Tyre comparison
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R vs Nankang Sportnex AR-1
The Pilot Sport Cup 2 R scores higher for every kind of driver we tested. Choose the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R for dry grip. The Sportnex AR-1 usually costs less.
Michelin
Pilot Sport Cup 2 R
Near-slick OE tyre for the fastest road-legal cars.
Track / R-compound · Premium
Fit score by driver
The same 0–100 score the calculator ranks tyres by, weighted for each kind of driver. How we score
| Driver | Pilot Sport Cup 2 R | Sportnex AR-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Mostly track | 83 (higher) | 61 |
| Road + track days | 67 (higher) | 53 |
| Spirited roads | 67 (higher) | 53 |
Trait by trait
Out of 10, against other track tyres.
Pilot Sport Cup 2 R
Where the scores come from
Independent tests
- Tested by
- Tyre Reviews
TyreReviews 3-way: best dry braking 43.55 m; wet braking 45.68 m (2nd of 3).
Data last reviewed: October 2026
Sportnex AR-1
Where the scores come from
Estimated: no independent test of this tyre found
Budget semi-slick; no test figures read.
Data last reviewed: October 2026
Questions
Which is better, the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R or the Sportnex AR-1?
The Pilot Sport Cup 2 R scores higher for every kind of driver we tested. Choose the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R for dry grip. The Sportnex AR-1 usually costs less.
Where do these ratings come from?
From independent tyre tests where they exist (ADAC, Auto Bild, Tyre Reviews, evo, Tire Rack and others), rated 1 to 10 against other tyres in the same category, last reviewed October 2026. Neither tyre maker nor any retailer can change them.