Michelin Pilot Sport vs PS2....?

This has probably been discussed countless times, but I couldn't find anything specific from a quick search, so what are the thoughts / comments / opinions on the differences between Michelin Pilot Sport and Pilot Sport 2?? I have a C4S, which had PS N1's on when I got it (last summer). Needed new rear tyres back in April, and went for PS2 N2's, definitely slightly different pattern to the old ones - shallower treads at the outside edge etc. Grip has been fab though. Now needing new front tyres (225-40-18 ), and seems I can get; - PS N1, - PS N3, - and PS2 N3!! I know the PS N1's have been fab, but thinking that as I put PS2 on the rear, will give them a try on the front too - even if they are N3 instead of the rear N2's....! Just want to hear about others experience with the 2 options. Starting to go mental with the various PS / PS2 / N1 / N2 / N3 options..... Cheers!

I could do with the answer to this as well. I have N2's on the rear and standard on the front that need replacing soon. Should the rears be N1 so that you can match up the fronts properly?

Sean, if you switch to N1's on the front there isa rear risk that sooner or later the old PS N1's will no longer be available (has happened and will continue to happen) so you should change up the latest N rated tyre available however Porsche tyres sizes can mean supplies of certain brands are erratic, is your N1 for a 996 ? always best to have the highest N number of your car, if you can match the N's front and rear then that is the recommended course although with supply and demand of tyres that can always be a bit tricky the PS v PS2 is a completely different tyre but if you have to mix make sure the same brand and make tyres are on the car but you MUST have the exact same tyres per axle this is the official statement from Porsche

Thanks for reply that helps with future choices. My N2 rears are only 2 months, 2000 miles old but one is goosed. I'll replace that with the same and replace the fronts with N3's later in the year. Frustratingly they were put on by Bristol OPC who should have known better, by the sounds of it. Next year I'll change the rears to N3 and we'll have a matching set. Out of interest what do the PZero's wear like on the 4S? They were carp on my '44 cabby.

Don't confuse N rating with tyre type. PS is a directional tread pattern tyre, PS2 (the later design) is an asymmetrical tread pattern tyre. Asymmetrical design generally slightly compromises standing water clearance with a grip optimised outer edge. Both have N rated versions. PS PS2

they have a similar wear rating to the Michelin so should be the same, conti's are usually harder and last longer whereas the Yokohama's are softer

Pilot Sports are no longer using that tread pattern - they are very similar to the PS2's now...

Thanks for the updated photo, I was begining to think I had lost the plot with my PS's looking like neither. Replacement can now be ordered.

Sean, this would be the Pilot Sport N2 that I assume you have

Well, I've done a bit more digging etc, and stumbled upon the following official Porsche leaflet (albeit from Porsche North America) with recommended tyres and ratings for all current Porsche range, plus the 996; http://pioneer.porschedealer.com/pdfs/Porsche_Tire_Brochure_MAR09.pdf Reckons for my 996 C4S (225/40/18 & 295/30/18 ) I should have Michelin Pilot Sport (not PS2) Rib N1, which are becoming increasingly hard to find. What would Porsche think with me currently having PS2 N2 on the rear, and about to have PS2 N3 fitted to the front..........

Some manufacturers are up to N6 version. It's just the latest version of that tyre that was tested at the time your car was made will be specified. You can't stand still on using the latest tyre technology. Don't get the Pirelli Assymetrics as they are wnak in the wet, there is no lateral adhesion and poor take off adhesion but stopping isn't too bad and they don't clear standing water well due to the assymetric pattern as someone else mentioned earlier. If you want the best and safest all round wet and dry tyre buy the Goodyear F1 but I prefer the Michelin for dry fast road driving because they hang on better and you feel more from them. When I used them at the ring I was more impressed with the Mich's than the Goodyear's. The only thing is when I had Mich's on my C4S and they were down to 2-3mm on the rears they gave me some great tank slapping moments coming off wet roundabouts... loved it :roll: Hope this helps.

If you're a member at costco, you'll get the Pilot sport N1s no problem (and usually theres a deal on that makes them pretty cheap)

You'd certainly have an odd combo there. With the 997/Cayman/Boxster in 18" wheel sizes a whole load of new N-rated came to the market, however these prove difficult to find matching front/rear pairs for a 996. When you've found your Michelin PS2 225/40/18 N3 you got actually got the front of a 997 non-S or a Cayman/Boxster...unless you go for a 235 PS2 in N2/N3, with it's matching 295 N2/N3 at least you have the 'matching' pair albeit from a 996 GT3/GT3RS. One plus point of choosing a 235 is it actually helps dial out the 4S/Turbo understeer. Confused....you bet! But consider the 235 as you'll matching combo. I've just arranged (via EventTyres) to have 235/295 PS2 N3 fitted to my GT3. The only other combo available to a GT3 are the Corsa N6 which are in short/sporadic supply. Trying to work out the tyres available actually hurt my head it was confusing.

Having been a Pirelli man previously (something to do with those tennis calendars years ago) I now only go for Michelins, currently on the PS2 N3s and very happy I' wanted the PS, outstanding dry grip, but heard they were hard to come by so I decided to buy into the variant that I could find again when it's time to change the rears to keep them the same as the fronts which should be good for a while longer. Same model tyre and N Rating all round is optimal but as a minimum you should only have 1 brand on your car and the same model and N rating across each axle. Wouldn't ever suggest using non N-Rated. Whilst they look the same as the N-Rated versions the sidewall construction and materials used are different and therefore not deemed fit for purpose, meaning you could fail an MOT and void your insurance . :?