Nitto NT555 G2 vs Mickey Thompson Street Comp tires

When it comes to naming enthusiast brands, Nitto and Mickey Thompson surely make it to the list while also offering great value, be it on their tough off-road tires for light trucks, SUVs, 4x4s, and jeeps or high-performance tires for sports coupes, sedans, and sports cars.

Nitto and Mickey Thompson represent two of the most iconic names in the performance tire world, each carrying a rich legacy of engineering tires that blur the line between the street and the track. Nitto, established in 1949, has evolved into a powerhouse in the sport-compact and muscle-car communities, celebrated for its aggressive aesthetics and high-tech rubber compounds. Mickey Thompson, founded in 1963 by the legendary racer himself, focuses on a ‘born on the track’ philosophy, specializing in high-velocity stability and inspiring grip.

Today, we do the Nitto NT555 G2 vs Mickey Thompson Street Comp tire comparison to know which one offers better value and is the tire to go for. The two ultra-high-performance (UHP) summer tires are designed for those who demand maximum grip and handling during spirited drives. While the Nitto G2 utilizes a high-stiffness silica compound and twin center ribs to provide surgical steering precision and improved wet braking, the Street Comp counters with a lightweight, asymmetric design optimized for high-speed cornering and aggressive steering response.

Let’s compare the two stalwarts of UHP summer tires based on their performance in SimpleScore, which is our in-house scoring mechanism that rates each tire on traction, handling, and longevity on a scale of 0 to 10.

Nitto NT555 G2 tires

Launched in 2020 as the successor to the iconic NT555, the Nitto NT555 G2 is a ‘next-generation’ UHP summer tire that’s designed for the modern sports coupes, sedans, and sports cars. Utilizing a high-stiffness silica rubber compound to provide massive rear-wheel traction and great straight-line stability, the NT555 G2 is a favorite for staggered fitments. This advanced rubber-to-road adhesion ensures confident handling, control, and cornering in both wet and dry conditions. Specifically engineered for high-RPM machines and warmer climates, it maximizes pavement contact to deliver a superior driving experience on tracks and streets alike.

With an overall SimpleScore of 8.4, the NT555 G2 offers enthusiasts the near-perfect balance of solid precision, reliable longevity, and enhanced grip in dry and wet conditions.

Get Nitto NT555 G2 tires at the best deals for your vehicle here

Mickey Thompson Street Comp tires

Debuting in 2012, the Mickey Thompson Street Comp is a UHP summer tire specifically tuned for modern American muscle cars and pro-touring enthusiasts. It utilizes a sophisticated asymmetric tread pattern paired with an advanced high-silica compound to deliver superior cornering and traction on both dry and rain-soaked roads.

Engineered to prioritize agility, Mickey Thompson’s lightweight structure sheds weight to sharpen acceleration and reduce braking distances. Large outboard shoulder blocks provide the lateral bite needed for high-speed stability, while the unique tread design maintains a smooth ride quality.

With an overall SimpleScore of 8.4, the Mickey Thompson Street Comp stands as a solid option for drivers wanting adequate steering response, consistent wear, and a ‘sticky’ feel during regular use or spirited weekend sprints.

Get Mickey Thompson Street Comp tires at the best deals for your vehicle here

Nitto NT555 G2 vs Mickey Thompson Street Comp tires on traction

When you buy a UHP summer tire, you look for maximum grip in warmer conditions. Drivers who prefer quick rides or want to push their performance-oriented vehicles harder to test their limits need superior grip and traction. Both the UHP tires are quite good when it comes to braking and acceleration.

The Nitto NT555 G2 secures a great score of 8.4 in traction, helping you with a controlled grip for better performance. It features a silica-based rubber compound and race-inspired formulation that improves surface contact with the road, while its circumferential grooves channel water away to mitigate the risk of hydroplaning. You’ll feel the grip on dry and wet roads, which is predictable but not too aggressive.

At 8.5, the traction score of the Mickey Thompson Street Comp is slightly better. The rubber compound used in this tire is specially tuned, which gives you a stronger grip in both dry and wet conditions. Thanks to the dual center rib, you’ll experience better road contact. The design also enhances braking and acceleration performance significantly. When you push the car harder for acceleration, it feels more responsive and in control.

The Mickey Thompson Street Comp has an advantage here with responsive grip and a better score in traction.

ADVANTAGE: Mickey Thompson Street Comp

Nitto NT555 G2 vs Mickey Thompson Street Comp tires on handling

You count on your UHP summer tires for sharp steering response and stability at high speeds. That’s why superior handling matters, as it gives you confidence during aggressive driving or cornering. Both tires display their highest scores in this department.

Boasting an 8.8 in handling, the Nitto NT555 G2 is noted for its precision. The Nitto tire features reinforced shoulder blocks that increase stiffness, so that you experience better cornering stability and steering response. You also have the stiff silica compound that improves control during turns, while the overall construction of the tire helps it maintain stability at higher speeds.

Performing equally well in handling, the Mickey Thompson Street Comp also achieves an 8.8. However, this tire features a lightweight construction, which improves steering response. Thanks to the strong shoulder design and dual center rib, you’ll experience better steering response and stability. That’s why high-speed rides are balanced and composed.

With the same scores, the handling battle ends in a tie.

ADVANTAGE: Tie

Nitto NT555 G2 vs Mickey Thompson Street Comp tires on longevity

The longevity of your UHP summer tire determines how long they sustain under high performance. You’d look for a tire with a well-designed tread and compound that offers a reasonable tread life for daily use.

A longevity score of 8.1 makes the Nitto NT555 G2 a decent choice under the performance category. The UHP summer tire features an advanced rubber compound and wider tread blocks that reduce uneven wear, while you’ll experience better tread integrity under stress due to the reinforced construction. Like most tires under this category, it does not come with a mileage warranty.

The Mickey Thompson Street Comp scores 8.0 in longevity, which looks fine for a performance tire. The tire features an asymmetric tread design that controls uneven wear. Its lightweight construction, on the other hand, puts less strain on the tread. This tire, too, lacks a mileage warranty but provides consistent performance throughout its lifespan.

The Nitto NT555 G2 emerges as the winner in terms of longevity with a slightly higher score.

ADVANTAGE: Nitto NT555 G2

When to use each

UHP summer tires are suitable for drivers who prefer spirited drives. These tires provide sharper handling and a stronger grip, and can be used for daily rides. They deliver optimum performance in warmer conditions and should not be used in cold climates, as they are not Three Peak Mountain Snowflake Certified.

You may consider buying the Nitto NT555 G2 if you have been looking for sharper rides. This tire is suitable for vehicles with higher horsepower as it offers better stability and control for precise handling.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a balanced performance with stronger traction, the Mickey Thompson Street Comp would be a better choice.

Which one should you choose?

In the UHP summer category, both these tires perform closely. So, you need to consider what you really want from the tire.

The Mickey Thompson Street Comp would be the right choice if you want better traction (8.5 vs. 8.4). It offers a stronger grip during acceleration and spirited driving. The Nitto NT555 G2, on the contrary, offers a slightly better tread life (8.1 vs. 8.0). So, if the longevity of the tire matters to you for daily rides, you may consider this tire. It also offers slightly sharper handling, even though both tires show similar scores in this parameter.

For the 245/45ZR17 tire size, the cost of each Nitto NT555 G2 is around $178, which means four such tires would cost you around $712. On the other hand, one Mickey Thompson Street Comp is priced at about $189, which brings the cost of four such tires to $756 (a difference of $44).

Based on SimpleScore, you should buy the Nitto NT555 G2 if you:

• Drive vehicles like the BMW M3, Ford Mustang, or the Chevrolet Camaro
• Want a slightly better longevity (8.1 vs. 8.0)
• Prefer a capable performance tire from an enthusiast brand
• Want a slightly affordable UHP summer tire

On the other hand, you may consider the Mickey Thompson Street Comp if you:

• Drive vehicles like the Dodge Charger, Chevrolet Corvette, or the Audi S3
• Want better traction (8.5 vs 8.4)
• Prefer a more balanced and stable ride