Michelin Primacy 4+ vs Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2: The Michelin Primacy 4+ and Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 represent a thrilling showdown in the world of touring tires. Both are highly anticipated contenders, but the latest from Michelin, the Primacy 4+, is poised to redefine performance in this segment. Known for their impeccable balance of comfort, longevity, and fuel efficiency, Michelin tires have always set high standards. With the Primacy 4+, expectations are sky-high as it promises enhanced wet and dry grip, superior durability, and an even quieter ride.
On the other side, the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2, a worthy adversary, has already established a reputation for excellent road handling and eco-friendly performance. This duel between two tire titans is not just about rubber meeting the road; it’s a clash of innovation and engineering prowess, set to excite motorists and industry experts alike. Who will come out on top? The stage is set for an epic battle in the touring tire segment.
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Results: Michelin Primacy 4+ vs Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2
The results featured here are from the expansive 2023 ADAC Summer Tire Test, an ambitious endeavor showcasing 50 of the market’s leading tires, a scale of testing that only ADAC would undertake. ADAC has included wear test results to provide a comprehensive overview of overall performance. The accompanying graph presents a side-by-side comparison of the Michelin Primacy 4+ vs Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 across various performance categories, with the Primacy 4+ serving as the benchmark at the 100% mark.
The tire size of interest is the 205/55R16 tire size, a popular choice for vehicles like the 2018 Volkswagen Golf and Toyota Corolla Altis. For further insights into various tire sizes, feel free to consult our latest tire size table. The tests were conducted using a standard Volkswagen Golf 8 as the test vehicle.
Wet
In wet conditions, the Michelin Primacy 4+ demonstrates superior performance compared to the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2. When it comes to wet braking, the Michelin Primacy 4+ takes the lead with a stopping distance of 36.7 meters, which is notably shorter than the 40.3 meters recorded by the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2. This 3.6 meters difference is significant, especially when considering safety in wet conditions.
Similarly, in the test for straight aquaplaning, the Michelin Primacy 4+ maintains better control, reaching a higher slipping speed of 83.5 km/h compared to the Pirelli’s 81.8 km/h. This indicates a better resistance to aquaplaning in straight-line scenarios.
However, the gap narrows in curved aquaplaning situations. The Michelin tire achieves a maximum lateral acceleration of 3.6 m/sec2, only slightly outperforming the Pirelli tire, which records 3.7 m/sec2. This suggests that while Michelin holds an edge in straight-line wet performance, both tires are closely matched when dealing with wet curves. Overall, the Michelin Primacy 4+ shows a consistent edge in wet conditions, offering enhanced safety and performance.
Cinturato P7 C2 :
- -9% in wet braking
- -2% in straight aquaplaning
- +3% in curved aquaplaning
Dry
In dry conditions, the performance of the Michelin Primacy 4+ and Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 is remarkably similar, especially in dry braking. The Michelin Primacy 4+ has a marginal advantage, stopping from 100 km/h to a halt at 36.9 meters, just a hair shorter than the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2, which comes to a stop at 37 meters. This minuscule difference of 0.1 meters in dry braking distance between the two tires highlights their comparable capabilities in dry conditions. Both tires demonstrate excellent performance, ensuring a high level of safety and reliability for drivers in dry environments.
Cinturato P7 C2 :
- ~0% in dry braking
Wear
In terms of wear performance, there’s a substantial difference between the Michelin Primacy 4+ and the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2. The Michelin Primacy 4+ significantly outperforms the Pirelli in terms of mileage, offering an impressive 61,300 KM compared to the Pirelli’s 39,500 KM. This remarkable difference of 21,800 KM means the Michelin tire offers much longer durability.
Furthermore, when considering abrasion, which is increasingly important in light of the upcoming EURO 7 regulations in 2025, the Michelin again shows a clear advantage. It has an abrasion value of 53.7 mg/km/t, considerably lower than the Pirelli’s 82.1 mg/km/t. This lower abrasion rate is crucial as it indicates a lesser environmental impact due to reduced tire wear particles, aligning better with the stringent requirements expected in the EURO 7 standards.
Overall, the Michelin Primacy 4+ not only promises significantly longer wear but also demonstrates a more environmentally friendly profile in terms of abrasion, making it a more sustainable choice as we approach the new regulatory environment.
Cinturato P7 C2 :
- -36% in mileage
- -35% in abrasion
Noise
When it comes to exterior noise performance, the Michelin Primacy 4+ and the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 are exactly matched. Both tires produce an exterior noise level of 70.5 dB. This equality in noise output suggests that both tires offer a similar level of sound comfort, ensuring a quiet driving experience. Neither tire has a distinct advantage in this aspect, indicating that both Michelin and Pirelli have effectively managed to minimize tire noise, a crucial factor for many drivers seeking a peaceful and comfortable ride.
Cinturato P7 C2 :
- 0% in exterior noise
Fuel Consumption
In the fuel consumption test, the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 shows a slight edge over the Michelin Primacy 4+. The Pirelli tire records a fuel consumption of 5.7 liters per 100 kilometers, which is marginally more efficient than the Michelin’s 5.8 liters per 100 kilometers. This difference, although small, indicates that the Pirelli tire may offer slightly better fuel efficiency. For drivers concerned with maximizing their vehicle’s fuel economy, this slight advantage could be a deciding factor. However, the similarity in their performance suggests that both tires are quite efficient in terms of fuel usage.
Cinturato P7 C2 :
- +2% in fuel consumption
Price
In terms of pricing for the size 205/55 R16, the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 is slightly more affordable than the Michelin Primacy 4+. The Cinturato P7 C2 is priced at €86, whereas the Primacy 4+ costs €90. This makes the Pirelli tire about 5% cheaper than the Michelin. For budget-conscious consumers, this price difference, albeit modest, could be a key factor in their decision-making process, especially when considering the overall cost for a full set of tires.
Tire size: 205/55 R16
- Primacy 4+ : € 90
- Cinturato P7 C2 : € 86
Difference: -5% more cheaper for Cinturato P7 C2
Summary
As a tire expert, I find the Michelin Primacy 4+ to be the clear winner in its duel with the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2. Its superior wet braking performance and remarkable wear/abrasion resistance are key advantages, ensuring both safety and longevity. Although the Pirelli has a slight edge in fuel efficiency and is slightly cheaper, these benefits are overshadowed by the Michelin’s overall superiority in critical performance areas. In summary, for those prioritizing safety and durability, the Michelin Primacy 4+ stands out as the better choice.
Dr Edwin Pang