Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs Pirelli P Zero PZ4

In this article we will be looking at independent tyre test data, and real world driver reviews of the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 and the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 to find out which tyre is best for your own driving.

The good news is that both the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 and Pirelli P Zero PZ4 are Max Performance Summer tyres designed to be fitted to Passenger Cars, which means comparing the two tyres is relatively simple.

Both tyres are hugely popular in the market place with drivers, and both have been featured in independent tyre tests.

In This Article
Test Results Driver Reviews Conclusion Similar Comparisons
Pilot-Sport-5 VS P-Zero-PZ4

Test Results

Independent comparison tyre tests are the best source of data to get tyre information from, and the good news is there have been seven tests which compare both tyres directly!

Out of these seven tests:

  • Michelin Pilot Sport 5 finished ahead of the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 in four of the tests
  • Pirelli P Zero PZ4 finished ahead of the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 in two of the tests
  • The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 and Pirelli P Zero PZ4 drew in one of the tests

While it might look like the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 is better than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 purely based on the higher number of test wins, tyres are very complicated objects which means where one tyre is better than the other can be more important in real world use.

Let's look at how the two tyres compare across multiple tyre test categories.

Dry Braking

Looking at data from seven tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during four dry braking tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 stopped the vehicle in 1% less distance than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.

Michelin Pilot Sport 5
33.7M
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
34.04M
Dry braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Dry Braking: Michelin Pilot Sport 5

2023 Summer Tyre Market Overview
225/45 R18		 Michelin Pilot Sport 5:34.1M ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 34M
2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 Michelin Pilot Sport 5:34.7M ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 34.5M
2023 AZ UHP Summer Tyre Test
235/35 R19		 ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:32.5M Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 32.7M
2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tyre Test
225/45 R18		 Michelin Pilot Sport 5:34.1M ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 34M
2025 Summer Tyre Test Shootout
225/40 R18		 ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:33.5M Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 34.6M
2025 AZ Summer Tyre Test
225/45 R18		 ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:33.5M Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 33.9M
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:33.5M Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 34.6M

Dry Handling [s]

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during one dry handling [s] tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was 0.06% faster around a lap than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.

Michelin Pilot Sport 5
84.85s
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
84.8s
Dry handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Dry Handling [s]: Pirelli P Zero PZ4

2023 AZ UHP Summer Tyre Test
235/35 R19		 Michelin Pilot Sport 5:100.1s Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 100.1s
2025 AZ Summer Tyre Test
225/45 R18		 Michelin Pilot Sport 5:69.6s ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 69.5s

Dry Handling [Km/H]

Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during two dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was 0.67% faster around a lap than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.

Michelin Pilot Sport 5
118.07Km/H
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
118.87Km/H
Dry Handling Average Speed, higher is better

Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Pirelli P Zero PZ4

2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 Michelin Pilot Sport 5:114.6Km/H ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 115.1Km/H
2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tyre Test
225/45 R18		 Michelin Pilot Sport 5:119.1Km/H ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 121.3Km/H
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:120.5Km/H Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 120.2Km/H

Wet Braking

Looking at data from seven tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during four wet braking tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 stopped the vehicle in 4.34% less distance than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.

Michelin Pilot Sport 5
37.27M
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
38.96M
Wet braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Wet Braking: Michelin Pilot Sport 5

2023 Summer Tyre Market Overview
225/45 R18		 Michelin Pilot Sport 5:26M ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 24.9M
2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:39.1M Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 41.3M
2023 AZ UHP Summer Tyre Test
235/35 R19		 Michelin Pilot Sport 5:39.9M ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 39.6M
2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tyre Test
225/45 R18		 Michelin Pilot Sport 5:40.6M ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 38.9M
2025 Summer Tyre Test Shootout
225/40 R18		 ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:27.7M Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 32.3M
2025 AZ Summer Tyre Test
225/45 R18		 ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:44.4M Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 45.2M
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:43.2M Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 50.5M

Wet Handling [s]

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during two wet handling [s] tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was 1.3% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.

Michelin Pilot Sport 5
69.35s
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
68.45s
Wet handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Wet Handling [s]: Pirelli P Zero PZ4

2023 AZ UHP Summer Tyre Test
235/35 R19		 Michelin Pilot Sport 5:67.9s ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 66.7s
2025 AZ Summer Tyre Test
225/45 R18		 Michelin Pilot Sport 5:70.8s ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 70.2s

Wet Handling [Km/H]

Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during two wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was 0.59% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.

Michelin Pilot Sport 5
77.87Km/H
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
78.33Km/H
Wet Handling Average Speed, higher is better

Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Pirelli P Zero PZ4

2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 Michelin Pilot Sport 5:84.8Km/H ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 85.2Km/H
2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tyre Test
225/45 R18		 Michelin Pilot Sport 5:75.5Km/H ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 77.2Km/H
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:73.3Km/H Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 72.6Km/H

Wet Circle

Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during three wet circle tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was 0.24% faster around a wet circle than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.

Michelin Pilot Sport 5
12.67s
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
12.64s
Wet Circle Lap Time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Wet Circle: Pirelli P Zero PZ4

2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 Michelin Pilot Sport 5:11.13s ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 11.05s
2023 AZ UHP Summer Tyre Test
235/35 R19		 Michelin Pilot Sport 5:13.52s ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 13.41s
2025 AZ Summer Tyre Test
225/45 R18		 Michelin Pilot Sport 5:11.2s ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 11.18s
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:14.83s Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 14.91s

Straight Aqua

Looking at data from five tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during four straight aqua tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 floated at a 0.67% higher speed than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.

Michelin Pilot Sport 5
83.38Km/H
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
82.82Km/H
Float Speed in Km/H, higher is better

Best In Straight Aqua: Michelin Pilot Sport 5

2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:77.9Km/H Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 77.5Km/H
2023 AZ UHP Summer Tyre Test
235/35 R19		 Michelin Pilot Sport 5:77.1Km/H ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 79.3Km/H
2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tyre Test
225/45 R18		 ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:105.7Km/H Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 104.4Km/H
2025 AZ Summer Tyre Test
225/45 R18		 ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:75.7Km/H Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 73Km/H
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:80.5Km/H Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 79.9Km/H

Curved Aquaplaning

Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during three curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 slipped out at a 5.07% higher speed than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.

Michelin Pilot Sport 5
3.35m/sec2
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
3.18m/sec2
Remaining lateral acceleration, higher is better

Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Michelin Pilot Sport 5

2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:2.96m/sec2 Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 2.75m/sec2
2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tyre Test
225/45 R18		 ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:3.83m/sec2 Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 3.8m/sec2
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:3.25m/sec2 Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 2.99m/sec2

Subj. Comfort

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during one subj. comfort tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 scored 8.33% more points than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.

Michelin Pilot Sport 5
6 Points
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
5.5 Points
Subjective Comfort Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Comfort: Michelin Pilot Sport 5

2025 AZ Summer Tyre Test
225/45 R18		 ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:7 Points Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 6 Points
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 Michelin Pilot Sport 5:5 Points Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 5 Points

Noise

Looking at data from five tyre tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during five noise tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 measured 1.61% quieter than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.

Michelin Pilot Sport 5
71.88dB
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
70.72dB
External noise in dB, lower is better

Best In Noise: Pirelli P Zero PZ4

2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 Michelin Pilot Sport 5:68.3dB ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 66.9dB
2023 AZ UHP Summer Tyre Test
235/35 R19		 Michelin Pilot Sport 5:72dB ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 70dB
2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tyre Test
225/45 R18		 Michelin Pilot Sport 5:73.8dB ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 73.7dB
2025 AZ Summer Tyre Test
225/45 R18		 Michelin Pilot Sport 5:71dB ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 69dB
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 Michelin Pilot Sport 5:74.3dB ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 74dB

Wear

Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during three wear tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 is predicted to cover 38.85% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.

Michelin Pilot Sport 5
50923.33KM
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
31140KM
Predicted tread life in KM, higher is better

Best In Wear: Michelin Pilot Sport 5

2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tyre Test
225/45 R18		 ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:55600KM Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 32800KM
2025 AZ Summer Tyre Test
225/45 R18		 ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:45000KM Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 32500KM
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:52170KM Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 28120KM

Value

Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during three value tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 proved to have a 33.26% better value based on price/1000km than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.

Michelin Pilot Sport 5
12.64Price/1000
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
18.94Price/1000
Euros/1000km based on cost/wear, lower is better

Best In Value: Michelin Pilot Sport 5

2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tyre Test
225/45 R18		 ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:12.5Price/1000 Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 19.51Price/1000
2025 AZ Summer Tyre Test
225/45 R18		 ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:16.67Price/1000 Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 21.38Price/1000
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:8.74Price/1000 Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 15.93Price/1000

Price

Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during three price tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 cost 9.9% less than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.

Michelin Pilot Sport 5
673.33
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
606.67
Price in local currency, lower is better

Best In Price: Pirelli P Zero PZ4

2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 Michelin Pilot Sport 5:500 ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 435
2023 AZ UHP Summer Tyre Test
235/35 R19		 Michelin Pilot Sport 5:825 ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 745
2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tyre Test
225/45 R18		 Michelin Pilot Sport 5:695 ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 640

Rolling Resistance

Looking at data from five tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during three rolling resistance tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 had a 4.99% lower rolling resistance than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.

Michelin Pilot Sport 5
8.57kg / t
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
9.02kg / t
Rolling resistance in kg t, lower is better

Best In Rolling Resistance: Michelin Pilot Sport 5

2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:8.62kg / t Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 9.83kg / t
2023 AZ UHP Summer Tyre Test
235/35 R19		 ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:8.37kg / t Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 9.46kg / t
2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tyre Test
225/45 R18		 ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:8.09kg / t Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 8.33kg / t
2025 AZ Summer Tyre Test
225/45 R18		 Michelin Pilot Sport 5:8.85kg / t ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 8.6kg / t
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 Michelin Pilot Sport 5:8.94kg / t ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 8.88kg / t

Abrasion

Michelin Pilot Sport 5
0.09mm/1000km
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
0.15mm/1000km
Millimetre of tread lost per 1000km driven, higher is better

Best In Abrasion: Michelin Pilot Sport 5

Real World Driver Reviews

Tyre Reviews also collects real world driver reviews for the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 and Pirelli P Zero PZ4.

In total the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 has been reviewed 74 times and drivers have given the tyre 85% overall.

The Pirelli P Zero PZ4 has been reviewed 74 times and drivers have given the tyre 74% overall.

This means in real world driving, people prefer the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.

Best Review for the Michelin Pilot Sport 5
Given 89% 225/40 R18 on mostly country roads for 2,000 spirited miles
I've bought the new Michelin Pilot Sport 5 for my Golf R as I previously had the Pilot Sport 4 tyres. What a fantastic difference these new tyre are. Theres far less noise, the grip in the wet is better and the dry grip is almost the same if not better as well. I would definitely be buying these again.
Helpful 528 - tyre reviewed on January 12, 2022
View all Michelin Pilot Sport 5 driver reviews >>
Best Review for the Pirelli P Zero PZ4
225/40 R18 W on for 0 miles
Really good !
Replace very very good Yokohama V105 one year old.
To try them out.
First-class comfort (top) + rolling silence
A little above the Yoko on the dry,
In the rain, they are incredible ! Well above all that I have tried :
Dunlop RT, PS3, Yoko V105, Hankook V12 K110.
No idea about wear again ... The +:
- Braking (this is a big highlight)
- Motricity
- Handling
They are equipped with protections of the rims although the option is not specified (in France).
The sides are stiffer than the PS3 for... Continue reading this review using the link below
Helpful 364 - tyre reviewed on June 27, 2017
View all Pirelli P Zero PZ4 driver reviews >>

Conclusion

In conclusion the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 performed better in dry braking, wet braking, straight aqua, curved aquaplaning, subj. comfort, wear, value and rolling resistance, while the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 performed better in dry handling [s], dry handling [km/h], wet handling [s], wet handling [km/h], wet circle, noise and price.

Which tyre is best for you depends a lot on your driving style and situation, plus what you want from the tyre. Comparing all the data in the tyre reviews database, on balance Michelin Pilot Sport 5 seems to be the best tyre overall.

However, it's important to note that both tyres have their strengths.

Remember, the best tyre for you might depend on which of these factors are most important for your specific driving needs and conditions.

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

Overall Winner: Michelin Pilot Sport 5

Based on the tyre test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 has demonstrated better overall performance in this comparison. However, as you can see from the spider diagram above, each tyre has its own strengths which should be considered in your final tyre buying choice.

Similar Comparisons

Looking for more tyre comparisons? Here are other direct comparisons involving these tyres:

Michelin Pilot Sport 5
VS
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Michelin Pilot Sport 5 VS Nexen N Fera Sport SU2
Michelin Pilot Sport 5
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Pirelli P Zero PZ4
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Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
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Pirelli P Zero PZ4
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Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
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Michelin Pilot Sport 5
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Michelin Pilot Sport 5 VS Vredestein Ultrac Pro
Firestone Firehawk Sport
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Firestone Firehawk Sport VS Michelin Pilot Sport 5
Michelin Pilot Sport 5
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Michelin Pilot Sport 5 VS Yokohama Advan Sport V107
Bridgestone Potenza Sport
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Bridgestone Potenza Sport VS Michelin Pilot Sport 5
Falken Azenis FK520
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Falken Azenis FK520 VS Pirelli P Zero PZ4
Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport
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Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport VS Pirelli P Zero PZ4
Continental SportContact 7
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Continental SportContact 7 VS Pirelli P Zero PZ4
Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3
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Michelin Pilot Sport 5
Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 VS Michelin Pilot Sport 5
Continental SportContact 7
VS
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Continental SportContact 7 VS Michelin Pilot Sport 5
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
VS
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S VS Pirelli P Zero PZ4
Bridgestone Potenza Sport
VS
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
Bridgestone Potenza Sport VS Pirelli P Zero PZ4
Falken Azenis FK520
VS
Michelin Pilot Sport 5
Falken Azenis FK520 VS Michelin Pilot Sport 5
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
VS
Michelin Pilot Sport 5
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 VS Michelin Pilot Sport 5
Continental PremiumContact 7
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Michelin Pilot Sport 5
Continental PremiumContact 7 VS Michelin Pilot Sport 5

Footnote

This page has been developed using tyre industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tyres in the same test.

Why is this important? Tyre 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 tyre test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tyre tests performed on different days or at different locations.

As a result you will see other tests on Tyre 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 tyre comparison, Tyre Reviews doesn't.