Michelin Primacy 4 ST vs Bridgestone Turanza T005A: In the world of tires, a thrilling battle is unfolding in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. We’re comparing two top contenders: the Michelin Primacy 4 ST and the Bridgestone Turanza T005A. It’s important to note that the Bridgestone Turanza T005A is specially designed for the APAC market, similar to its European counterpart, the T005. Likewise, the Michelin Primacy 4 ST is the APAC version of the widely known Primacy 4 in Europe.
These two tires are leading players in the APAC touring segment, and we’re excited to see how they stack up against each other. Get ready for an in-depth look at what sets these tires apart and who might come out on top in this high-stakes tire showdown!
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Results: Michelin Primacy 4 ST vs Bridgestone Turanza T005A
Results below were taken from our own 2023 Top Tire Review APAC Touring Tire Test with a total of 6 tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin Primacy 4 ST vs Bridgestone Turanza T005A based on the relevant performance category. The Michelin Primacy 4 ST was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
For handling performances, the evaluation was done on the subjective evaluation and lap times. Note that for subjective evaluations, we consider 1 point to be equivalent to 10%. This means that if tire A receives a rating of 7 and tire B receives a rating of 8, tire B is deemed 10% better than tire A. For noise tests, an increase of 1 dB corresponds to a 10% change in rating. This reflects the logarithmic nature of decibel measurements. We centered our tire test on the BMW F30 equipped with brand-new 225/45 R18 tires, amidst the tropical setting of West Java, Indonesia, with temperatures ranging between 28-35°C.
Wet
When it comes to wet performance, both the Michelin Primacy 4 ST and the Bridgestone Turanza T005A show impressive capabilities, but with some distinct differences. In wet braking, from 80 to 5 km/h, the Bridgestone Turanza T005A takes a slight lead, stopping in 18.34 meters, which is marginally shorter than the 18.75 meters required by the Michelin Primacy 4 ST. This means the Bridgestone tire could offer a bit more safety in sudden braking situations on wet roads.
In subjective wet handling, which measures the overall feel and control during driving, the Michelin scores a 7.7 out of 10, slightly outperforming the Bridgestone’s 7.3. This suggests that drivers might find the Michelin tire feels better and more responsive when maneuvering in wet conditions.
However, when we look at objective wet handling, specifically lap times, the Michelin Primacy 4 ST completes a wet lap in 26.3 seconds, noticeably quicker than the 27.8 seconds of the Bridgestone Turanza T005A. This faster lap time indicates that the Michelin tire has better grip and stability in wet conditions.
Lastly, in aquaplaning, which is the tire’s ability to maintain control when sliding on water, the Michelin again has a slight edge with a slipping speed of 76.81 km/h compared to Bridgestone’s 75.37 km/h. This means the Michelin tire might offer a safer and more stable drive during heavy rain.
Overall, while both tires demonstrate strong wet performance, the Michelin Primacy 4 ST shows a bit more superiority in handling and resistance to aquaplaning, while the Bridgestone Turanza T005A has a minor advantage in wet braking distance.
Turanza T005A :
- +2% in wet braking
- -4% in wet handling (subj)
- -6% in wet handling (lap time)
- -2% in aquaplaning
Dry
In dry conditions, the performance of the Michelin Primacy 4 ST and Bridgestone Turanza T005A shows some notable differences. Starting with dry braking, the Michelin Primacy 4 ST stands out with its ability to stop from 100 km/h to a complete halt in 36.01 meters, which is significantly shorter compared to the Bridgestone Turanza T005A’s 38.57 meters. This means the Michelin tire offers better stopping power in dry conditions, which can be crucial in emergency braking situations.
When it comes to subjective dry handling, which is about how the tire feels during driving, the Michelin again slightly edges out with a score of 7.4 out of 10, compared to the Bridgestone’s 7.2. This suggests that drivers might find the Michelin tire to offer a better driving experience in terms of control and responsiveness on dry roads.
Moving to objective dry handling, which looks at lap times, the Michelin Primacy 4 ST completes a dry circuit in 27.4 seconds, faster than the Bridgestone Turanza T005A’s time of 28.4 seconds. This faster lap time indicates that the Michelin tire likely provides better grip and stability in dry driving conditions.
Overall, in dry performance, the Michelin Primacy 4 ST demonstrates a clear advantage over the Bridgestone Turanza T005A, both in terms of braking distance and handling capabilities. This suggests that for drivers prioritizing dry performance, the Michelin tire might be the better choice.
Turanza T005A :
- -7% in dry braking
- -2% in dry handling (subj)
- -3% in dry handling (lap time)
NVH (Noise Vibration & Harshness)
In the Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) performance comparison between the Michelin Primacy 4 ST and the Bridgestone Turanza T005A, both tires show closely matched results, with slight differences in various aspects.
For pass-by noise, which measures the external noise level of the tires, the Bridgestone Turanza T005A is marginally quieter with a noise level of 69.8 dB, compared to the Michelin Primacy 4 ST’s 69.9 dB. This difference is minimal, suggesting that both tires are almost equally quiet from an outside perspective.
When it comes to interior noise at the front of the vehicle, the Bridgestone again has a slight edge, producing a noise level of 72.3 dB, which is just a bit lower than the Michelin’s 72.7 dB. This means that inside the car, the Bridgestone tire might offer a slightly quieter ride.
In subjective comfort, which is based on the overall feel and smoothness of the ride, the Bridgestone Turanza T005A scores a 7.3 out of 10, surpassing the Michelin’s 7.15. This indicates that drivers and passengers might find the Bridgestone tire to provide a more comfortable ride.
Finally, in terms of subjective noise, which assesses the perceived noise level inside the vehicle, the Michelin Primacy 4 ST scores a 7.25 out of 10, slightly ahead of the Bridgestone’s 7.05. This suggests that the Michelin tire might be perceived as being a bit quieter from the driver’s and passengers’ perspective.
In summary, while both tires perform closely in NVH characteristics, the Bridgestone Turanza T005A seems to offer a marginally quieter and more comfortable ride, whereas the Michelin Primacy 4 ST is perceived as slightly quieter inside the vehicle. The differences, however, are quite small, indicating that both tires are well-engineered in terms of NVH performance.
Turanza T005A :
- +1% in pass by noise (-0.1 dB)
- +4% in interior noise (-0.4 dB)
- +1% in subjective comfort
- -2% in subjective noise
Rolling Resistance
The Michelin Primacy 4 ST demonstrates a lower Rolling Resistance Coefficient at 7.8 N/KN compared to the Bridgestone Turanza T005A, which has a higher coefficient of 9.2 N/KN. This means the Michelin tire is more efficient, requiring less energy to roll, potentially offering better fuel efficiency. It’s notable that the Bridgestone tire, tested with a standard load specification, may have this as a factor for its higher resistance. In short, the Michelin Primacy 4 ST is more efficient in terms of rolling resistance than the Bridgestone Turanza T005A.
Turanza T005A :
- -15% in rolling resistance
Price
The Bridgestone Turanza T005A, priced at RM 578, is more affordable than the Michelin Primacy 4 ST, which costs RM 678 for the same tire size (225/45 R18). This makes the Turanza T005A about 15% cheaper than the Primacy 4 ST, offering a more budget-friendly option.
Tire size: 225/45 R18
- Primacy 4 ST : RM 678
- Turanza T005A : RM 578
Difference: -15% more cheaper for Turanza T005A
Summary
As a tire expert, I’ve carefully tested & analyzed both the Michelin Primacy 4 ST and the Bridgestone Turanza T005A, and I must say, choosing a clear winner isn’t straightforward. Each tire brings its own set of strengths to the table, making the decision highly dependent on your personal requirements.
Let’s start with the Michelin Primacy 4 ST. Its performance in wet handling is exceptional, offering superior grip and stability in challenging wet conditions. In dry performance, it also stands out, especially in terms of braking and handling. The rolling resistance of the Michelin is another strong point, indicating better fuel efficiency and a smoother ride.
On the other hand, the Bridgestone Turanza T005A excels in the NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) aspect, a key demand in the APAC region. It offers a quieter and more comfortable ride, both in terms of interior and exterior noise levels. Additionally, the Turanza T005A has a slight edge in wet braking, which can be crucial for safety in sudden braking scenarios on wet roads.
In conclusion, there is no outright winner between these two. Your choice should be guided by what you value most in a tire. If you prioritize wet and dry handling performance and efficiency, the Michelin Primacy 4 ST is an excellent choice. However, if you’re more inclined towards comfort and noise reduction, along with slightly better wet braking, the Bridgestone Turanza T005A will serve you well. Ultimately, it’s about finding the balance that suits your driving needs and preferences.
Dr Edwin Pang