Drivers who demand precision, speed, and control often find themselves comparing the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S and the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02. Both tires promise thrilling performance on dry pavement, sharp cornering ability, and impressive handling under pressure, yet their differences set them apart for specific driving styles.
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S has earned a reputation for razor-sharp steering feedback and consistent grip, making it a favorite for enthusiasts chasing track-inspired performance on the streets.
On the other hand, the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 brings a fresh approach with advanced technology that balances sport handling with improved comfort and wet traction.
Each tire carries unique strengths, and the right choice depends on what a driver values most: refined precision or versatile all-around performance. Exploring their design, grip, tread life, and road behavior highlights exactly how these two ultra-high-performance giants stack up against each other.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S vs Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02
Performance tires play a huge role in how a car feels on the road. Acceleration, braking, cornering, and even ride comfort depend heavily on tire design.
Two of the most respected names in the max performance summer category are the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S and the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02.
Both target drivers who want more than just daily comfort. These are made for drivers who love control, speed, and confidence at the limit. Below, you’ll find a full breakdown of each tire, followed by a detailed comparison.
MICHELIN PILOT SPORT 4 S
Product Details
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Brand: Michelin
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Size: 265/35ZR18 97(Y) XL
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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 in
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Tire Diameter: 25.3 in
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Aspect Ratio: 35
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Load Index: 97
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Speed Rating: Y (up to 186 mph)
Features
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Dual-compound technology: softer rubber on the outer shoulders for dry grip, firmer rubber inside for wet stability.
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Large contact patch that adapts under load for improved traction.
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Silica-infused tread compound to increase wet braking and reduce hydroplaning.
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Rigid sidewall construction for steering precision at high speeds.
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OE fitment on exotic and high-performance cars, which shows strong trust from automakers.
What is the good?
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Dry grip: Among the best in its class. Car feels glued to the road during fast cornering.
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Wet braking: Independent tests show class-leading stopping distances.
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Steering feedback: Sharp and responsive, giving drivers a strong connection to the road.
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Comfort balance: Michelin worked to keep road noise and harshness low, rare for this type of tire.
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Versatility: Works on daily streets yet strong enough for occasional track days.
What is the bad?
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High cost: Premium pricing compared to most competitors.
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Shorter tread life: Even though it lasts longer than older Pilot models, spirited drivers may see faster wear.
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Not usable in cold: Performance drops sharply below 45°F and unsafe in snow.
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Track wear: Grip is amazing but heavy track use chews through tread quickly.
Overall Opinion
The Pilot Sport 4S is the gold standard of max-performance summer tires. It mixes world-class dry grip, confidence-inspiring wet braking, and a ride that’s not punishing.
Drivers pay more, but the performance justifies it. Ideal for sports cars, muscle cars, and luxury performance sedans.
Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02
Product Details
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Brand: Continental
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Size: 225/40ZR18
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Section Width: 225 mm
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Load Capacity: 1389 lbs
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Tread Depth: 10/32″
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Tread Type: Asymmetrical
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Maximum Pressure: 51 PSI
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Rim Width: 8 in
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Tire Diameter: 23.1 in
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Aspect Ratio: 40
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Load Index: 92
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Speed Rating: Y (up to 186 mph)
Features
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SportPlus Technology for handling, wet traction, and extended tread life.
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Stronger internal structure with reinforced steel belts for stability.
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Asymmetrical tread with wide grooves to channel water effectively.
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30,000-mile treadwear warranty—very rare in this tire class.
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Endorsed by ROUSH Performance and AMG Driving Academy for training high-performance driving.
What is the good?
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Excellent tread life: Can outlast Michelin by several thousand miles under similar driving.
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Wet and dry balance: Stops well in rain and delivers secure handling in dry.
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Value: Lower cost than Michelin in most sizes while still premium quality.
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Warranty: A safety net for those worried about wear.
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Confidence on highways: Straight-line stability is strong, even at high speeds.
What is the bad?
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Steering feel: Slightly slower response compared to Michelin. Enthusiasts may notice this at the limit.
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Comfort trade-off: Ride can feel firm on rough pavement, especially with low-profile sizes.
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Noise: Becomes louder as tread wears down.
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Track performance: Capable but not as consistent under repeated hard laps compared to Michelin.
Overall Opinion
The ExtremeContact Sport 02 is a smart choice for drivers who want performance plus durability. It doesn’t reach the razor-sharp feel of the Pilot Sport 4S, but it delivers strong all-around performance with better tread life and a lower price.
Detailed Comparison for Michelin Pilot Sport 4S vs Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02
Dry Grip and Cornering
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S leads here. Its outer tread compound bites hard into asphalt, giving supreme cornering stability. Continental is close, but Michelin holds slightly better at extreme speeds and angles.
Wet Performance
Both excel, but Michelin again edges ahead in wet braking distance. Continental offers strong resistance to hydroplaning thanks to wide channels, making it more confidence-inspiring in heavy rain.
Steering Response
Michelin feels sharper and more direct. Continental’s steering is accurate but a bit softer, making it better for drivers who want stability over razor precision.
Comfort and Noise
Michelin wins on comfort. Despite being a performance tire, it keeps road noise lower and ride smoother. Continental is firmer, which may bother those using it on rough daily roads.
Tread Life
Continental dominates this category. With a 30,000-mile warranty, it provides much longer life than Michelin. Michelin often wears faster, especially with aggressive driving.
Price
Continental is usually cheaper by 10–20% per tire. Over a full set, this can save hundreds. Michelin asks more, but it justifies the price with sharper grip and prestige.
Track Use
Michelin is better suited for track days. Continental works fine for spirited driving but overheats and wears faster under long, hard laps.
FAQs
Which tire is better for daily driving?
The Continental is better for daily use thanks to longer tread life and lower cost.
Which tire is better for sports cars?
Michelin is the choice for sports cars and exotic vehicles due to its precision handling and grip.
Are both safe in heavy rain?
Yes. Michelin brakes shorter, but Continental clears standing water very well.
Do either work in winter?
No. Both are summer tires and unsafe in snow or ice.
Which is quieter?
Michelin stays quieter for longer. Continental gets noisier as it wears.
Conclusion
Both the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S and the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 sit at the top of the performance summer tire category.
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Choose Michelin Pilot Sport 4S if you want the best grip, sharpest steering, and wet braking confidence. It’s the enthusiast’s tire, perfect for those who want track-level feel on the street.
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Choose Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 if you want excellent performance with longer tread life, a warranty, and a lower cost. It’s the practical performance choice.
The decision depends on your priorities. For ultimate performance, go Michelin. For value and longer-lasting use, go Continental.