Hankook Ventus Prime 4 vs Michelin Primacy 4+ : Prepare for the ultimate showdown in the world of touring tires. Freshly launched in 2022, Hankook unleashes its latest marvel, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4, stepping into the ring with the 2021 powerhouse, Michelin Primacy 4+. The Ventus Prime 4, brand new and boasting the latest advancements in tire technology, takes on the challenge to overthrow the reigning champion, Primacy 4+. Armed with impeccable reputation and a year of proven performance, the Michelin Primacy 4+ is no easy adversary.
The stage is set for a thrilling duel, where only one can claim the crown in the touring segment. Will it be the fresh force of innovation or the tried-and-true titan of tires? Hold on to your seats, it’s time to discover which will reign supreme!
Table of Contents
New Feature Highlights:
Michelin Primacy 4+: For greater safety made to last
The Michelin Primacy 4+ is a long-lasting tire that provides excellent wet braking performance and aquaplaning control even at legal tread depth. It uses the latest generation of rubber compound and self-rejuvenating tread technology to maintain safe performance, even when the tire is worn.
Hankook Ventus Prime 4: Exceptional cross-directional water drainage
This enhances safety when driving on damp roadways through improved water dispersal characteristics on the road surface.
Hankook Ventus Prime 4: 3D Zigzag Tread Pattern Technology
This boosts dry road performance by raising the traction of the tire block in response to deformation.
Results
Results below were taken from the 2023 Tyre Reviews Best Summer Tyres Test which includes 13 top tires in the market. The graph below shows the comparison between Hankook Ventus Prime 4 vs Michelin Primacy 4+ based on the relevant performance category. The Hankook Ventus Prime 4 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark. Note that for subjective evaluation, we equate 1 point as 5%. Hence for example if tire A is graded 7 while tire B is graded 6, A is better than B by 5%.
The tire size of interest is 205/55R16 which is a common tire size for Volkswagen Golf (2018) and the Toyota Corolla Altis (2018). You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a standard VW Golf.
Wet
In the clash between Hankook Ventus Prime 4 and Michelin Primacy 4+ focusing on wet performance, both tires show commendable results, with some slight variations. Starting with wet braking, Michelin Primacy 4+ proves to be a slightly better performer, needing just 32.88 meters to stop, while Hankook Ventus Prime 4 requires a slightly longer distance of 34.12 meters which makes a difference of 1.24 meters.
When it comes to wet handling, Michelin edges out Hankook again. The Primacy 4+ completes the course in 85.72 seconds, a tad faster than Ventus Prime 4, which finishes the course in 86.47 seconds. Subjectively, however, both tires score an equal 9.5 points for wet handling, indicating that drivers perceive both as offering great control and stability in wet conditions.
In terms of the wet circle test, the Ventus Prime 4 shows a slight advantage, completing the circle in 11.71 seconds, a hair quicker than the Primacy 4+ at 11.89 seconds. For straight aquaplaning, the Michelin Primacy 4+ holds the upper hand, maintaining control at a speed of 78.18 Km/H, compared to the Ventus Prime 4 which manages 73.6 Km/H. Lastly, in curved aquaplaning, the Primacy 4+ maintains a higher rate of 3.42 m/sec², demonstrating better resistance to water compared to the Ventus Prime 4 at 2.81 m/sec².
In summary, while both tires showcase robust wet performance, Michelin’s Primacy 4+ takes a slight edge in most categories. Nonetheless, the Ventus Prime 4 holds its own, ensuring both remain formidable contenders in the touring segment.
Primacy 4+ :
- +3.8% in wet braking
- +0.9% in wet handling (lap time)
- 0% in wet handling (subj)
- -1.5% in wet circle
- +6.2% in straight aquaplaning
- +21.7% in curved aquaplaning
Dry
When it comes to dry performance, the matchup between the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 and the Michelin Primacy 4+ presents some intriguing results. Looking at dry braking, the Ventus Prime 4 demonstrates superior performance. It comes to a halt in a shorter distance of 36.09 meters, outperforming the Primacy 4+, which needs 36.58 meters to stop. Similarly, the Ventus Prime 4 takes the lead in dry handling. Completing the course in 51.78 seconds, it outpaces the Primacy 4+, which takes slightly longer at 52.6 seconds.
The subjective scoring for dry handling confirms this advantage. Here, the Ventus Prime 4 is awarded a higher score of 90 points, indicating that drivers perceive it as providing better handling in dry conditions. The Primacy 4+, while still a strong performer, is slightly behind, earning 85 points.
In terms of dry performance, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 appears to take the upper hand over the Michelin Primacy 4+. With stronger braking and handling, plus higher subjective handling scores, the Ventus Prime 4 demonstrates that its 2022 release brings with it significant advancements in dry performance.
Primacy 4+ :
- -1.3% in dry braking
- -1.6% in dry handling (lap time)
- -2.5% in dry handling (subj)
Noise & Comfort
Comparing the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 and the Michelin Primacy 4+ from a comfort and noise perspective brings interesting insights. When it comes to subjective comfort, both tires are on equal footing, scoring an impressive 9.5 points. This suggests that drivers perceive both tires as providing a high level of ride comfort, regardless of the manufacturer.
However, a notable difference emerges in the noise category. Here, the Michelin Primacy 4+ shines with an outstanding noise level of just 70.3 dB, which is 2.5 dB less than the Hankook Ventus Prime 4, which registers at 72.8 dB. This means the Primacy 4+ provides a quieter and potentially more serene driving experience, an advantage that could be significant for drivers prioritizing a peaceful ride.
In summary, while both tires match in terms of comfort, the Michelin Primacy 4+ steals the spotlight with its superior noise performance, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a quiet and comfortable ride.
Primacy 4+ :
- +3.6% in exterior noise (-2.5 dB)
- 0% in subjective comfort
Rolling Resistance
In the context of the duel between the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 and the Michelin Primacy 4+, let’s take a look at their rolling resistance performances. Rolling resistance is a key factor in fuel efficiency – the lower the resistance, the better the tire is for fuel economy. In this competition, the Michelin Primacy 4+ shows a slight edge. It registers a rolling resistance of 8.24 kg/t, a bit lower than the Hankook Ventus Prime 4, which comes in at 8.36 kg/t.
While the difference may seem minimal, over long distances and time, this could contribute to noticeable fuel savings. Therefore, in the arena of rolling resistance, the Michelin Primacy 4+ slightly outperforms the Hankook Ventus Prime 4.
Primacy 4+ :
- +1.5% in rolling resistance
Price
When it comes to the cost of these tires for the size 205/55 R16, there’s a noticeable difference between the two. The Hankook Ventus Prime 4 is priced at £68, making it a more affordable option. In contrast, the Michelin Primacy 4+ carries a higher price tag of £100. This means that the Primacy 4+ is approximately 32% more expensive than the Ventus Prime 4.
Tire size: 205/55 R16
- Ventus Prime 4 : £68
- Primacy 4+: £100
Difference: +32% more expensive for Primacy 4+.
This difference in price could certainly influence a buyer’s decision, depending on their budget and specific tire requirements. While the Primacy 4+ may command a premium price, it’s essential to consider its performance attributes and whether these justify the extra cost for the individual driver’s needs.
Summary
In the grand comparison between the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 and the Michelin Primacy 4+, it’s clear that both tires bring strong features to the table. Both offer high levels of comfort, with the Primacy 4+ particularly standing out for its outstandingly low noise levels. In wet conditions, the Michelin Primacy 4+ slightly outperforms the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 in most categories. However, when it comes to dry conditions, the Ventus Prime 4 showcases superior performance, both in braking and handling. Considering rolling resistance, the Michelin Primacy 4+ again edges out the Ventus Prime 4, offering a minor but potentially impactful advantage in fuel efficiency. Yet, when it comes to price, the Ventus Prime 4 has a significant edge, being considerably more affordable than the Primacy 4+.
In the end, the choice between these two tires depends on individual driving conditions, preferences, and budget. The Michelin Primacy 4+ may be a compelling choice for those seeking lower noise levels and slightly superior wet performance. On the other hand, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 could be a better fit for those prioritizing dry performance and cost-effectiveness. Either way, both tires have proven to be strong contenders in the touring segment, showcasing their unique strengths.