Bridgestone Potenza Re980as vs Michelin Pilot Sport 4S

In general, ultra-high performance and summer tires offer the best handling and cornering performance on wet and dry roads. Let’s compare Bridgestone Potenza Re980AS vs Michelin Pilot Sport 4S to find out if these features can be observed on them.

Although Michelin’s Pilot Sport 4S is hailed as the king of summer tires because of its superb wet and dry performance with high levels of comfort and road silence, Bridgestone’s Potenza RE980AS managed to sneak in a few brownie points for affordability and usability in light snow.

What Are They?

1. Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS

Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS is an ultra-high performance all season tire released in 2018. It was available in 35 sizes that can fit 16 to 20 inch wheels.

Compared to its predecessor, the Bridgestone RE970AS, the tread life of the Bridgestone RE980AS is 25% longer. It has an asymmetric design composed of 3D Sipes and shoulder slots to enhance traction.

Apart from these features, the tire improved its wet performance by having flexible compounds that can adapt to colder temperatures while reducing hydroplaning threats.

As of 2021, the newest tire from the Bridgestone Potenza All Season line is the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS Plus.

2. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S

Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is a max performance summer tire introduced in 2016 as an original equipment choice for high-end sports cars like Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. It was released in 34 sizes that suited 19 and 20 inch wheels.

Compared to its predecessor, the Michelin Pilot Super Sport (PSS), this racing-inspired design claimed improved wet and dry braking with better lap times and wear.

The PS4S features an asymmetric tread pattern with hybrid threads and a silica compound to target traction in dry and wet conditions.

Additionally, the tire is equipped with Variable Contact Patch technology and twin steel belts (Aramid and nylon) that aim to improve control and prevent it from deforming when under heavy loads.

Differences

1. Specifications

Michelin Pilot Sport 4S has a lower treadwear rating and mileage warranty than the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS. It has a lower tread depth but runs faster at 186 mph than the Bridgestone all season tire.

Both tires excel in wet braking and dissipating heat, as indicated by their traction and temperature ratings (AA A).

2. Warranties

The tread life promise of the Bridgestone Potenza RE980 AS is 20,000 miles higher than the Michelin performance summer tire. It may last up to 50,000 miles or about 5 years. Its warranty support includes a 90-day trial guarantee and workmanship and materials warranty.

On the other hand, Michelin’s Pilot Sport 4S has 30,000 mileage support or a tread wear warranty equivalent to 6 years. Other benefits that drivers may enjoy with Michelin Promise Plan are:

Based on some user experiences, the Bridgestone tire’s shoulders and wear indicators became worn as the tire reached 30,000 miles. The 4S is expected to last similarly long, around 32,000 miles.

3. Wet

[custom_label]Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS[/custom_label] [tire_progress value=”87″ max=”100″] [custom_label]Michelin Pilot Sport 4S[/custom_label] [tire_progress value=”89″ max=”100″]

 

Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is grippier on wet roads than Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS. It scored a few points higher in hydroplaning resistance and wet traction.

The Bridgestone tire has ample wet cornering ability. It decently passes puddles of water, but as the tire gets old, its hydroplaning resistance weakens.

4. Dry

[custom_label]Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS[/custom_label] [tire_progress value=”91″ max=”100″] [custom_label]Michelin Pilot Sport 4S[/custom_label] [tire_progress value=”95″ max=”100″]

 

On dry pavements, Bridgestone’s Potenza RE980As rolls over with sufficient lateral grip.

However, Michelin’s Pilot Sport 4S is more reliable on dry roads because it outscored the Bridgestone UHP tire in steering response, cornering ability, and dry traction.

5. Noise/comfort/ride quality

[custom_label]Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS[/custom_label] [tire_progress value=”81″ max=”100″] [custom_label]Michelin Pilot Sport 4S[/custom_label] [tire_progress value=”88″ max=”100″]

 

True to its promise, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S takes the lead in offering balance in comfort, road noise and ride quality.

Although there were reports about the high levels of road noise from the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS, it doesn’t scream in corners. However, its ride quality suffers when it hits large potholes.

The ride becomes uncomfortable because it slides as you stop. Riders who accelerate will need to be mindful of traction, since the Bridgestone tire doesn’t do short-shifting well.

6. Snow and ice

Michelin Pilot Sport 4S was not designed for snow and wintry conditions.

On the other hand, Bridgestone – Potenza RE980AS snow traction is not the best since it is not a snow-rated tire, but thanks to its wide circumferential grooves, siping, and tread compound, it claims to handle light snow and melted ice with 50% more traction than its predecessor.

7. Cost

Michelin Pilot Sport 4S has a higher price tag than the Bridgestone tire. For the 245/35R19 tire size, Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS can be bought at $296.99 per tire while Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is sold at $406.99. There is a $110 price difference.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In this Bridgestone Potenza Re980AS vs Michelin Pilot Sport 4S review, it can be concluded that both tires were aimed at enhancing performance in wet and dry braking.

Bridgestone Potenza Re980AS is a cheaper UHP option with dependable performance in wet, dry, and light snow conditions.

On the other hand, if you would like to maximize the potential of your sports car in high speed driving, Michelin gives you a safer and more enjoyable ride despite its high price tag.

Another interesting tire matchup when you compare Michelin and Bridgestone tires is Bridgestone Potenza vs Michelin Pilot Sport.