Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S vs Vredestein Ultrac Pro
Across six shared professional tests in multiple sizes (235-295 section widths, 19-20 inch fitments), the pattern is consistent: Michelin tends to own the core sporty metrics (dry braking and dry handling), while Vredestein repeatedly trades back with stronger aquaplaning safety reserves, lower noise and better comfort, and often a sharper price-to-performance story. The interesting part is that in several tests the lap-time gaps are small-but the “how” (balance, breakaway, and wet confidence) can feel very different depending on your priorities.
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 six tests which compare both tyres directly!
| Tyre | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S | four | |
| Vredestein Ultrac Pro | two |
While it might look like the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S is better than the Vredestein Ultrac Pro 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.
Key Strengths
- Consistently stronger dry performance: wins dry braking and dry handling in 5/6 shared results, with multiple 3-7% braking advantages (e.g., 33.0 m vs 35.2 m in Autobild 2025)
- More precise, sporty steering/feedback profile in professional notes; often described as exceptionally balanced and controllable at the limit
- Competitive wet capability overall: splits wet braking and wet handling 3-3 across the dataset and can be class-leading in some tests (e.g., EVO 2024 wet braking 31.4 m vs 32.3 m)
- Typically lower rolling resistance across tests (wins 4 categories), supporting efficiency without fully sacrificing performance
- Better aquaplaning safety reserves: wins straight aquaplaning in 4 comparisons and curved aquaplaning in 3 where measured (including a large +16% curved advantage in one test)
- Refinement advantage: repeatedly quieter (wins noise 4 times; as low as 70.5-70.9 dB vs Michelin typically higher) with better comfort scores where reported
- Strong wet performance consistency in several tests, including wins in wet braking and wet handling in key datasets (e.g., Autobild 2026 wet handling 73.3 vs 71.2 km/h and wet circle 13.3 vs 14.3 s)
- Better value proposition in the provided contexts (e.g., ~€740-€760 per set cited) while staying close to premium-category pace
Dry Braking
Looking at data from six tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was better during five dry braking tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S stopped the vehicle in 3.33% less distance than the Vredestein Ultrac Pro.
Best In Dry Braking: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [s]
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was better during one dry handling [s] tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was 0.52% faster around a lap than the Vredestein Ultrac Pro.
Best In Dry Handling [s]: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was better during four dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was 1.56% faster around a lap than the Vredestein Ultrac Pro.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Dry Circle
Best In Dry Circle: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
See how the Dry Circle winner was calculated >>
Subj. Road Score
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Vredestein Ultrac Pro was better during one subj. road score tests. On average the Vredestein Ultrac Pro scored 6.6% more points than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S.
Best In Subj. Road Score: Vredestein Ultrac Pro
See how the Subj. Road Score winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from six tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was better during three wet braking tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S stopped the vehicle in 1.22% less distance than the Vredestein Ultrac Pro.
Best In Wet Braking: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [s]
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was better during two wet handling [s] tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was 1.26% faster around a wet lap than the Vredestein Ultrac Pro.
Best In Wet Handling [s]: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Vredestein Ultrac Pro was better during three wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Vredestein Ultrac Pro was 0.42% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Vredestein Ultrac Pro
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Wet Handling
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was better during one subj. wet handling tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scored 0.68% more points than the Vredestein Ultrac Pro.
Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
See how the Subj. Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Circle
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was better during one wet circle tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S had 2.35% higher lateral wet grip than the Vredestein Ultrac Pro.
Best In Wet Circle: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from five tyre tests, the Vredestein Ultrac Pro was better during four straight aqua tests. On average the Vredestein Ultrac Pro floated at a 2.08% higher speed than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S.
Best In Straight Aqua: Vredestein Ultrac Pro
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Vredestein Ultrac Pro was better during three curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Vredestein Ultrac Pro slipped out at a 1.17% higher speed than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Vredestein Ultrac Pro
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
Subj. Comfort
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Vredestein Ultrac Pro was better during two subj. comfort tests. On average the Vredestein Ultrac Pro scored 10.63% more points than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S.
Best In Subj. Comfort: Vredestein Ultrac Pro
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
Subj. Noise
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was better during one subj. noise tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scored 2.08% more points than the Vredestein Ultrac Pro.
Best In Subj. Noise: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
See how the Subj. Noise winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Vredestein Ultrac Pro was better during four noise tests. On average the Vredestein Ultrac Pro measured 1.71% quieter than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S.
Best In Noise: Vredestein Ultrac Pro
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from five tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was better during four rolling resistance tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S had a 3.28% lower rolling resistance than the Vredestein Ultrac Pro.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S Driver Reviews
Across the reviews, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S is most often described as a top-tier UHP summer tyre with standout dry and wet grip, strong braking, and high confidence at speed. Many drivers also report surprisingly good comfort for the category and, in higher-scoring reviews, better-than-expected tread life. The most consistent drawbacks are high price and a recurring complaint of softer sidewalls leading to less sharp turn-in/steering feel for some vehicles and driving styles; several also note higher noise on coarse surfaces or as the tyre ages. As expected for a max-performance summer tyre, multiple reviewers warn it is unsafe in snow/ice.
Based on 156 reviews with an average rating of 85%
Vredestein Ultrac Pro Driver Reviews
Drivers largely praise the Vredestein Ultrac Pro for strong dry and wet grip, confident handling, and notably good ride comfort, with several noting premium feel and value. High-scoring reviews highlight short braking distances, stability, and decent wear for aggressive or heavy vehicles. A minority report concerns include poor performance in very cold (sub-5°C) conditions and one case of premature wear/delamination. Overall, the Ultrac Pro delivers balanced performance with comfort-focused tuning and attractive design.
Based on 6 reviews with an average rating of 81%
Conclusion
The Vredestein Ultrac Pro makes its strongest case as the more liveable, confidence-in-standing-water alternative that doesn't give up too much performance for normal fast-road use. It wins straight aquaplaning in 4 of the shared comparisons and also takes curved aquaplaning where measured (e.g., +16.2% in curved aquaplaning in the 245/35 R19 test). Add its recurring advantages in noise and comfort (often ~1-2 dB quieter; plus higher comfort scores), and it becomes the smarter daily-driver performance tyre-especially when pricing is meaningfully lower (e.g., ~€740-€760 per set vs ~€1020 cited in Autobild 2026).
Practical takeaway: if you'll actually use the tyre's dry grip (spirited mountain runs, high-performance cars driven hard, occasional track days), the Michelin's braking/handling edge is the difference you feel most. If you drive fast in real weather, value refinement, and want extra aquaplaning margin with strong comfort and lower cabin noise, the Vredestein is the more well-rounded road choice and typically the better buy.
Key Differences
- Dry braking: Michelin is the clear trend leader (wins 5/6); Vredestein only leads in Autobild 2026 (35.0 m vs 36.3 m)
- Dry handling: Michelin more often faster, but margins can be small; Vredestein can match on a lap-time basis (EVO 2024 dry handling essentially tied at ~101.2 s)
- Aquaplaning: Vredestein is more consistently secure in standing water (straight aquaplaning wins 4-1; also leads curved aquaplaning in the tests that include it)
- Refinement: Vredestein is usually quieter and more comfortable (noise wins 4 times; comfort wins where measured), making it feel more 'premium daily'
- Efficiency: Michelin more often posts lower rolling resistance (4 wins), though Vredestein can also be competitive and is sometimes highlighted for low rolling resistance in qualitative notes
- Value/price-to-performance: Michelin is repeatedly flagged as expensive in the provided reporting (e.g., ~€1020/set in Autobild 2026), while Vredestein is positioned as the better-value premium alternative (~€740-€760/set)
Overall Winner: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
Based on the tyre 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 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:
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.
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