In this article we will be looking at independent tire test data, and real world driver reviews of the Bridgestone Potenza Sport and the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S to find out which tire is best for your own driving.
The good news is that both the Bridgestone Potenza Sport and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S are Max Performance Summer tires designed to be fitted to Passenger Cars, which means comparing the two tires is relatively simple.
Both tires are hugely popular in the market place with drivers, and both have been featured in independent tire tests.
Independent comparison tire tests are the best source of data to get tire information from, and the good news is there have been eight tests which compare both tires directly!
Out of these eight tests:
While it might look like the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S is better than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport purely based on the higher number of test wins, tires are very complicated objects which means where one tire is better than the other can be more important in real world use.
Let's look at how the two tires compare across multiple tire test categories.
Looking at data from eight tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was better during four dry braking tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S stopped the vehicle in 0.72% less distance than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport.
Best In Dry Braking: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
2021 Auto Bild UUHP Summer Tire Test 265/35 R20 |
✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:35.1M | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 35.5M |
2021 Sport Auto UHP Summer Tire Test 275/35 R19 |
✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:33.1M | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 33.3M |
2021 Auto Bild 19 inch Summer Tire Test 235/35 R19 |
Bridgestone Potenza Sport:34.7M | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 33.5M |
2021 Tire Reviews UHP Summer Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
Bridgestone Potenza Sport:33.4M | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 33.18M |
2022 Tire Reviews UUHP Summer Tire Test 255/35 R19 |
Bridgestone Potenza Sport:35.4M | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 33.73M |
2023 Sport Auto UHP Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
Bridgestone Potenza Sport:35.2M | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 33.9M |
2024 Sports Car Tire Test 295/30 R20 |
✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:37M | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 37.8M |
2024 EVO Summer Tire Test 235/35 R19 |
✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:32.1M | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 33.1M |
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during three dry handling [s] tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was 0.08% faster around a lap than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S.
Best In Dry Handling [s]: Bridgestone Potenza Sport
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
2021 Tire Reviews UHP Summer Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:94.34s | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 94.42s |
2022 Tire Reviews UUHP Summer Tire Test 255/35 R19 |
✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:52.37s | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 52.5s |
2024 EVO Summer Tire Test 235/35 R19 |
✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:101.2s | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 101.21s |
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during three dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was 0.38% faster around a lap than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
2021 Auto Bild UUHP Summer Tire Test 265/35 R20 |
Bridgestone Potenza Sport:98.2Km/H | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 100Km/H |
2021 Sport Auto UHP Summer Tire Test 275/35 R19 |
✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:129.3Km/H | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 129.2Km/H |
2021 Auto Bild 19 inch Summer Tire Test 235/35 R19 |
✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:119.7Km/H | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 118.4Km/H |
2023 Sport Auto UHP Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:101.1Km/H | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 100.6Km/H |
2024 Sports Car Tire Test 295/30 R20 |
Bridgestone Potenza Sport:107.7Km/H | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 109.9Km/H |
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during zero subj. dry handling tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport scored 0.73% more points than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S.
Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
See how the Subj. Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
2021 Sport Auto UHP Summer Tire Test 275/35 R19 |
Bridgestone Potenza Sport:10 Points | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 10 Points |
2024 EVO Summer Tire Test 235/35 R19 |
Bridgestone Potenza Sport:58 Points | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 58.5 Points |
Looking at data from eight tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was better during five wet braking tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S stopped the vehicle in 0.89% less distance than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport.
Best In Wet Braking: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
2021 Auto Bild UUHP Summer Tire Test 265/35 R20 |
✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:41.1M | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 43.3M |
2021 Sport Auto UHP Summer Tire Test 275/35 R19 |
Bridgestone Potenza Sport:34.3M | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 34.1M |
2021 Auto Bild 19 inch Summer Tire Test 235/35 R19 |
Bridgestone Potenza Sport:48.8M | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 45.5M |
2021 Tire Reviews UHP Summer Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:34.79M | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 35.52M |
2022 Tire Reviews UUHP Summer Tire Test 255/35 R19 |
Bridgestone Potenza Sport:53.41M | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 52.91M |
2023 Sport Auto UHP Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
Bridgestone Potenza Sport:25.4M | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 24.5M |
2024 Sports Car Tire Test 295/30 R20 |
✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:50.6M | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 53.4M |
2024 EVO Summer Tire Test 235/35 R19 |
Bridgestone Potenza Sport:35.1M | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 31.4M |
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during three wet handling [s] tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was 2.17% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S.
Best In Wet Handling [s]: Bridgestone Potenza Sport
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
2021 Tire Reviews UHP Summer Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:64.53s | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 65.23s |
2022 Tire Reviews UUHP Summer Tire Test 255/35 R19 |
✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:88.57s | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 91.11s |
2024 EVO Summer Tire Test 235/35 R19 |
✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:67.51s | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 69.17s |
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during four wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was 3.37% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Bridgestone Potenza Sport
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
2021 Auto Bild UUHP Summer Tire Test 265/35 R20 |
✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:85.5Km/H | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 79.6Km/H |
2021 Sport Auto UHP Summer Tire Test 275/35 R19 |
✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:72Km/H | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 69.7Km/H |
2021 Auto Bild 19 inch Summer Tire Test 235/35 R19 |
Bridgestone Potenza Sport:73.9Km/H | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 74Km/H |
2023 Sport Auto UHP Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:88.7Km/H | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 84.6Km/H |
2024 Sports Car Tire Test 295/30 R20 |
✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:77.8Km/H | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 76.6Km/H |
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during two subj. wet handling tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport scored 3.73% more points than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S.
Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Bridgestone Potenza Sport
See how the Subj. Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
2021 Sport Auto UHP Summer Tire Test 275/35 R19 |
✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:9 Points | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 7 Points |
2024 EVO Summer Tire Test 235/35 R19 |
✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:58 Points | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 57.5 Points |
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during one wet circle tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was 2.24% faster around a wet circle than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S.
Best In Wet Circle: Bridgestone Potenza Sport
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
2024 Sports Car Tire Test 295/30 R20 |
✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:10.89s | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 11.14s |
Looking at data from eight tire tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during four straight aqua tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport floated at a 0.3% higher speed than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S.
Best In Straight Aqua: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
2021 Auto Bild UUHP Summer Tire Test 265/35 R20 |
✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:74.6Km/H | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 72.7Km/H |
2021 Sport Auto UHP Summer Tire Test 275/35 R19 |
Bridgestone Potenza Sport:88.1Km/H | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 89.2Km/H |
2021 Auto Bild 19 inch Summer Tire Test 235/35 R19 |
✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:74Km/H | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 73.6Km/H |
2021 Tire Reviews UHP Summer Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
Bridgestone Potenza Sport:73.4Km/H | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 78.5Km/H |
2022 Tire Reviews UUHP Summer Tire Test 255/35 R19 |
Bridgestone Potenza Sport:86.87Km/H | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 88.1Km/H |
2023 Sport Auto UHP Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
Bridgestone Potenza Sport:79.3Km/H | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 80.6Km/H |
2024 Sports Car Tire Test 295/30 R20 |
✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:96.8Km/H | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 94.4Km/H |
2024 EVO Summer Tire Test 235/35 R19 |
✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:72.66Km/H | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 70.61Km/H |
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during two curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport slipped out at a 1.1% higher speed than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Bridgestone Potenza Sport
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
2021 Auto Bild 19 inch Summer Tire Test 235/35 R19 |
✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:2.72m/sec2 | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 2.34m/sec2 |
2021 Tire Reviews UHP Summer Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
Bridgestone Potenza Sport:1.93m/sec2 | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 2.18m/sec2 |
2022 Tire Reviews UUHP Summer Tire Test 255/35 R19 |
Bridgestone Potenza Sport:2.51m/sec2 | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 2.59m/sec2 |
2023 Sport Auto UHP Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
Bridgestone Potenza Sport:3.38m/sec2 | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 3.63m/sec2 |
2024 EVO Summer Tire Test 235/35 R19 |
✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:66.88m/sec2 | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 65.82m/sec2 |
Best In Subj. Comfort: Bridgestone Potenza Sport
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during zero subj. noise tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport scored 8.33% more points than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S.
Best In Subj. Noise: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
See how the Subj. Noise winner was calculated >>
2024 EVO Summer Tire Test 235/35 R19 |
Bridgestone Potenza Sport:22 Points | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 24 Points |
Looking at data from seven tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was better during five noise tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S measured 1.26% quieter than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport.
Best In Noise: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
2021 Auto Bild UUHP Summer Tire Test 265/35 R20 |
Bridgestone Potenza Sport:72.9dB | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 72dB |
2021 Sport Auto UHP Summer Tire Test 275/35 R19 |
Bridgestone Potenza Sport:73.1dB | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 72dB |
2021 Auto Bild 19 inch Summer Tire Test 235/35 R19 |
Bridgestone Potenza Sport:73.7dB | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 72.3dB |
2021 Tire Reviews UHP Summer Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:71.7dB | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 72.2dB |
2022 Tire Reviews UUHP Summer Tire Test 255/35 R19 |
Bridgestone Potenza Sport:74.4dB | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 73dB |
2023 Sport Auto UHP Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:71.6dB | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 72.1dB |
2024 Sports Car Tire Test 295/30 R20 |
Bridgestone Potenza Sport:73.8dB | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 71.2dB |
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during four price tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport cost 10.12% less than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S.
Best In Price: Bridgestone Potenza Sport
See how the Price winner was calculated >>
2021 Auto Bild UUHP Summer Tire Test 265/35 R20 |
✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:1055 | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 1130 |
2021 Sport Auto UHP Summer Tire Test 275/35 R19 |
Bridgestone Potenza Sport:267 | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 259 |
2021 Auto Bild 19 inch Summer Tire Test 235/35 R19 |
✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:630 | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 720 |
2021 Tire Reviews UHP Summer Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:78.2 | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 95.5 |
2023 Sport Auto UHP Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:114 | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 181 |
Looking at data from eight tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was better during seven rolling resistance tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S had a 7.17% lower rolling resistance than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
2021 Auto Bild UUHP Summer Tire Test 265/35 R20 |
Bridgestone Potenza Sport:9.15kg / t | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 8.88kg / t |
2021 Sport Auto UHP Summer Tire Test 275/35 R19 |
Bridgestone Potenza Sport:9.7kg / t | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 8.8kg / t |
2021 Auto Bild 19 inch Summer Tire Test 235/35 R19 |
Bridgestone Potenza Sport:9.57kg / t | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 8.87kg / t |
2021 Tire Reviews UHP Summer Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:9.47kg / t | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 9.67kg / t |
2022 Tire Reviews UUHP Summer Tire Test 255/35 R19 |
Bridgestone Potenza Sport:10.29kg / t | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 9.04kg / t |
2023 Sport Auto UHP Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
Bridgestone Potenza Sport:10.2kg / t | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 9.6kg / t |
2024 Sports Car Tire Test 295/30 R20 |
Bridgestone Potenza Sport:8.53kg / t | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 8.11kg / t |
2024 EVO Summer Tire Test 235/35 R19 |
Bridgestone Potenza Sport:10.04kg / t | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 8.5kg / t |
Tire Reviews also collects real world driver reviews for the Bridgestone Potenza Sport and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S.
In total the Bridgestone Potenza Sport has been reviewed 105 times and drivers have given the tire 81% overall.
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S has been reviewed 138 times and drivers have given the tire 86% overall.
This means in real world driving, people prefer the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S.
In conclusion the Bridgestone Potenza Sport performed better in dry handling [s], wet handling [s], wet handling [km/h], subj. wet handling, wet circle, curved aquaplaning and price, while the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S performed better in dry braking, dry handling [km/h], subj. dry handling, wet braking, straight aqua, subj. noise, noise and rolling resistance.
Which tire is best for you depends a lot on your driving style and situation, plus what you want from the tire. Comparing all the data in the tire reviews database, on balance Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S seems to be the best tire overall.
However, it's important to note that both tires have their strengths.
Remember, the best tire for you might depend on which of these factors are most important for your specific driving needs and conditions.
Overall Winner: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
Based on the tire test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S has demonstrated better overall performance in this comparison. However, as you can see from the spider diagram above, each tire has its own strengths which should be considered in your final tire buying choice.Looking for more tire comparisons? Here are other direct comparisons involving these tires:
This page has been developed using tire industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tires in the same test.
Why is this important? Tire testing is heavily affected by things like surface grip levels and surface temperature, which means you can only compare values from the same day. During a tire test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tire tests performed on different days or at different locations.
As a result you will see other tests on Tire Reviews which feature both the %s and %s, but as they weren't conducted on the same day, the results are not comparable.
Lots of other websites do this sort of tire comparison, Tire Reviews doesn't.