Bridgestone Turanza 6 vs Michelin Primacy 4+: After 5 years of consistent performer in the touring segment, Bridgestone finally bid goodbye to Turanza T005 and introduced the Turanza 6 as its successor in 2023. Touting an impeccable “A” label wet braking line up plus superior mileage and improved fuel/energy efficiency claims, Turanza 6 definitely looks like a top notch tire which you do not mind having with you during the summer days. Let’s put the Turanza 6 with the best touring tire out there “Michelin Primacy 4+” and see which will come out on top !
Table of Contents
Results
Results below were taken from the “Bridgestone Turanza 6 press“. The tests were carried out by TÜV SÜD on the request of Bridgestone. Word of caution here, as these are test data provided by Bridgestone it is hard not to rule out any biases. Even though the test is commissioned by a 3rd party, only wet performances are shown without any data on other performance criteria. Knowing that tires are a target conflict game, being good in one area usually sacrifices performance in other areas. Hence only by evaluating a full performance test would enable us to see truly the full potential of Turanza 6.
A total of 4 tires were tested this time around including Continental’s Premium Contact 6 and Pirelli’s Cinturato P7 (P7C2). The graph below shows the comparison between Bridgestone Turanza 6 vs Michelin Primacy 4+ based on the relevant performance category. The Bridgestone Turanza 6 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
The tire size of interest is 245/45 R18 which is a common tire size for Audi A6 and the Volvo S90. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The tests are tested on 2 different vehicles which are a BMW 520i & BMW 530d.
*Updated results from 2024 Auto Bild Summer independent Tire Test. The tire size of interest is a 205/55R16 which is a common tire size for Volkswagen Golf & Toyota Corolla . You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice is a Volkswagen Golf
Wet
The wet performance reports of the Bridgestone Turanza 6 and Michelin Primacy 4+ from TÜV SÜD and the 2024 Auto Bild Summer Test show significant inconsistencies, which bring the reliability of such data into question.
In wet braking, TÜV SÜD notes a 6% reduction for the Primacy 4+, while Auto Bild records a slight 1% improvement. For lateral wet grip, TÜV SÜD reports a 5% decrease for the Primacy 4+ compared to a negligible 1% decrease in Auto Bild. In straight aquaplaning, TÜV SÜD sees a decrease of 2% for the Primacy 4+, while Auto Bild finds a slight improvement of 1%. Most notably, in curved aquaplaning, TÜV SÜD indicates a 10% decrease for the Primacy 4+, starkly contrasting with Auto Bild’s 12% increase.
These significant discrepancies, especially the 22% difference in curved aquaplaning, raise concerns about the influence of manufacturer-backed reports and whether differences in tire size and test vehicles adequately explain such vast variations in performance results. This casts doubt on whether manufacturers’ own press releases can always be trusted as accurate reflections of product performance.
| Primacy 4+: | TÜV SÜD Bridgestone Report: | 2024 Auto Bild Summer Test |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | -6% | +1% |
| Wet Handling | ~0% | |
| Wet Circle | -5% | -1% |
| Straight Aqua | -2% | +1% |
| Curved Aquaplaning | -10% | +12% |
Dry
In dry conditions, the Michelin Primacy 4+ slightly outperforms the Bridgestone Turanza 6. For dry braking from 100 to 0 km/h, the Primacy 4+ stops in 36.3 meters, which is 0.6 meters shorter than the Turanza 6’s 36.9 meters. In terms of dry handling average speed, the Primacy 4+ also has a slight edge, with an average speed of 115.1 km/h compared to the Turanza 6’s 114.7 km/h. These results indicate that the Primacy 4+ has a marginal but consistent advantage in dry performance metrics over the Turanza 6.
2024 Auto Bild Summer Test
Primacy 4+ :
- +2% in dry braking
- ~0% in dry handling (average speed)
Wear
In terms of wear performance, the Michelin Primacy 4+ lasts significantly longer than the Bridgestone Turanza 6. The Primacy 4+ can be driven for 38,950 kilometers before needing replacement, which is 4,550 kilometers more than the Turanza 6, which lasts up to 34,400 kilometers. This indicates that the Primacy 4+ offers better durability and could be a more cost-effective choice in the long run due to its extended lifespan.
2024 Auto Bild Summer Test
Primacy 4+ :
- +13% in mileage
Exterior noise
The Michelin Primacy 4+ is quieter than the Bridgestone Turanza 6, producing less exterior noise. The Primacy 4+ registers at 72.7 decibels, which is 1.4 decibels lower than the Turanza 6’s 74.1 decibels. This difference suggests that the Primacy 4+ could provide a more comfortable and quieter driving experience compared to the Turanza 6.
2024 Auto Bild Summer Test
Primacy 4+ :
- +2% in exterior noise (-1.4 dB)
Rolling resistance
The Bridgestone Turanza 6 has slightly lower rolling resistance compared to the Michelin Primacy 4+, with a measurement of 7.98 N/kN against the Primacy 4+’s 8.16 N/kN. This difference of 0.18 N/kN indicates that the Turanza 6 is marginally more efficient, potentially offering better fuel economy due to its lower resistance when rolling.
2024 Auto Bild Summer Test
Primacy 4+ :
- -2% in rolling resistance
Price
The Michelin Primacy 4+ is 19% more expensive than the Bridgestone Turanza 6 for the tire size 245/45 R18. Specifically, the Turanza 6 costs €145, while the Primacy 4+ is priced at €180. This price difference highlights that the Primacy 4+ is a more costly option compared to the Turanza 6.
Tire size: 245/45 R18
- Turanza 6 : € 145
- Primacy 4+ : € 180
Difference: +19% more expensive for Primacy 4+
Summary
In this comparison, the Michelin Primacy 4+ emerges as the clear winner, demonstrating superior performance in several key areas including dry braking, handling, and notably longer wear life, along with quieter operation. Despite its higher price, the enhanced durability and reduced noise levels make it a compelling choice for consumers seeking quality and long-term value.
However, the significant discrepancies observed between different test results, particularly in manufacturer-backed tests, serve as a reminder that such data should be approached with caution. These variations suggest that manufacturer press releases can sometimes reflect optimized conditions that may not always align with typical consumer experiences. Therefore, while the Primacy 4+ shows clear advantages, it’s advisable to consider independent test results and reviews for a more balanced perspective on tire performance.
Dr Edwin Pang