Michelin Primacy 4 ST vs Giti Control P10

Michelin Primacy 4 ST vs Giti Control P10: The Battle of the Touring Segment–> In the highly competitive world of touring tires, there is an epic battle brewing that has caught the attention of car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike. On one side, we have the Michelin Primacy 4 ST, a tire that has long been regarded as the reigning king of the touring segment, known for its exceptional performance, durability, and safety features. On the other side is the Giti Control P10, a relatively new player in the market, launched in 2023, but already making waves with its innovative design and impressive capabilities.

This David vs Goliath showdown promises to be a true test of performance and value, as the established leader in the industry goes head-to-head with the ambitious newcomer. The Michelin Primacy 4 ST, with its proven track record and loyal following, is not going to give up its throne easily. But the Giti Control P10, armed with the latest technology and a hunger to prove itself, is ready to challenge the status quo and stake its claim in the touring tire world.

As we delve into the details of each tire’s features, performance, and price, the stakes are high and the competition is fierce. Which tire will come out on top in this epic battle of the touring segment? Let’s find out !

Results: Michelin Primacy 4 ST vs Giti Control P10

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 Giti Control P10 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 Performance Showdown

When it comes to the touring tire segment, wet performance is paramount. Drivers demand tires that can provide not only comfort and longevity but also, and perhaps most importantly, safety and reliability in wet conditions. In this crucial aspect of tire performance, we pit the established Michelin Primacy 4 ST against the promising newcomer, Giti Control P10, to determine which tire truly reigns supreme in wet conditions.

• Wet Braking:

In the critical test of wet braking, the Giti Control P10 outshines its competitor with an impressive stopping distance of 17.91 meters from 80-5km/h, edging out the Michelin Primacy 4 ST, which came in at 18.75 meters. This 0.84-meter difference might seem small on paper, but in real-world driving conditions, it could be the difference between a safe stop and a potential accident. This outstanding performance in wet braking crowns the Giti Control P10 as the new “Wet King” in the touring tire segment.

• Wet Handling:

In subjective wet handling tests, both tires performed admirably, with the Michelin Primacy 4 ST slightly edging out the Giti Control P10 with a score of 7.7 out of 10, compared to 7.5 out of 10 for the Giti. When it comes to objective wet handling, as measured by lap times, the competition was neck-and-neck, with the Giti Control P10 completing a lap just 0.2 seconds quicker than the Michelin Primacy 4 ST. This close competition showcases the high level of performance both tires offer in wet handling conditions.

• Aquaplaning:

Aquaplaning resistance is another critical aspect of wet performance, and in this area, the two tires are virtually indistinguishable. The Michelin Primacy 4 ST demonstrated a slipping speed of 76.81 km/h, while the Giti Control P10 was just a hair behind at 76.74 km/h. This near-identical performance indicates that both tires provide exceptional resistance to aquaplaning, ensuring a safe and stable ride even in heavy rain.

Conclusion:

While the Michelin Primacy 4 ST puts up a strong fight with its proven performance and reliability, the Giti Control P10 emerges as the standout performer in wet conditions, particularly in the crucial area of wet braking. With its exceptional stopping power and strong overall wet performance, the Giti Control P10 has truly earned its crown as the new “Wet King” in the touring tire segment, proving that it is more than capable of going toe-to-toe with the established leaders in the industry.

Giti Control P10 :

• +5% in wet braking
• -2% in wet handling (subj)
• +1% in wet handling (lap time)
• ~0% in aquaplaning

Dry Performance Duel

While wet performance is crucial for safety in challenging conditions, the majority of driving is done in dry conditions. Thus, the dry performance of touring tires is equally important, providing drivers with confidence, stability, and control. In this comparison, we evaluate the Michelin Primacy 4 ST and the Giti Control P10 to discern which tire delivers superior performance when the roads are dry.

• Dry Braking:

In the dry braking test, from 100-0 km/h, the Michelin Primacy 4 ST and the Giti Control P10 demonstrated nearly identical performance. The Michelin tire stopped in 36.01 meters, while the Giti tire was just a hair behind at 36.12 meters. This negligible difference of 0.11 meters highlights that both tires provide reliable and consistent stopping power in dry conditions.

• Dry Handling:

Subjective dry handling assessments reveal a slight preference for the Michelin Primacy 4 ST, which scored 7.4 out of 10, compared to 7.3 out of 10 for the Giti Control P10. Drivers noted the Michelin’s precise steering response and stable cornering, contributing to a confident driving experience.

When it comes to objective dry handling, as measured by lap times, the Michelin Primacy 4 ST again takes the lead, completing a lap in 27.4 seconds, while the Giti Control P10 took 28.3 seconds. The Michelin tire’s superior grip and handling characteristics in dry conditions are evident, providing drivers with a quicker and more responsive driving experience.

Conclusion:

While both the Michelin Primacy 4 ST and the Giti Control P10 provide reliable performance in dry conditions, the Michelin tire emerges as the clear winner in this category. With slightly better braking performance, superior subjective handling assessments, and quicker lap times, the Michelin Primacy 4 ST demonstrates that it is a force to be reckoned with in dry conditions, living up to its reputation as a top performer in the touring tire segment. The Giti Control P10, while a strong contender, falls just short in this dry performance duel, showcasing that when the roads are dry, the Michelin Primacy 4 ST is the tire to beat.

Giti Control P10 :

• ~0% in dry braking
• -1% in dry handling (subj)
• -3% in dry handling (lap time)

NVH (Noise Vibration & Harshness)

Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) characteristics of a tire play a crucial role in the overall driving experience, influencing comfort and satisfaction. A tire that excels in minimizing NVH contributes to a quieter, smoother ride, enhancing driver and passenger comfort. In this analysis, we compare the NVH performance of the Michelin Primacy 4 ST and the Giti Control P10 to determine which tire offers a more serene driving experience.

• Pass By Noise:

When it comes to pass by noise, a measure of the external noise a tire produces, there is a slight difference between the two contenders. The Michelin Primacy 4 ST registers at 69.9 dB, while the Giti Control P10 is slightly louder at 70.4 dB. This 0.5 dB difference, although minor, indicates that the Michelin tire offers a marginally quieter ride from an external noise perspective.

• Interior Noise:

Inside the vehicle, both tires provide an identical level of noise comfort, with interior noise measurements for both the front and rear passengers coming in at 72.7 dB for both the Michelin Primacy 4 ST and the Giti Control P10. This parity in interior noise performance reflects the attention both tire manufacturers have paid to ensuring a quiet and comfortable in-cabin experience.

• Subjective Comfort and Noise:

From the test results, both tires received comparable scores. For subjective comfort, both the Michelin Primacy 4 ST and the Giti Control P10 earned a score of 7.15 out of 10. Similarly, in subjective noise assessments, the Michelin tire scored a 7.25 out of 10, while the Giti tire was rated slightly lower at 7.15 out of 10. These similar scores reflect the close competition between the two tires in providing a comfortable and quiet driving experience.

Conclusion:

In the realm of NVH performance, the Michelin Primacy 4 ST and the Giti Control P10 are closely matched, offering drivers and passengers a quiet and comfortable ride. The Michelin tire boasts a slight advantage in pass by noise, contributing to a marginally quieter external noise profile. However, inside the cabin and in subjective assessments, both tires deliver comparable levels of comfort and noise reduction, showcasing their shared commitment to providing a serene driving experience. Ultimately, drivers can expect a tranquil journey with either tire, ensuring a pleasant ride no matter the destination.

Giti Control P10 :

• -5% in pass by noise (+0.5 dB)
• ~0% in interior noise
• 0% in subjective comfort
• -1% in subjective noise

Rolling Resistance and Efficiency

In an era where electric vehicles (EVs) are on the rise, the efficiency of tires has become more crucial than ever. Rolling resistance, the energy lost when a tire is moving, directly impacts a vehicle’s fuel efficiency and, in the case of EVs, battery range. Lower rolling resistance translates to greater efficiency and extended range, making it a key factor in tire performance. In this comparison, we evaluate the Michelin Primacy 4 ST and the Giti Control P10 in terms of rolling resistance and its implications on efficiency.

• Rolling Resistance:

The Michelin Primacy 4 ST showcases its efficiency with a rolling resistance coefficient of 7.8 N/KN, outperforming the Giti Control P10, which has a coefficient of 8.6 N/KN. This lower rolling resistance means that vehicles equipped with the Michelin tire will require less energy to move, resulting in better fuel efficiency and, for EVs, extended battery range.

• The Rise of EVs and Efficiency:

With the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, the demand for tires with low rolling resistance has surged. EV drivers, in particular, are keenly aware of how tire efficiency can impact their vehicle’s range. In this context, the Michelin Primacy 4 ST’s superior rolling resistance performance provides a significant advantage, contributing to the overall efficiency and appeal of the tire.

• The Wet Braking vs Rolling Resistance Trade-Off:

It is important to note that there is often a trade-off between wet braking performance and rolling resistance. Tires designed for exceptional wet braking performance tend to have higher rolling resistance. This is evident in the case of the Giti Control P10, which, despite having a higher rolling resistance than the Michelin Primacy 4 ST, delivers outstanding wet braking performance. This trade-off highlights the challenges tire manufacturers face in balancing various performance characteristics to meet the diverse needs of drivers.

Conclusion:

While the Giti Control P10 impresses with its wet braking capabilities, the Michelin Primacy 4 ST takes the lead in terms of rolling resistance, offering greater efficiency and potential range extension for EVs. The lower rolling resistance of the Michelin tire underscores its appeal in a market increasingly focused on efficiency, especially with the rise of electric vehicles. However, drivers must also consider the trade-off between wet braking performance and rolling resistance to select a tire that best meets their individual needs and driving conditions.

Giti Control P10 :

• -9% in rolling resistance

Pricing Perspective

When it comes to choosing the right tire for your vehicle, pricing plays a pivotal role. In the comparison between the Michelin Primacy 4 ST and the Giti Control P10, particularly in the Southeast Asian market, there is an intriguing dynamic at play. The Michelin Primacy 4 ST, an established choice in the touring segment, is priced at RM 678 for the size 225/45 R18. On the other hand, the Giti Control P10, a fairly new entrant in the market, has yet to release its official pricing.

Tire size: 225/45 R18

• Primacy 4 ST : RM 678

• Giti Control P10 : TBC

Difference: –

Expert Verdict: Michelin Primacy 4 ST vs Giti Control P10

After an exhaustive analysis and comparison of the Michelin Primacy 4 ST and the Giti Control P10, it’s clear that both tires bring distinct strengths to the table. As a tire expert, it is important to weigh these strengths in relation to the diverse needs of drivers to provide a well-rounded perspective.

The Michelin Primacy 4 ST stands out as the more balanced tire of the two, delivering exceptional performance across a variety of parameters. Its impressive dry handling and braking capabilities ensure drivers have control and confidence on the road. Furthermore, the tire excels in terms of rolling resistance, providing better fuel efficiency and potentially extending the range of electric vehicles. In terms of Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) characteristics, the Primacy 4 ST ensures a quiet and comfortable driving experience, further solidifying its position as a top contender in the touring segment.

On the other hand, the Giti Control P10 has truly made a mark with its outstanding wet performance, setting a new standard in the segment. The tire’s superior wet braking capabilities, even surpassing that of the established Michelin, is a testament to Giti’s commitment to safety and performance. Additionally, with its competitive pricing, especially in the Southeast Asian market, the Giti Control P10 presents itself as a value-for-money option without compromising on quality.

While the Giti Control P10 deserves a resounding thumbs up for its exceptional wet performance, earning it the title of the new “wet king,” the overall package — considering performance across various conditions, fuel efficiency, and comfort — still belongs to the Michelin Primacy 4 ST. This tire’s consistent and well-rounded performance ensures drivers enjoy a safe, efficient, and comfortable driving experience, making it the preferred choice for those seeking the complete package.

Dr Edwin Pang