Michelin Primacy SUV vs Continental TechContact TC6 SUV: With the increasing popularity of SUVs globally, tire manufacturers have begun to offer specialized products designed specifically for these versatile vehicles. Among these, the Michelin Primacy SUV tire has set a high standard in the industry, known for its reliable performance and durability.
As we delve into the world of dedicated SUV tires, we’ll explore the relatively new Continental TechContact TC6 SUV. This tire is a unique offering, developed exclusively for Tuhu in China, and is also available in Australia as a replacement product. This move by Continental signifies its strategy to create exclusive tire brands for specific retailers, much like the Continental IceContact XTRM, which was exclusively sold in Canada through Groupe Touchette. The introduction of the TechContact TC6 SUV marks Continental’s first foray into the Asian market with such an exclusive partnership, reflecting the growing importance and specificity of regional tire needs for SUVs.
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Results: Michelin Primacy SUV vs Continental TechContact TC6 SUV
Results below were taken from the 4 city comfort SUV tire test. The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin Primacy SUV vs Continental TechContact TC6 SUV based on the relevant performance category. The Michelin Primacy SUV was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
The tire size of interest is 235/65 R17, which is a common tire size for the Honda CR-V and Volvo XC60. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is one of the most popular SUV in Asia’s region, the Honda CR-V.
Wet
In comparing the wet performance of the Michelin Primacy SUV and the Continental TechContact TC6 SUV tires, we observe some nuanced differences. When it comes to wet braking from 100 to 0 km/h, the Michelin Primacy SUV slightly outperforms the Continental TechContact TC6 SUV, stopping in 41.5 meters compared to the 41.9 meters of the Continental. This marginal difference of 0.4 meters indicates that the Michelin tire might provide a marginally shorter stopping distance in wet conditions.
On the other hand, for wet acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Continental TechContact TC6 SUV demonstrates a quicker response, taking 9.3 seconds compared to the 9.8 seconds of the Michelin Primacy SUV. This suggests that the Continental tire provides better traction and power delivery in wet conditions, allowing for faster acceleration.
TechContact TC6 SUV :
- -1% in wet braking
- +5% in wet acceleration
Dry
In dry conditions, the Michelin Primacy SUV and the Continental TechContact TC6 SUV tires exhibit distinct performance characteristics. For dry braking from 100 to 0 km/h, the Michelin Primacy SUV takes the lead with a stopping distance of 39.5 meters, which is 0.8 meters shorter than the 40.3 meters required by the Continental TechContact TC6 SUV. This suggests that the Michelin tire might offer slightly better control and stopping power in dry conditions.
However, when it comes to dry acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Continental TechContact TC6 SUV shows superior performance, achieving this in 8.9 seconds compared to the 9.2 seconds of the Michelin Primacy SUV. This indicates that the Continental tire provides better traction and responsiveness when accelerating on dry surfaces.
TechContact TC6 SUV :
- -2% in dry braking
- +3% in dry acceleration
Noise
When comparing the Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) performance of the Michelin Primacy SUV and the Continental TechContact TC6 SUV tires, slight differences are evident. At 60 km/h, the Michelin Primacy SUV produces an interior noise level of 62.4 dB, which is marginally quieter than the 62.9 dB of the Continental TechContact TC6 SUV. This indicates that at lower speeds, the Michelin tire might offer a slightly more comfortable and quieter ride.
As the speed increases to 80 km/h, the Michelin Primacy SUV maintains its quieter performance with an interior noise level of 65.1 dB, compared to the 65.3 dB of the Continental TechContact TC6 SUV. Although the difference is minor, it suggests that the Michelin tire consistently provides a somewhat quieter experience at various speeds.
TechContact TC6 SUV :
- -1% in interior noise @ 60km/h (+0.5 dB)
- ~0% in interior noise @ 80km/h (+0.2 dB)
Price
In terms of price performance for the 235/65 R17 tire size, the Continental TechContact TC6 SUV presents as a more cost-effective choice compared to the Michelin Primacy SUV. With the TechContact TC6 SUV priced at AU$ 323 and the Primacy SUV at AU$ 345, the TechContact TC6 SUV is approximately 7% less expensive.
Tire size: 235/65 R17
- Primacy SUV: AU$ 345
- TechContact TC6 SUV : AU$ 323
Difference: -7% more cheaper for TechContact TC6 SUV
Summary
As a tire expert, I’ve found the comparison between the Michelin Primacy SUV and the Continental TechContact TC6 SUV to be extremely close, with each tire exhibiting its own strengths and weaknesses. The Michelin Primacy SUV excels in wet and dry braking, offering a marginally shorter stopping distance which can be crucial for safety. It’s also slightly quieter, providing a more comfortable ride in terms of noise levels. However, its higher price point might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.
On the other hand, the Continental TechContact TC6 SUV shows superior performance in both wet and dry acceleration, suggesting better traction and responsiveness. It’s also more affordable, making it an attractive option for those looking to save without significantly compromising on performance. Although it’s slightly noisier and has a marginally longer stopping distance than the Michelin, these differences are quite minimal.
Dr Edwin Pang
Overall, both tires offer commendable performance with minor trade-offs. The choice between them might ultimately come down to specific priorities like budget, noise sensitivity, or a preference for acceleration over braking performance. As a tire expert, I appreciate the competitive features each brings to the table.