Bridgestone Potenza Sport vs Michelin Pilot Sport 5

This head-to-head pitches two max-performance summer heavyweights against each other: Bridgestone Potenza Sport versus Michelin Pilot Sport 5, both tested repeatedly in 225/40-45 R18 (and related) sizes across 10 shared professional tests. The data paints a clear picture of emphasis-outright grip and lap time versus efficiency and longevity.
Across the board, the Potenza Sport consistently stops shorter and laps quicker in both dry and wet, often by meaningful margins in braking and handling. The Pilot Sport 5 counters with class-leading rolling resistance, excellent aquaplaning safety, and standout tread life, delivering a calmer, touring-leaning character at the expense of ultimate sharpness.

In This Article

Test Results Driver Reviews Conclusion Similar Comparisons

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 ten tests which compare both tyres directly!

Summary of ten total tests comparing both tyres directly

Tyre	Test Wins	Performance
Bridgestone Potenza Sport	seven	seven wins
Michelin Pilot Sport 5	three	three wins

While it might look like the Bridgestone Potenza Sport is better than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 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

Bridgestone Potenza Sport

Consistently shortest dry and wet braking (e.g., 32.6 m dry; 27.6-30.0 m wet leaders)
Top-tier dry/wet handling precision and lap times; strong steering feedback
Competitive pricing in several tests; strong overall results (7 test wins)
Improved wear versus past results; robust wet performance even when worn

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

Lowest rolling resistance across most tests; better fuel economy
Excellent aquaplaning resistance (wins in straight/curved tests)
Class-leading tread life and low abrasion; strong total cost of ownership
Balanced, stable road manners with good comfort and refinement

Dry Braking

Looking at data from nine tyre tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during eight dry braking tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport stopped the vehicle in 2.48% less distance than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport

33.44M

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

34.29M

Dry braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Dry Braking: Bridgestone Potenza Sport

See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>

2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tyre Test 225/40 R18	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:33.5M	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 34.7M
2023 AZ UHP Summer Tyre Test 235/35 R19	Bridgestone Potenza Sport:32.6M	✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 32.5M
The BEST Performance Tyres Tested 225/40 R18	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:33.21M	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 33.65M
2025 Summer Tyre Test Shootout 225/40 R18	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:32.6M	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 33.5M
2025 AZ Summer Tyre Test 225/45 R18	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:33M	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 33.5M
2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test 225/40 R18	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:34.9M	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 35.5M
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test 225/40 R18	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:32.6M	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 33.5M
2025 Auto Express Summer Tyre Test 225/40 R18	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:34.9M	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 36.8M
2025 Die Reifentester UHP Summer Tyre Test 225/40 R18	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:33.62M	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 34.97M

Dry Handling [s]

Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during four dry handling [s] tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was 1.23% faster around a lap than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport

80.8s

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

81.81s

Dry handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Dry Handling [s]: Bridgestone Potenza Sport

See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>

2023 AZ UHP Summer Tyre Test 235/35 R19	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:98.4s	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 100.1s
The BEST Performance Tyres Tested 225/40 R18	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:73.71s	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 74.44s
2025 AZ Summer Tyre Test 225/45 R18	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:69.1s	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 69.6s
2025 Auto Express Summer Tyre Test 225/40 R18	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:82s	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 83.1s

Dry Handling [Km/H]

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during two dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was 0.42% faster around a lap than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport

118.05Km/H

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

117.55Km/H

Dry Handling Average Speed, higher is better

Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Bridgestone Potenza Sport

See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>

2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tyre Test 225/40 R18	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:115.5Km/H	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 114.6Km/H
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test 225/40 R18	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:120.6Km/H	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 120.5Km/H

Subj. Dry Handling

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during one subj. dry handling tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 scored 6.73% more points than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport

48.5 Points

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

52 Points

Subjective Dry Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Michelin Pilot Sport 5

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

The BEST Performance Tyres Tested 225/40 R18	Bridgestone Potenza Sport:92 Points	✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 100 Points
2025 Die Reifentester UHP Summer Tyre Test 225/40 R18	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:5 Points	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 4 Points

Subj. Fun

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during one subj. fun tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport scored 15.79% more points than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport

9.5 Points

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

8 Points

Subjective Fun Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Fun: Bridgestone Potenza Sport

See how the Subj. Fun winner was calculated >>

The BEST Performance Tyres Tested
225/40 R18

✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:9.5 Points

Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 8 Points

Wet Braking

Looking at data from nine tyre tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during eight wet braking tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport stopped the vehicle in 1.75% less distance than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport

33.69M

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

34.29M

Wet braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Wet Braking: Bridgestone Potenza Sport

See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>

2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tyre Test 225/40 R18	Bridgestone Potenza Sport:41.2M	✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 39.1M
2023 AZ UHP Summer Tyre Test 235/35 R19	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:38.1M	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 39.9M
The BEST Performance Tyres Tested 225/40 R18	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:28.3M	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 29.1M
2025 Summer Tyre Test Shootout 225/40 R18	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:27.6M	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 27.7M
2025 AZ Summer Tyre Test 225/45 R18	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:42.5M	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 44.4M
2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test 225/40 R18	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:28.8M	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 29.2M
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test 225/40 R18	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:43.1M	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 43.2M
2025 Auto Express Summer Tyre Test 225/40 R18	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:30M	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 31.6M
2025 Die Reifentester UHP Summer Tyre Test 225/40 R18	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:23.58M	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 24.37M

Wet Braking - Cool

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during one wet braking - cool tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 stopped the vehicle in 2.54% less distance than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport

31.5M

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

30.7M

Wet braking at cooler temperature in meters, lower is better

Best In Wet Braking - Cool: Michelin Pilot Sport 5

See how the Wet Braking - Cool winner was calculated >>

The BEST Performance Tyres Tested
225/40 R18

Bridgestone Potenza Sport:31.5M

✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 30.7M

Wet Braking - Concrete

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during one wet braking - concrete tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport stopped the vehicle in 1.98% less distance than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport

34.6M

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

35.3M

Wet braking on Concrete in meters, lower is better

Best In Wet Braking - Concrete: Bridgestone Potenza Sport

See how the Wet Braking - Concrete winner was calculated >>

2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test
225/40 R18

✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:34.6M

Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 35.3M

Wet Handling [s]

Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during four wet handling [s] tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was 1.94% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport

79.55s

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

81.12s

Wet handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Wet Handling [s]: Bridgestone Potenza Sport

See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>

2023 AZ UHP Summer Tyre Test 235/35 R19	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:66.5s	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 67.9s
The BEST Performance Tyres Tested 225/40 R18	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:91.2s	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 94.67s
2025 AZ Summer Tyre Test 225/45 R18	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:69.9s	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 70.8s
2025 Auto Express Summer Tyre Test 225/40 R18	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:90.6s	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 91.1s

Wet Handling [Km/H]

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during two wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was 1.43% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport

80.2Km/H

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

79.05Km/H

Wet Handling Average Speed, higher is better

Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Bridgestone Potenza Sport

See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>

2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tyre Test 225/40 R18	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:86.9Km/H	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 84.8Km/H
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test 225/40 R18	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:73.5Km/H	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 73.3Km/H

Subj. Wet Handling

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during one subj. wet handling tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 scored 1.98% more points than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport

49.5 Points

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

50.5 Points

Subjective Wet Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Michelin Pilot Sport 5

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

The BEST Performance Tyres Tested 225/40 R18	Bridgestone Potenza Sport:95 Points	✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 98 Points
2025 Die Reifentester UHP Summer Tyre Test 225/40 R18	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:4 Points	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 3 Points

Wet Circle

Looking at data from five tyre tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during four wet circle tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was 0.51% faster around a wet circle than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport

15.7s

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

15.78s

Wet Circle Lap Time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Wet Circle: Bridgestone Potenza Sport

See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>

2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tyre Test 225/40 R18	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:11.04s	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 11.13s
2023 AZ UHP Summer Tyre Test 235/35 R19	Bridgestone Potenza Sport:13.72s	✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 13.52s
2025 AZ Summer Tyre Test 225/45 R18	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:11.11s	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 11.2s
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test 225/40 R18	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:14.55s	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 14.83s
2025 Auto Express Summer Tyre Test 225/40 R18	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:28.1s	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 28.2s

Straight Aqua

Looking at data from eight tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during seven straight aqua tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 floated at a 1.09% higher speed than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport

78.86Km/H

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

79.73Km/H

Float Speed in Km/H, higher is better

Best In Straight Aqua: Michelin Pilot Sport 5

See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>

2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tyre Test 225/40 R18	Bridgestone Potenza Sport:77.8Km/H	✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 77.9Km/H
2023 AZ UHP Summer Tyre Test 235/35 R19	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:80.3Km/H	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 77.1Km/H
The BEST Performance Tyres Tested 225/40 R18	Bridgestone Potenza Sport:78.3Km/H	✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 80.5Km/H
2025 AZ Summer Tyre Test 225/45 R18	Bridgestone Potenza Sport:73.7Km/H	✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 75.7Km/H
2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test 225/40 R18	Bridgestone Potenza Sport:78.9Km/H	✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 79.9Km/H
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test 225/40 R18	Bridgestone Potenza Sport:79.1Km/H	✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 80.5Km/H
2025 Auto Express Summer Tyre Test 225/40 R18	Bridgestone Potenza Sport:85.2Km/H	✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 88Km/H
2025 Die Reifentester UHP Summer Tyre Test 225/40 R18	Bridgestone Potenza Sport:77.6Km/H	✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 78.2Km/H

Curved Aquaplaning

Looking at data from five tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during four curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 slipped out at a 6.42% higher speed than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport

3.06m/sec2

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

3.27m/sec2

Remaining lateral acceleration, higher is better

Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Michelin Pilot Sport 5

See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>

2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tyre Test 225/40 R18	Bridgestone Potenza Sport:2.72m/sec2	✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 2.96m/sec2
The BEST Performance Tyres Tested 225/40 R18	Bridgestone Potenza Sport:5.7m/sec2	✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 6.31m/sec2
2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test 225/40 R18	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:3.1m/sec2	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 3m/sec2
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test 225/40 R18	Bridgestone Potenza Sport:3.04m/sec2	✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 3.25m/sec2
2025 Auto Express Summer Tyre Test 225/40 R18	Bridgestone Potenza Sport:0.75m/sec2	✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 0.85m/sec2

Subj. Comfort

Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during three subj. comfort tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 scored 3.23% more points than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport

27.58 Points

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

28.5 Points

Subjective Comfort Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Comfort: Michelin Pilot Sport 5

See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>

The BEST Performance Tyres Tested 225/40 R18	Bridgestone Potenza Sport:95 Points	✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 98 Points
2025 AZ Summer Tyre Test 225/45 R18	Bridgestone Potenza Sport:6 Points	✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 7 Points
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test 225/40 R18	Bridgestone Potenza Sport:4.3 Points	✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 5 Points
2025 Die Reifentester UHP Summer Tyre Test 225/40 R18	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:5 Points	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 4 Points

Subj. Noise

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during one subj. noise tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport scored 0.78% more points than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport

6.4 Points

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

6.35 Points

Subjective in car noise levels, higher is better

Best In Subj. Noise: Bridgestone Potenza Sport

See how the Subj. Noise winner was calculated >>

2025 Auto Express Summer Tyre Test 225/40 R18	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:8.8 Points	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 8.7 Points
2025 Die Reifentester UHP Summer Tyre Test 225/40 R18	Bridgestone Potenza Sport:4 Points	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 4 Points

Noise

Looking at data from five tyre tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during two noise tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport measured 0.08% quieter than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport

71.68dB

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

71.74dB

External noise in dB, lower is better

Best In Noise: Bridgestone Potenza Sport

See how the Noise winner was calculated >>

2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tyre Test 225/40 R18	Bridgestone Potenza Sport:69dB	✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 68.3dB
2023 AZ UHP Summer Tyre Test 235/35 R19	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:71dB	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 72dB
2025 AZ Summer Tyre Test 225/45 R18	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:70dB	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 71dB
2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test 225/40 R18	Bridgestone Potenza Sport:73.8dB	✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 73.1dB
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test 225/40 R18	Bridgestone Potenza Sport:74.6dB	✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 74.3dB

Noise

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during one noise tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport measured 0.82% quieter than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport

72.2dB

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

72.8dB

Internal noise in dB, lower is better

Best In Noise: Bridgestone Potenza Sport

See how the Noise winner was calculated >>

The BEST Performance Tyres Tested
225/40 R18

✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:72.2dB

Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 72.8dB

Wear

Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during four wear tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 is predicted to cover 17.55% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport

37959.75KM

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

46041.25KM

Predicted tread life in KM, higher is better

Best In Wear: Michelin Pilot Sport 5

See how the Wear winner was calculated >>

The BEST Performance Tyres Tested 225/40 R18	Bridgestone Potenza Sport:20459KM	✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 30595KM
2025 AZ Summer Tyre Test 225/45 R18	Bridgestone Potenza Sport:35000KM	✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 45000KM
2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test 225/40 R18	Bridgestone Potenza Sport:50500KM	✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 56400KM
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test 225/40 R18	Bridgestone Potenza Sport:45880KM	✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 52170KM

Value

Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during two value tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 proved to have a 2.96% better value based on price/1000km than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport

10.12Price/1000

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

9.82Price/1000

Euros/1000km based on cost/wear, lower is better

Best In Value: Michelin Pilot Sport 5

See how the Value winner was calculated >>

The BEST Performance Tyres Tested 225/40 R18	Bridgestone Potenza Sport:4.53Price/1000	✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 3.5Price/1000
2025 AZ Summer Tyre Test 225/45 R18	Bridgestone Potenza Sport:18Price/1000	✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 16.67Price/1000
2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test 225/40 R18	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:9.58Price/1000	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 10.35Price/1000
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test 225/40 R18	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:8.37Price/1000	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 8.74Price/1000

Price

Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during three price tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport cost 8.34% less than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport

437.57

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

477.4

Price in local currency, lower is better

Best In Price: Bridgestone Potenza Sport

See how the Price winner was calculated >>

2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tyre Test 225/40 R18	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:460	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 500
2023 AZ UHP Summer Tyre Test 235/35 R19	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:760	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 825
The BEST Performance Tyres Tested 225/40 R18	✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:92.7	Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 107.2

Rolling Resistance

Looking at data from seven tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during seven rolling resistance tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 had a 11.88% lower rolling resistance than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport

9.68kg / t

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

8.53kg / t

Rolling resistance in kg t, lower is better

Best In Rolling Resistance: Michelin Pilot Sport 5

See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>

2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tyre Test 225/40 R18	Bridgestone Potenza Sport:9.9kg / t	✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 8.62kg / t
2023 AZ UHP Summer Tyre Test 235/35 R19	Bridgestone Potenza Sport:9.47kg / t	✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 8.37kg / t
The BEST Performance Tyres Tested 225/40 R18	Bridgestone Potenza Sport:10.3kg / t	✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 8.6kg / t
2025 AZ Summer Tyre Test 225/45 R18	Bridgestone Potenza Sport:10.15kg / t	✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 8.85kg / t
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test 225/40 R18	Bridgestone Potenza Sport:9.24kg / t	✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 8.94kg / t
2025 Auto Express Summer Tyre Test 225/40 R18	Bridgestone Potenza Sport:8.25kg / t	✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 7.45kg / t
2025 Die Reifentester UHP Summer Tyre Test 225/40 R18	Bridgestone Potenza Sport:10.42kg / t	✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 8.86kg / t

Fuel Consumption

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during one fuel consumption tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 used 3.45% less fuel than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport

5.8l/100km

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

5.6l/100km

Fuel consumption in Litres per 100 km, lower is better

Best In Fuel Consumption: Michelin Pilot Sport 5

See how the Fuel Consumption winner was calculated >>

2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test
225/40 R18

Bridgestone Potenza Sport:5.8l/100km

✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 5.6l/100km

Abrasion

Bridgestone Potenza Sport

0.11mm/1000km

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

0.09mm/1000km

Millimetre of tread lost per 1000km driven, higher is better

Best In Abrasion: Michelin Pilot Sport 5

See how the Abrasion winner was calculated >>

Real World Driver Reviews

Bridgestone Potenza Sport Driver Reviews

Most drivers praise the Bridgestone Potenza Sport for exceptional dry and wet grip, sharp steering response, and confident handling, often rivaling or beating Michelin PS4/PS4S. However, many report fast wear, higher noise, firmer ride, and reduced grip when cold; track use often accelerates degradation. Overall sentiment is strongly positive given the high number of top scores.

Based on 114 reviews with an average rating of 81%

Michelin Pilot Sport 5 Driver Reviews

Across 75 reviews, drivers largely praise the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 for outstanding wet and dry grip, confidence-inspiring stability, and strong comfort/refinement for daily use. Many report very good to exceptional tread life, though a notable minority cite quicker wear, understeer/numb steering feel, and occasional out-of-round/noise issues; overall sentiment is strongly positive for road-focused performance.

Based on 83 reviews with an average rating of 86%

Best Review for the Bridgestone Potenza Sport

Given 81% 225/45 R17 on a combination of roads for 2,000 spirited miles

I have had these on the rear of my XFR for a few months now, it has the optional "R-S" size of 295/30/20. They get a hard life on a heavy >500bhp RWD car with quite relaxed electronics, and these are by far the best tyres I have used on the rear of an XFR - various models of which have been my daily driver for 6.5 years now (about 90k miles covered in that time). Traction is superb in wet and dry conditions, and resistance to aquaplaning has been good as well. It is slightly concerning they come with

Helpful 2145 - tyre reviewed on November 22, 2021

View all Bridgestone Potenza Sport driver reviews >>

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 1163 - tyre reviewed on January 12, 2022

View all Michelin Pilot Sport 5 driver reviews >>

Conclusion

If you prioritise peak performance, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport is the driver's choice. It dominates dry and wet braking (8/9 category wins each) and leads the handling metrics, finishing ahead in 7 of the 10 shared tests and taking 1st-3rd in most 2025 evaluations. The trade-off is higher rolling resistance and slightly firmer ride, with efficiency trailing the Michelin.
For balanced daily use with strong value over the life of the tyre, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 excels in efficiency and wear. It frequently tops straight and curved aquaplaning, has the lowest rolling resistance in multiple tests, and delivers notably longer mileage (often +10-50%). You give up some immediacy and stopping distance versus the Bridgestone, but gain range, refinement, and long-term cost control. In short: Potenza Sport for maximum grip and feel; Pilot Sport 5 for efficiency, longevity, and wet-safety headroom in deep water.

Key Differences

Braking: Potenza Sport repeatedly stops shorter in dry and wet (often 2-5% advantage).
Handling: Potenza Sport is faster and more precise; PS5 is composed but less dynamic.
Aquaplaning: PS5 generally superior in straight/curved tests; Bridgestone can trail in deep water.
Efficiency: PS5 has notably lower rolling resistance (≈10-17% better in many tests).
Wear: PS5 delivers longer mileage (typically +10-50% depending on test).
Ride/Refinement: PS5 more comfortable/touring-like; Potenza Sport firmer but engaging.

Overall Winner: Bridgestone Potenza Sport

Based on the tyre test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport 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:

Bridgestone Potenza Sport Top Comparisons

Bridgestone Potenza Sport VS Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S

Bridgestone Potenza Sport VS Continental SportContact 7

Bridgestone Potenza Sport VS Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6

View All Bridgestone Potenza Sport Comparisons

Michelin Pilot Sport 5 Top Comparisons

Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 VS Michelin Pilot Sport 5

Continental SportContact 7 VS Michelin Pilot Sport 5

Continental PremiumContact 7 VS Michelin Pilot Sport 5

View All Michelin Pilot Sport 5 Comparisons

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.