Michelin Primacy 5 vs BFGoodrich Advantage 2 is a true internal Michelin group showdown, where both tyres come from the same engineering DNA but target different drivers. The Michelin Primacy 5 stands as Michelin’s latest premium touring benchmark, focusing on top-tier comfort, refined wet safety, and long-lasting performance, while the BFGoodrich Advantage 2 delivers a more value-driven, slightly sportier touring character using Michelin-derived technology. Same family, different philosophies — making this a quiet yet intense in-house battle for everyday road dominance.
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Results: Michelin Primacy 5 vs BFGoodrich Advantage 2
The results presented here are from the Auto Zeitung 2026 Summer Tire Test, where 10 of the best summer tire models were selected. The accompanying graph provides a side-by-side comparison of the Michelin Primacy 5 vs BFGoodrich Advantage 2 across various performance categories, with the Michelin Primacy 5 serving as the benchmark at 100%.
The tire size of interest is the 235/45R18 tire size, a popular choice for vehicles like the Honda Accord & Tesla Model 3. For further insights into various tire sizes, feel free to consult our latest tire size table. The tests were conducted using a Audi A5 TS-FI as the test vehicle.
Wet
In wet braking, the BFGoodrich Advantage 2 stops 3.2 meters shorter than the Michelin Primacy 5, about 6% better. In wet handling, both are nearly identical with just a 0.1-second gap, effectively the same, though the Advantage 2 leads subjectively by 4 points, roughly 7% higher driver-rated confidence. However, the Primacy 5 regains ground in straight aquaplaning, holding 2.5 km/h higher speed, around 3% better resistance.
Overall, the Advantage 2 leads in braking and driver feel, while the Primacy 5 counters with stronger aquaplaning security, making the wet performance battle very close.
Advantage 2 :
- +6% in wet braking
- 0% in wet handling
- +7% in subj wet handling
- -3% in aquaplaning
Dry
In dry braking, the BFGoodrich Advantage 2 stops 0.7 meters shorter than the Michelin Primacy 5, around 2% better. However, in dry handling lap time, the Primacy 5 is 0.2 seconds faster than the Advantage 2, giving it a small advantage. Subjectively, the Advantage 2 leads with 2 more points than the Primacy 5, roughly 3% higher driver-rated dry handling feel.
Overall, the Advantage 2 shows a slight edge in braking and driver confidence, while the Primacy 5 counters with a marginally quicker handling time, making the dry performance very closely matched.
Advantage 2 :
- +2% in dry braking
- 0% in dry handling
- +3% in subj dry handling
Wear
In wear mileage, the Michelin Primacy 5 lasts 10,750 km longer than the BFGoodrich Advantage 2, about 22% more distance. This is supported by lower abrasion, where the Primacy 5 wears 0.013 mm per 1,000 km less than the Advantage 2, roughly 15% lower wear rate. Overall, the Primacy 5 shows a clear advantage in longevity, delivering significantly longer usable mileage and slower tread wear compared to the Advantage 2.
Advantage 2 :
- -22% in mileage
- -15% in abrasion
Noise & Comfort
In noise, both the BFGoodrich Advantage 2 and Michelin Primacy 5 are identical at 69 dB, showing no measurable difference. However, in subjective comfort, the Primacy 5 scores 4 points higher than the Advantage 2, about 20% better driver-rated comfort. Overall, while both tyres produce the same noise level, the Primacy 5 delivers a noticeably more comfortable driving experience.
Advantage 2 :
- 0% in exterior noise
- -20% in subjective comfort
Rolling Resistance
In rolling resistance, the Michelin Primacy 5 records 6.8 N/kN while the BFGoodrich Advantage 2 measures 7 N/kN, giving the Primacy 5 a 0.2 N/kN lower resistance, about 3% better efficiency. Overall, the Primacy 5 holds a small but clear advantage in rolling resistance, contributing to slightly better fuel or energy efficiency.
Advantage 2 :
- -3% in rolling resistance
Price
For the popular 235/45R18 size, the BFGoodrich Advantage 2 is 15% cheaper than the Michelin Primacy 5, positioning it as the more affordable option between the two, while the Primacy 5 sits at a higher price point within the same Michelin family.
Tire size: 235/45 R18
- Primacy 5 : € 166
- Advantage 2 : € 145
Difference: -15% cheaper for Advantage 2
Summary
From a tire engineer’s perspective, the BFGoodrich Advantage 2 impresses with stronger wet and dry braking performance, higher subjective handling confidence, and a significantly lower price point, making it a very compelling value-focused option within the Michelin family. The Michelin Primacy 5, however, clearly stands out in longevity, comfort, aquaplaning resistance, and rolling efficiency, delivering a more refined and durable long-term ownership experience. In short, the Advantage 2 offers sharper performance and value, while the Primacy 5 excels in comfort, durability, and overall premium touring refinement.
Dr Edwin Pang