Automotive Industry Trends: Discussion & Analysis

bimbeano · 2021-03-12T15:47:27Z

Explore the debate on high-performance tires for road cars with bimbeano's review of Michelin Pilot Sport 4S on a Megane RS. Get expert insights on tire choice.

bimbeano

WPS member · Automotive forum

33 replies6140 views4 photos

In a thought-provoking post, bimbeano challenges the conventional wisdom around high-performance tires for road cars, specifically the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S on his Megane RS. He delves into the perceived necessity versus the practical application of such advanced rubber, questioning whether the 'wow-factor' justifies the investment for everyday driving. His insights prompt a deeper look into tire selection beyond mere performance metrics.

Last week i fitted new tires to the Megane RS, Michelin Pilot Sport 4s 245/35/19.

Brandnew tires always give you that wow-feeling compared to the prvious tires you had.

They are soo much better ...... OFFCOURSE THEY ARE BETTER ! Your old tires were worn out and you were used to them like that.

Especially on this car it even makes a bigger difference as this car really starts to drive badly with half worn front tires.

Does it make sense ?

Yes it makes sense because you need new tires ...

No it doesn’t make sense because why the hell would anyone need high performance tires like these on a bloody road car ? Those who say they need don ‘t know how to drive, the sheer performance you can get out of these combined with a car like this ( imagine a Ferrari or a GT3 ffs) is just too much. Try to search for the limits on public roads ( atleast where i live) will either kill you or killing someone else ... if not you will definitively end up in jail spending the rest of your life.

So how much sense does it make ?

Well, at ‘moderate’ speeds, which by the way could still make you end up in jail, these tires do give you a better feeling and precision than the original Bridgestones that came with this car. I’m also pretty sure they will last a lot longer and will even perform pretty good when they are over 70% worn out.

After the original Bridgestones i fitted Continental Sportcontact 6 which were a fabulous improvement, pretty close to the Michelins, far away and thus better from the Bridgestones.

These Michelins don’t come cheap but atthe same level of the Conti’s, i guess 19 inch sports tires will never be cheap anyway.

At least the beer is free and since we still have this lockdown thing going on I regularly stop over 😜.

Moral of the story?

Just buy the brand you think will suit you best !

It’s all in the head!

If you can’t decide just ask your shrink 😁. I’m pretty sure he’ll go for the Michelins.

Bim

Key Points from the Discussion

Michelin tires, particularly the Pilot Sport 4S, offer an excellent balance of lifespan, grip, performance, low noise, and comfort, making them a strong overall package for various driving needs.
High-performance tires like the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S may be considered a waste of money for street use by some, as their full potential cannot be safely or legally reached, and their lower profile (e.g., 35 series) makes them more susceptible to damage from potholes.
While some R-compound tires like the Bridgestone RE-11 were highly regarded, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S might not always be a superior choice for every car setup, especially those with aftermarket suspensions like KW V3.
The climate, particularly cold and wet conditions, can significantly impact the usability and performance of ultra-high-performance tires, making some track-focused options like Toyo R-888 or slicks impractical for public roads.
Michelin, Continental, and Goodyear are consistently ranked among the top tire brands, offering reliable performance across a wide range of vehicles from everyday cars to high-performance sports cars.
New 'Electric Vehicle' specific tires are emerging, focusing on efficiency and low noise to cater to the unique demands of EVs, which are more sensitive to rolling resistance and tire noise.

The Discussion

Cpt Scarlet

Mar 12, 2021

The Michelin has a stiffer construction than the other two giving significant handling gains when going for it 👍

India Whiskey Charlie

Mar 12, 2021

Previously, I ran R-compound tires Bridgestone RE-11 (now discontinued) which were great but I let someone convince me that the PS4S is superior. Big mistake! But, that is on my car which is riding on KW V3 suspension and your mileage may vary.

jerry6

Mar 12, 2021

on he street it is a waste of money they wear quickly and you can never get near the potential of the tires on the street . iut's for the all show no go crowd . plus i never go less than 50 or 55 series they tend to break wheels on the road those 35 series tires and lower . they don't like potholes . i see about 30 brokem wheels every summer , guess those mercedes and BMW guys can afford it

LiftAngle51

Mar 12, 2021

I drove a lot with Michelins, which where tough. Bought two winter Continentals which does delete snow in front, and i end up with 4 Good years which upgrade the driving experience. My favorite three which i will put on any car from Toyota, BMW, Porsche, Nissan, Mercedes, Hyundai, Audi, Peugeot, Honda, Alfa Romeo, Skoda, Polestar, etc etc Michelin Continental GoodYear

patrick_y

Mar 12, 2021

But with so little driving... It's going to take a while before the tires get worn out!

bimbeano

Mar 13, 2021

18 inch is base but most take the optional 19 inch.

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Automotive Industry Trends: Discussion & Analysis

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