Michelin X Ice Snow vs Pirelli Ice Zero FR

In this article we will be looking at independent tyre test data, and real world driver reviews of the Michelin X Ice Snow and the Pirelli Ice Zero FR to find out which tyre is best for your own driving.

The good news is that both the Michelin X Ice Snow and Pirelli Ice Zero FR are Premium Touring Winter 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

Introduction Test Results Driver Reviews Conclusion

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 four tests which compare both tyres directly!

Out of these four tests:

Michelin X Ice Snow finished ahead of the Pirelli Ice Zero FR in three of the tests
Pirelli Ice Zero FR finished ahead of the Michelin X Ice Snow in one of the tests

While it might look like the Michelin X Ice Snow is better than the Pirelli Ice Zero FR 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.

Lets look at how the two tyres compare across multiple tyre test categories.

Dry Braking

Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Pirelli Ice Zero FR was better during four dry braking tests. On average the Pirelli Ice Zero FR stopped the vehicle in 3.34% less distance than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Michelin X Ice Snow

35.6M

Pirelli Ice Zero FR

34.41M

Dry braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Dry Braking: Pirelli Ice Zero FR

See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tyre Test 205/55 R16	Michelin X Ice Snow: 31.2M	✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 30M
2020 Vi Bilagare Nordic Friction Winter Tyre Test 205/60 R16	Michelin X Ice Snow: 31.49M	✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 30.3M
2022/23 Tyre Reviews Studless Winter Tyre Test 205/55 R16	Michelin X Ice Snow: 47.88M	✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 46.66M
2023 Studless vs Studded Snow Tyre Test 205/55 R16	Michelin X Ice Snow: 31.82M	✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 30.67M

Dry Handling [s]

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Pirelli Ice Zero FR was better during one dry handling [s] tests. On average the Pirelli Ice Zero FR was 0.18% faster around a lap than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Michelin X Ice Snow

73.01s

Pirelli Ice Zero FR

72.88s

Dry handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Dry Handling [s]: Pirelli Ice Zero FR

See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>

2022/23 Tyre Reviews Studless Winter Tyre Test
205/55 R16

Michelin X Ice Snow: 73.01s

✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 72.88s

Subj. Dry Handling

Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Pirelli Ice Zero FR was better during one subj. dry handling tests. On average the Pirelli Ice Zero FR scored 0% more points than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Michelin X Ice Snow

36.67 Points

Pirelli Ice Zero FR

36.67 Points

Subjective Dry Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Pirelli Ice Zero FR

See how the Subj. Dry Handling winner was calculated >>

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tyre Test 205/55 R16	✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 8 Points	Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 7 Points
2020 Vi Bilagare Nordic Friction Winter Tyre Test 205/60 R16	Michelin X Ice Snow: 4 Points	✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 5 Points
2022/23 Tyre Reviews Studless Winter Tyre Test 205/55 R16	Michelin X Ice Snow: 98 Points	Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 98 Points

Wet Braking

Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Pirelli Ice Zero FR was better during two wet braking tests. On average the Pirelli Ice Zero FR stopped the vehicle in 1.43% less distance than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Michelin X Ice Snow

39.1M

Pirelli Ice Zero FR

38.54M

Wet braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Wet Braking: Pirelli Ice Zero FR

See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tyre Test 205/55 R16	✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 38.6M	Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 39.3M
2020 Vi Bilagare Nordic Friction Winter Tyre Test 205/60 R16	Michelin X Ice Snow: 40.23M	✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 37.84M
2022/23 Tyre Reviews Studless Winter Tyre Test 205/55 R16	✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 35.59M	Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 35.94M
2023 Studless vs Studded Snow Tyre Test 205/55 R16	Michelin X Ice Snow: 41.98M	✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 41.06M

Wet Handling [s]

Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Pirelli Ice Zero FR was better during three wet handling [s] tests. On average the Pirelli Ice Zero FR was 0.53% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Michelin X Ice Snow

51.02s

Pirelli Ice Zero FR

50.75s

Wet handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Wet Handling [s]: Pirelli Ice Zero FR

See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tyre Test 205/55 R16	Michelin X Ice Snow: 35s	✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 34.8s
2020 Vi Bilagare Nordic Friction Winter Tyre Test 205/60 R16	Michelin X Ice Snow: 44.71s	✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 44.13s
2022/23 Tyre Reviews Studless Winter Tyre Test 205/55 R16	✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 81.55s	Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 82.65s
2023 Studless vs Studded Snow Tyre Test 205/55 R16	Michelin X Ice Snow: 42.8s	✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 41.4s

Subj. Wet Handling

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during two subj. wet handling tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow scored 8.33% more points than the Pirelli Ice Zero FR.

Michelin X Ice Snow

54 Points

Pirelli Ice Zero FR

49.5 Points

Subjective Wet Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Michelin X Ice Snow

See how the Subj. Wet Handling winner was calculated >>

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tyre Test 205/55 R16	✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 8 Points	Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 7 Points
2022/23 Tyre Reviews Studless Winter Tyre Test 205/55 R16	✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 100 Points	Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 92 Points

Straight Aqua

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during two straight aqua tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow floated at a 4.4% higher speed than the Pirelli Ice Zero FR.

Michelin X Ice Snow

72.71Km/H

Pirelli Ice Zero FR

69.51Km/H

Float Speed in Km/H, higher is better

Best In Straight Aqua: Michelin X Ice Snow

See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>

2020 Vi Bilagare Nordic Friction Winter Tyre Test 205/60 R16	✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 65.3Km/H	Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 63.3Km/H
2022/23 Tyre Reviews Studless Winter Tyre Test 205/55 R16	✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 80.11Km/H	Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 75.71Km/H

Curved Aquaplaning

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during one curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow slipped out at a 7.99% higher speed than the Pirelli Ice Zero FR.

Michelin X Ice Snow

63.8m/sec2

Pirelli Ice Zero FR

58.7m/sec2

Remaining lateral acceleration, higher is better

Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Michelin X Ice Snow

See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>

2022/23 Tyre Reviews Studless Winter Tyre Test
205/55 R16

✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 63.8m/sec2

Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 58.7m/sec2

Snow Braking

Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during three snow braking tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow stopped the vehicle in 0.67% less distance than the Pirelli Ice Zero FR.

Michelin X Ice Snow

22.35M

Pirelli Ice Zero FR

22.5M

Snow braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Snow Braking: Michelin X Ice Snow

See how the Snow Braking winner was calculated >>

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tyre Test 205/55 R16	✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 50.4M	Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 51M
2020 Vi Bilagare Nordic Friction Winter Tyre Test 205/60 R16	Michelin X Ice Snow: 11.61M	✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 11.54M
2022/23 Tyre Reviews Studless Winter Tyre Test 205/55 R16	✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 15.81M	Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 15.9M
2023 Studless vs Studded Snow Tyre Test 205/55 R16	✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 11.56M	Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 11.57M

Snow Traction

Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Pirelli Ice Zero FR was better during two snow traction tests. On average the Pirelli Ice Zero FR accelerated 1.12% faster than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Michelin X Ice Snow

5.38s

Pirelli Ice Zero FR

5.32s

Snow acceleration time, lower is better

Best In Snow Traction: Pirelli Ice Zero FR

See how the Snow Traction winner was calculated >>

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tyre Test 205/55 R16	Michelin X Ice Snow: 6s	Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 6s
2022/23 Tyre Reviews Studless Winter Tyre Test 205/55 R16	Michelin X Ice Snow: 5.66s	✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 5.63s
2023 Studless vs Studded Snow Tyre Test 205/55 R16	Michelin X Ice Snow: 4.47s	✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 4.34s

Snow Handling [s]

Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during two snow handling [s] tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow was 0.31% faster around a lap than the Pirelli Ice Zero FR.

Michelin X Ice Snow

73.69s

Pirelli Ice Zero FR

73.92s

Snow handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Snow Handling [s]: Michelin X Ice Snow

See how the Snow Handling winner was calculated >>

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tyre Test 205/55 R16	✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 48.7s	Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 49.4s
2020 Vi Bilagare Nordic Friction Winter Tyre Test 205/60 R16	Michelin X Ice Snow: 73.44s	✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 73.09s
2022/23 Tyre Reviews Studless Winter Tyre Test 205/55 R16	Michelin X Ice Snow: 88.56s	✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 88s
2023 Studless vs Studded Snow Tyre Test 205/55 R16	✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 84.04s	Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 85.19s

Subj. Snow Handling

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Pirelli Ice Zero FR was better during one subj. snow handling tests. On average the Pirelli Ice Zero FR scored 3.7% more points than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Michelin X Ice Snow

52 Points

Pirelli Ice Zero FR

54 Points

Subjective Snow Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Snow Handling: Pirelli Ice Zero FR

See how the Subj. Snow Handling winner was calculated >>

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tyre Test 205/55 R16	✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 9 Points	Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 8 Points
2022/23 Tyre Reviews Studless Winter Tyre Test 205/55 R16	Michelin X Ice Snow: 95 Points	✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 100 Points

Snow Circle

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during one snow circle tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow was 0.41% faster around a snow circle than the Pirelli Ice Zero FR.

Michelin X Ice Snow

29.09S

Pirelli Ice Zero FR

29.21S

Snow Circle Time in Seconds, lower is better

Best In Snow Circle: Michelin X Ice Snow

See how the Snow Circle winner was calculated >>

2022/23 Tyre Reviews Studless Winter Tyre Test
205/55 R16

✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 29.09S

Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 29.21S

Ice Braking

Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during four ice braking tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow stopped the vehicle 3.4% shorter than the Pirelli Ice Zero FR.

Michelin X Ice Snow

17.88M

Pirelli Ice Zero FR

18.51M

Ice braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Ice Braking: Michelin X Ice Snow

See how the Ice Braking winner was calculated >>

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tyre Test 205/55 R16	✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 42.7M	Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 44M
2020 Vi Bilagare Nordic Friction Winter Tyre Test 205/60 R16	✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 3.39M	Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 3.43M
2022/23 Tyre Reviews Studless Winter Tyre Test 205/55 R16	✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 10.14M	Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 10.68M
2023 Studless vs Studded Snow Tyre Test 205/55 R16	✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 15.3M	Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 15.92M

Ice Traction

Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during two ice traction tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow accelerated 3.31% faster than the Pirelli Ice Zero FR.

Michelin X Ice Snow

6.14s

Pirelli Ice Zero FR

6.35s

Ice acceleration time, lower is better

Best In Ice Traction: Michelin X Ice Snow

See how the Ice Traction winner was calculated >>

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tyre Test 205/55 R16	✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 5.3s	Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 5.6s
2022/23 Tyre Reviews Studless Winter Tyre Test 205/55 R16	✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 6.12s	Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 6.51s
2023 Studless vs Studded Snow Tyre Test 205/55 R16	Michelin X Ice Snow: 7.01s	✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 6.93s

Ice Handling [s]

Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during two ice handling [s] tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow was 1.54% faster around a lap than the Pirelli Ice Zero FR.

Michelin X Ice Snow

59.42s

Pirelli Ice Zero FR

60.35s

Ice handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Ice Handling [s]: Michelin X Ice Snow

See how the Ice Handling winner was calculated >>

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tyre Test 205/55 R16	Michelin X Ice Snow: 61s	✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 60.7s
2020 Vi Bilagare Nordic Friction Winter Tyre Test 205/60 R16	Michelin X Ice Snow: 52.54s	✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 49.43s
2022/23 Tyre Reviews Studless Winter Tyre Test 205/55 R16	✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 52.92s	Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 54.18s
2023 Studless vs Studded Snow Tyre Test 205/55 R16	✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 71.21s	Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 77.09s

Subj. Ice Handling

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during two subj. ice handling tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow scored 9.35% more points than the Pirelli Ice Zero FR.

Michelin X Ice Snow

53.5 Points

Pirelli Ice Zero FR

48.5 Points

Subjective Ice Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Ice Handling: Michelin X Ice Snow

See how the Subj. Ice Handling winner was calculated >>

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tyre Test 205/55 R16	Michelin X Ice Snow: 7 Points	Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 7 Points
2022/23 Tyre Reviews Studless Winter Tyre Test 205/55 R16	✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 100 Points	Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 90 Points

Subj. Comfort

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Pirelli Ice Zero FR was better during zero subj. comfort tests. On average the Pirelli Ice Zero FR scored 0% more points than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Michelin X Ice Snow

95 Points

Pirelli Ice Zero FR

95 Points

Subjective Comfort Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Comfort: Pirelli Ice Zero FR

See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>

2022/23 Tyre Reviews Studless Winter Tyre Test
205/55 R16

Michelin X Ice Snow: 95 Points

Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 95 Points

Subj. Noise

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Pirelli Ice Zero FR was better during two subj. noise tests. On average the Pirelli Ice Zero FR scored 15.38% more points than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Michelin X Ice Snow

5.5 Points

Pirelli Ice Zero FR

6.5 Points

Subjective in car noise levels, higher is better

Best In Subj. Noise: Pirelli Ice Zero FR

See how the Subj. Noise winner was calculated >>

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tyre Test 205/55 R16	Michelin X Ice Snow: 8 Points	✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 9 Points
2020 Vi Bilagare Nordic Friction Winter Tyre Test 205/60 R16	Michelin X Ice Snow: 3 Points	✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 4 Points

Noise

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during one noise tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow measured 0.96% quieter than the Pirelli Ice Zero FR.

Michelin X Ice Snow

62.1dB

Pirelli Ice Zero FR

62.7dB

Internal noise in dB, lower is better

Best In Noise: Michelin X Ice Snow

See how the Noise winner was calculated >>

2022/23 Tyre Reviews Studless Winter Tyre Test
205/55 R16

✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 62.1dB

Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 62.7dB

Price

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Pirelli Ice Zero FR was better during one price tests. On average the Pirelli Ice Zero FR cost 14.92% less than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Michelin X Ice Snow

1542

Pirelli Ice Zero FR

1312

Price in local currency, lower is better

Best In Price: Pirelli Ice Zero FR

See how the Price winner was calculated >>

2020 Vi Bilagare Nordic Friction Winter Tyre Test
205/60 R16

Michelin X Ice Snow: 1542

✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 1312

Rolling Resistance

Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during three rolling resistance tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow had a 12.63% lower rolling resistance than the Pirelli Ice Zero FR.

Michelin X Ice Snow

4.98kg / t

Pirelli Ice Zero FR

5.7kg / t

Rolling resistance in kg t, lower is better

Best In Rolling Resistance: Michelin X Ice Snow

See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tyre Test 205/55 R16	✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 1.8kg / t	Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 2.6kg / t
2020 Vi Bilagare Nordic Friction Winter Tyre Test 205/60 R16	✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 5.89kg / t	Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 6.11kg / t
2022/23 Tyre Reviews Studless Winter Tyre Test 205/55 R16	✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 7.25kg / t	Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 8.38kg / t

Real World Driver Reviews

Tyre Reviews also collects real world driver reviews for the Michelin X Ice Snow and Pirelli Ice Zero FR.

In total the Michelin X Ice Snow has been reviewed 12 times and drivers have given the tyre 82% overall.

The Pirelli Ice Zero FR has been reviewed 3 times and drivers have given the tyre 93% overall.

This means drivers in real world driving, people prefer the Pirelli Ice Zero FR.

Best Review for the Michelin X Ice Snow

Note de 93% 225/45 R17 sur mostly country roads pendant 10,000 spirited kilomètres

Previously owned the Michelin alpin 4a on a volkswagen tiguan. Fantastic tyres, Decided to choose the new version for my Fiat Panda cross. The x ice snow is an amazing tyre. It has been raining and snowing for the last month, i leave for work every morning in -10c and come home at night in -3c. Fresh snow, sludge, rain and ice. The tyre is amazing. I feel confident while driving In all conditions. Recently went offroading in a few mountain trails. Parked the car up and iced road, jumped out with the kids, and we could not walk without falling over, Completely iced over. I did not even... Continue reading this review using the link below

Helpful 115 - pneu essayé sur December 5, 2020

View all Michelin X Ice Snow driver reviews >>

Best Review for the Pirelli Ice Zero FR

Note de 95% 205/60 R16 sur mostly town pendant 7,000 average kilomètres

Been using Ice Zero FR for about 5000kms in ever changing winter weather in the Baltic states. Driving mostly within city with frequent longer rides on motorways to rural areas with poorly maintained roads. The weather during this winter has been as unstable as it could be. We've had slush with rain and ice underneath it, we've had thick (up to 30-50cm) powder snow, we've had dense compressed and heavy snow as well as thick layer of clear ice on the roads. Zero FR's are behaving excellent in all these conditions, they give me high comfort and great confidence in driving. Grip and handling on... Continue reading this review using the link below

Helpful 35 - pneu essayé sur February 18, 2022

View all Pirelli Ice Zero FR driver reviews >>

Conclusion

In conclusion the Michelin X Ice Snow was better in subj. wet handling, straight aqua, curved aquaplaning, snow braking, snow handling [s], snow circle, ice braking, ice traction, ice handling [s], subj. ice handling, noise and rolling resistance tests, whereas the Pirelli Ice Zero FR was better in dry braking, dry handling [s], subj. dry handling, wet braking, wet handling [s], snow traction, subj. snow handling, subj. comfort, subj. noise and price tests.

Which tyre is best for you depends a lot on your driving style and situation, plus what you want from the tyre, but comparing all the data in the tyre reviews database, on balance the Michelin X Ice Snow seems to be the best tyre overall.

Overall Winner: Michelin X Ice Snow

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 Michelin X Ice Snow and Pirelli Ice Zero FR, but as they weren't conducted on the same day, the results are not comparable.

Michelin X Ice Snow vs Pirelli Ice Zero FR

Test Results

Dry Braking

Dry Handling [s]

Subj. Dry Handling

Wet Braking

Wet Handling [s]

Subj. Wet Handling

Straight Aqua

Curved Aquaplaning

Snow Braking

Snow Traction

Snow Handling [s]

Subj. Snow Handling

Snow Circle

Ice Braking

Ice Traction

Ice Handling [s]

Subj. Ice Handling

Subj. Comfort

Subj. Noise

Noise

Price

Rolling Resistance

Real World Driver Reviews

Conclusion

Footnote

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