heavysixer22

My 997.1 C2S needs new tires and is currently riding on PilotSport PS2's.

I've only had the car a couple of months and it's my first 911, so I don't have any practical experience with performance tires.

I've decided to stick with Michelin PilotSports for the car because they are well regarded and I'd like to experience them as my first new pair of shoes for the car, but I'd really appreciate opinions on PS2s vs PS4s.

I don't track the car (even though it came stock with sport chrono, a short shift kit, and a very cool fire extinguisher) and I don't plan on it.

So the question is, which is a better every day road tire for a guy who loves the feel of mechanical grip, drives responsibly (but still has fun), and wouldn't mind trading some at-the-limit grip for a bit more comfort, quiet, or durability (but still have a lot of grip)?

I've watched some videos and done some research, but would really appreciate the insights and opinions of my fellow fanatics.

Sporty

MPS4s are a very nice ride; never had PS2s to compare, but compared to other tires i had these have a really nice feel to them for everyday.

1990nein

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Floyd540

Go for the PS4's and be done. It is their newest tire. I have a new set, they are great. 997.2

laphan

I have PS2 all around until last month.
Replaced 2 with PS4S, I would say PS4S is a softer tire but way quieter than PS2.
Grips are almost the same. I would replace the other 2 PS2 with PS4S when they wear out.

I would say PS4S is a better all around tires, huge improvement in NVH and comfort side.

jamesinger

PS4S are more comfortable than PS2s were "back in the day" lol.
I have had both.
PS4S are the best street tires I have ever owned, and I have had sporty cars since 1993.
I have tried a lot of different tires, and these are SUPER good IMO.
I have not tracked these tires for the record.

Unframed

PS4S are really impressive. Big improvement over PS2 or MPSS.

pascalemod

So I have had experience with PS2 N2 in 19in on 997, PS4S in 19in on BMW F30, and PS4 in 18in on BMW F30, and PS2 on BMW E90 (way back).
I would say like this:

PS4S - 10/10 I cant describe how good these are, best tyre Ive ever had, silkly-smooth in two words.
PS4 - 9/10 (they feel less sticky, less soft and smooth but the difference for some will be hard to tell)
PS2 - 6.5/10 - they OK but noisy and crashy. on E90, they felt at the time at 8/10, but the game surely has moved on so today id rank them low. My previous point of reference for PS2 was something liek Falken 452, RFT bridgestones, etc.

If you can avoid PS2, avoid them. Even in newer compounds like the N3 or N4 they are still not a match to PS4. I think if you buy PS4 you should get the XL or heavy load tyre as a lot of the N rating is due to just weight. Thats where new compounds and thread patterns and sidewall helps. They are designed with modern systems and testing, PS2 are old school a bit in that sense, game has moved on.

in short, the PS2 are ok in properties like handling, braking, but they are not ok in noise and comfort and fuel economy.

heavysixer22

Okay, so I'm on Tire Rack looking at PS's, and I see that the 2's (largely panned in this thread) are a chunk more money than the 4S's!

PS2
Front: $290
Rear: $435

PS4S
Front: $258
Rear: $352

I'm happy paying over $200 less, but it comes as a shock based on the comments here!

Iceter

I've run both, although I haven't put a ton of miles on my PS4Ss. So far, the 4s are better tIres for my daily driver. Quieter, better in the rain and the ride feels more compliant.

RacerWannabe

Another vote for the PS4S. I've had both. 4S significantly less road noise in my experience, with better wet handling characteristics. On track once up to temp there is much less of a difference in performance imo, with a slight edge perhaps to the 4S.

ejabour

There is absolutely no downside to the PS4S. They are cheaper, last longer, and perform as good or better than the PS2s wet or dry.

It is a no brainer.

street rod

I just went from PS2 to PS4S and agree with the others. Quieter and better handing.

Kuhl997.2!

Bridgestone and Pirellis are both more comfy than my PS4S. My wife has many many pairs of designer shoes and boots and I get to have a couple sets of wheels and tires. They are not better tires overall but are more comfy for driving back and forth to work or on a short trip to Napa or Portland from Medford.

BLU997

Some of you may know Robert Mitchell of Apex ring taxi. He does excellent car and driving blogs on youtube.

In a recent one he compares the 7 tyres he actually uses on his cars at the Nordschiefe.

Starting at the top with CUP2 R's through other brands, and finishing with the PS4S.

Not what he thinks they might be like, but actual experience from running tourists around in his amazing fleet of fast cars.

Wear, grip, feel, speed, longentivity, wet, and safety.

The tyres we talk here, discussed at length.