Comparison: Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs. Pirelli P ZERO PZ4 vs. Kumho Ecsta HS52

In our ongoing quest to bring you the most accurate and detailed tyre reviews possible, we're comparing the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 and the Pirelli P ZERO PZ4. Both fall under the ultra-ultra high performance (UUHP) category and are made for summer conditions.

The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 is the successor of the well-regarded Michelin Pilot Sport 4 and 3. It has been rated by us at 97%, an extremely high rating signifying excellent overall performance. It's worth noting in tests conducted by Autozeitung, Autobild, and ACE, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 demonstrated strengths in wet circle cornering, Aquaplaning (both cross and longitudinal), and wet braking, achieving respective positions of 5th, 6th, and 3rd out of total tyres in test.

On the other hand, the Pirelli P ZERO PZ4, with our rating of 85%, presents tough competition. Outshining the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 in the Autozeitung and Autobuild tests, it placed 4th and 3rd and was particularly noted for its dry lane changing, wet circle cornering, Aquaplaning (longitudinal), dry handling, and wet handling among others. In the ACE test, however, it landed 5th, two places behind the Michelin, with a commendation for its wet handling - objective.

In summary form, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 offers precise steering behavior and a great driving dynamic, good Aquaplaning reserves, and short wet and dry braking distances. On the flip side, it comes at a premium price. For the Pirelli P ZERO PZ4, it boasts excellent driving dynamics and short wet and dry braking distances but does have a limitation in terms of mileage and also falls on the pricier side.

Given the above data, it seems that the choice between these two might come down to a balance between budget and specific performance requirements. The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 scores higher in our rating and delivers an all-round performance especially notable in wet conditions. The Pirelli P ZERO PZ4, while somewhat lower in our rating, is highlighted for its excellent dry handling capacity and strong wet performances.

It is crucial to consider all these factors in relation to your individual driving conditions before choosing between the offerings from these renowned tyre manufacturers.