/35ZR18 XL 97(Y)
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Section Width: 265 mm
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Load Capacity: 1609 lbs
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Tread Depth: 9.5/32″
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Tread Type: Asymmetrical
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Maximum Pressure: 50 psi
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Rim Width: 10.5 inches
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Tire Diameter: 25.3 inches
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Rim Size: 18 inches
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Aspect Ratio: 35
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Load Index: 97
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Speed Rating: Y
Features
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is one step above the Pilot Sport 4. It is an ultra-high-performance summer tire, often chosen as original equipment on supercars and high-performance sedans.
Key highlights:
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Bi-Compound Technology: Uses a softer outer tread for dry grip and a silica-rich inner tread for wet grip. This dual-zone design helps the 4S excel in both dry and wet conditions.
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Track-Inspired Design: Developed with input from Michelin’s racing programs, the 4S has stiffer sidewalls and better heat management.
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Shorter Braking Distances: Independent tests often place it at the top in wet braking, giving drivers more safety margin.
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Speed Endurance: Rated for extreme high speeds, it maintains grip and stability at conditions where the Pilot Sport 4 may start to fade.
What is the Good?
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Incredible grip in both dry and wet conditions.
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Excellent steering response with razor-sharp handling.
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Strong performance under repeated high-speed use.
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Trusted as OE on cars like Ferrari, Porsche, and BMW M-series.
What is the Bad?
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Shorter tread life compared to the Pilot Sport 4.
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Harsher ride — less forgiving on rough roads.
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Expensive, often among the priciest in its class.
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Like the PS4, unsuitable for winter use.
Overall Opinion
The Pilot Sport 4S is designed for enthusiasts who prioritize grip and precision over comfort and longevity. It is one of the best street-legal performance tires available, but it demands a higher budget and accepts quicker wear.
Detailed Comparison for Michelin Pilot Sport 4 vs 4S
The Pilot Sport 4 and Pilot Sport 4S may look similar at first, but they serve different goals.
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Grip: The 4S is superior. Its bi-compound design gives more traction in both wet and dry. The 4, while still strong, is less aggressive.
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Longevity: The Pilot Sport 4 lasts longer thanks to deeper tread and a slightly harder compound. The 4S sacrifices life for grip.
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Comfort: The Pilot Sport 4 rides smoother and quieter, making it more practical for daily driving. The 4S is firmer and more road-focused.
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Performance at the Limit: The 4S is more stable at high speeds and handles track sessions better. The 4 is not designed for repeated hard laps.
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Price: The 4S is usually more expensive, while the 4 offers better value for mixed-use drivers.
So, the choice comes down to purpose. Daily drivers who want sporty fun should lean toward the Pilot Sport 4. Drivers of high-performance cars, or those who push their tires hard, will benefit from the Pilot Sport 4S.
FAQs
Which one lasts longer?
The Pilot Sport 4 generally lasts longer due to deeper tread and less aggressive compound.
Is the 4S worth the extra price?
Yes, for drivers who want maximum grip and own performance cars. For average daily driving, the Pilot Sport 4 offers better balance.
Are they good for track days?
The Pilot Sport 4S can handle light track use, while the Pilot Sport 4 is better left to spirited street driving.
Can I use them in winter?
No. Both are summer tires. They lose grip in cold or snowy conditions.
Which one is more comfortable?
The Pilot Sport 4 rides smoother, while the 4S feels stiffer but sharper.
Conclusion
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 and Pilot Sport 4S share the same DNA but differ in focus. The Pilot Sport 4 is a versatile summer tire, blending sporty performance with comfort and longer tread life. It fits drivers who enjoy spirited driving without compromising daily usability.
The Pilot Sport 4S is the sharper tool. It delivers extreme grip, precise steering, and confidence at high speeds. It is best for enthusiasts, high-performance car owners, and anyone who values maximum control over comfort or cost.
Both are excellent, but the right choice depends on how you drive. Daily driver with sporty taste? Go with the Pilot Sport 4. Performance-focused driver with a powerful car? The Pilot Sport 4S is your tire.