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So seems some members and on other groups members say that the Michelins are the tyre to have on, seems the Pirelli P Zeros are not great in some conditions especially in the cold and wet. They came as standard on my F Type , luckily no issues yet, Is there that big a difference in the two tyres, they look very similar in thread pattern although the P Zeros have more of cut grooves in the tyre treads. The first pic is the P Zero , pic2 the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
Pic1
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
There is a big difference between Pzero and MP4S. Looking at thread pattern isn't meaningful, as modern tire performance characteristics are determined by rubber compounds used in different layers, internal construction and so on.
Noise and comfort much better on Michelins. We have Pirelli All Season Pzero on our Maserati and they are still hard and noisy, not as bad as summer but still typical!
The thing I've never completely understood is that the P-Zero has a much lower tread wear rating that the Michelin, which would indicate a softer tread compound, right? Just doesn't seem the MP-4S would be a stickier and therefore better handling tire. What am I missing here?
Would anyone have any idea why these aren't offered in 18"?
I would guess it is because the MPS4S are ultra high performance tyres aimed at manufacturers and owners of high end performance vehicles and almost all of those run 19" rims at a minimum, so just not a big enough market in the 18" size.
The thing I've never completely understood is that the P-Zero has a much lower tread wear rating that the Michelin, which would indicate a softer tread compound, right? Just doesn't seem the MP-4S would be a stickier and therefore better handling tire. What am I missing here?
I'd guess that there is more than just softness of rubber in determining tread wear rating. Don't try to over thinking it. Words can barely describe how much better our cars drive on MP4S tires vs. the Pirelli's. For those of us with RWD and modified/performance upgrades, the Michelin's are almost mandatory. I have yet to think of a way the pirelli's were superior: from my experience noise, smoothness, cornering grip, traction during acceleration and braking, and performance at the limit of traction is all better with the Michelins.
I'd guess that there is more than just softness of rubber in determining tread wear rating. Don't try to over thinking it. Words can barely describe how much better our cars drive on MP4S tires vs. the Pirelli's. For those of us with RWD and modified/performance upgrades, the Michelin's are almost mandatory. I have yet to think of a way the pirelli's were superior: from my experience noise, smoothness, cornering grip, traction during acceleration and braking, and performance at the limit of traction is all better with the Michelins.
I look forward to getting a set once I burn off the p-Zeros.
I replaced the rear P4S at the same mileage I did the original P-Zeros, 15K miles. The difference was that the P-Zeros were down to the indicators and the P4S had plenty of tread left. If it weren't for getting a massive hole punched in on on Thursday I'd still be on them. I figured I'd have gotten another 5K out of them were it not for the foreign object damage.
I didn't notice a big difference in noise. The Michelins were a little quieter, but not dramatically so. Any difference I might have noted was probably just because I wanted there to be one. My hearing is shot. Traction on the other hand, is noticeably better.
Just had a full set of Michelin PS put on tonight. I had BFG’s that came with the car. I’m in south Florida so can’t really speak to the cold weather aspect but noticed immediately leaving the tire shop the much quieter, smoother ride without even getting on the highway. Will test more tomorrow but very pleased with them so far.
I replaced my perfectly good (in terms of tread depth) PZeros with a set of the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. The Michelins are quieter, definitely smoother and yes, they have more grip but I have not had a chance to really test them properly. Wet performance? There are some people that actually drive their Jags in the rain?
My experience with Pirellis on Jaguars (and I assume that the experience would be the same on any car) is that when about half worn the tire becomes octagonal in shape, noisy (noisier) and generally unpleasant. I have always replaced them with Michelins for the same reason as I did so on my F-Type: because the Michelins are easier to balance, are smoother, quieter and remain round throughout their tread life. Seriously. But 20 inch Michelins for these cars are costly (and I just can't bring myself to shop at Costco...).
When I replaced the Zero's at 18K with PS4S's, I still had Plenty of tread on the rear [Second set] and medium tread on the fronts. I suffered through 10K miles with the Zero's on my S and simply was not going to do so with the R. I noticed a definite improvement in traction at the rear immediately even though the Michelins hadn't been scuffed in.
I understand that more than a few owners get their Jag tires/tyres at Costco!
+1. I would certainly be more likely to trust Costco than either a dealer or a tire service franchisee. I do , however, trust my local performance tire shop.
+1. I would certainly be more likely to trust Costco than either a dealer or a tire service franchisee. I do , however, trust my local performance tire shop.
The Michelins were ordered through my Jaguar dealer, delivered, mounted and Force-balanced at the same dealership. The price was the same as the quote I got from my usual tire shop, and the balancing was perfectly done (smooth as silk at highways speeds -which I will not specify in print), the wheels were unmarked in the process and the lug nuts torqued to the correct Jaguar specification. I have more confidence in my dealer than in the people who more frequently fit tires to suburban SUVs...
The Michelins were ordered through my Jaguar dealer, delivered, mounted and Force-balanced at the same dealership. The price was the same as the quote I got from my usual tire shop, and the balancing was perfectly done (smooth as silk at highways speeds -which I will not specify in print), the wheels were unmarked in the process and the lug nuts torqued to the correct Jaguar specification.
But, most importantly, were the wheel center badges correctly aligned?
But, most importantly, were the wheel center badges correctly aligned?
Last time I had the tires changed, they were all aligned properly at the shop. By the time I got home they were all wrong again. The proprietor was not sympathetic when I complained. This must be a manufacturer’s defect. Time for a new set of wheels.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
