SOLVED: Difference Between Same Sized PS4S Models?

si_well

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Hi all,

I'm planning on getting new 18x8.5 wheels for the spring and am trying to price out a set of new tires to go with it between a few different summer performance tires. As everyone knows, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S are at the top of their class and a fan favorite, but when I looked them up on Tire Rack I noticed they had two different models for the size 235/40/18 that also differ in price. I looked at the specs of each and the differences seem to be tire weight (1 lb difference), tread depth (0.5/32" difference), and tread width (0.3" difference).

I now have 3 questions about this:
  1. Does anyone know why this difference exists?
  2. I would have thought the tire with more tread depth and larger tread width would be the more expensive one due yet is actually the cheaper of the two. Does anyone know why that is?
  3. Is one option a more desirable choice than the other?

Here's a screen shot of the comparison on Tire Rack between these two tires and the OEM Goodyear all seasons.

Honda Civic 10th gen SOLVED: Difference Between Same Sized PS4S Models? Tire1.PNG
Honda Civic 10th gen SOLVED: Difference Between Same Sized PS4S Models? Tire2.PNG
 

Deezy

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Hmmm.... Hit them up on the live chat and see what they say.
 
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si_well

si_well

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So I took Deezy's advice and just asked them on the live chat. Here's the response I received:

"The exact differences beyond what you see in those specs is not disclosed by Michelin. The more expensive one is stock tire (OEM) on the NON US model of the Ford Focus ST. Personally I would buy the non OE tire... The customer for an OE tire is the vehicle manufacturer. Their engineering department provides requirements for the tires in order for the tire manufacturer to be awarded the contract. One area that vehicle manufacturers place a large emphasis on is MPG. The federal government mandates minimum MPG through CAFE and there are huge fines for missing that mandate. Vehicle manufacturers are often forced to sacrifice other areas like wet and snow traction, quiet, comfort, and tread life to satisfy the Federal CAFE mandate. With the OE tire in this case not being for a US spec car... the CAFE would not be in play...so not sure what might be different.. but I would never pay more for an OE variation in any case"

I thought for sure he was going to try to tell me to get the more expensive ones, so I really appreciated his honest response.
 

EdwarDallas

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I have been wondering what the difference was also!
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