Michelin Pilot Sport 4S or Pilot Sport 5?

G

Gooner

Member
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447
I’m looking for helping choosing between these tyres for my 2002 Spyder. Ordinarily the 4S would be a straightforward choice for me. I’m replacing all 4 tyres.

However, the PS4S is not made in the 265/35r18 size that I need on the rear axle of my Spyder. My choice therefore is between PS4S @ 275/35r18s or PS5 in the correct 265/35r18. The fronts need 235/40r18 which are available in both.

I’m still inclining towards the 4S and living with the 1% increase in radius. Anyone else tried this configuration? I believe the 5 to have less compliant sidewalls so giving a slightly harsher ride? Anyone able to compare the two?

As always, I appreciate the help and comments.
 
zagatoes30

zagatoes30

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20,945
If you are happy with the 4S I would have thought the slight increase in the rear is not worth worrying about, go for what you feel comfortable with
 
S

soprano

Junior Member
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60
I am running PS4S all around on my GT and very happy with them.

One other thing to think about, and this is anecdotal - but I also run a Jaguar XF which had PS4S all around. I have trashed 3 of the 4 over this winter through pothole damage (bulges in side wall). I am not sure if that is because the roads are particularly bad this year, or the sidewalls are softer. That is after years of running various Michelin typres (PSS, 4, PS4S) and never having suffered sidewall damage like that. I have switched to PS5 recently and the ride isn't quite as good, but I am hoping for better longevity!
 
DLax69

DLax69

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4,297
Have PS4 on the Spyder with 18" wheels and PS5 on the Coupe with 19" wheels, so not apples to apples. But the sidewall definitely seems stiffer with the 5s...I accidentally hit a pothole (at 5mph) that I usually avoid (but have had to hit, as the only way around is into oncoming traffic) and I thought I had cracked the rim!
 
c4sman

c4sman

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1,260
soprano said:
I am running PS4S all around on my GT and very happy with them.

One other thing to think about, and this is anecdotal - but I also run a Jaguar XF which had PS4S all around. I have trashed 3 of the 4 over this winter through pothole damage (bulges in side wall). I am not sure if that is because the roads are particularly bad this year, or the sidewalls are softer. That is after years of running various Michelin typres (PSS, 4, PS4S) and never having suffered sidewall damage like that. I have switched to PS5 recently and the ride isn't quite as good, but I am hoping for better longevity!
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Surprised the PS5s are giving you a worse ride as they are meant to be a more comfortable tyre than the PS4S I thought. We have two almost identical cars, one on PS4S and the other on PS5s (golf GTI and Seat Leon Cupra) but cannot comment on back to back comparison unfortunately as one has 19 inch wheels and adaptive suspension and the other has passive suspension and 18 inch wheels. Both grip well in all conditions on the road however!
 
Doohickey

Doohickey

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2,497
I had the opposite problem in that I couldn't get PS4S for the fronts so went with PS5 but PS4S on the rears. Can't say I've noticed any issues with ride quality and the grip is good. The car had PZeros on before so anything was an improvement!
 
urquattrogus

urquattrogus

Member
Messages
857
I wouldn't discount the Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport, great tyre that runs the 4S exceptionally close or better in some areas in the tests, better turn in than the 4S and cheaper too.

Had some on my Quadrifoglio and found them to be great on road and track.
 
zagatoes30

zagatoes30

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20,945
urquattrogus said:
I wouldn't discount the Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport, great tyre that runs the 4S exceptionally close or better in some areas in the tests, better turn in than the 4S and cheaper too.

Had some on my Quadrifoglio and found them to be great on road and track.
Click to expand...
I have always been a Eagle F1 fan and personally always buy over Michelin if available
 
G

Gooner

Member
Messages
447
Brillant responses, and so quick, thanks everyone. I was hoping the 4S would be OK and I think that’s what I will go for. Good to hear some other options as well, thanks.

I’ll give a running report in a few weeks once they are fitted.
 
G

Gooner

Member
Messages
447
DLax69 said:
Have PS4 on the Spyder with 18" wheels and PS5 on the Coupe with 19" wheels, so not apples to apples. But the sidewall definitely seems stiffer with the 5s...I accidentally hit a pothole (at 5mph) that I usually avoid (but have had to hit, as the only way around is into oncoming traffic) and I thought I had cracked the rim!
Click to expand...

With the chassis of my 2002 Spyder, a pothole is as likely to crack the windscreen as damage a wheel
 
G

Gooner

Member
Messages
447
P R said:
Just put a set of Conti Sport Contact 7s on mine, and they are brilliant (so far). They seem to beat the Michelins on the tests Ive read..
toptirereview.com

A new start: Continental Sport Contact 7 vs Michelin Pilot Sport 4S

In depth review on Continental Sport Contact 7 vs Michelin Pilot Sport 4S covering key performance such as wet/dry braking & also noise/comfort
toptirereview.com toptirereview.com
Click to expand...

They look good overall but I’m biased towards a more compliant sidewall which is why I prefer the Michelins.
 
Gazcw

Gazcw

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7,782
You might be lucky and find some. Not sure what the stock situation is like now but last year it was 'difficult'
 
drellis

drellis

Member
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808
I also loved contisport contacts on my cayenne turbo, masses of grip and quite progressive when let go
 
allandwf

allandwf

Member
Messages
10,995
I'm waiting on Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2s for the Assetto Corsa, 12 day delivery I was told but almost three weeks now.
 
c4sman

c4sman

Member
Messages
1,260
Only problem I’ve had with conti sport contacts was they seemed to wear a lot quicker than Michelin. Had them on a e93 M3. Handling, grip and ride were all good however
 
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