Michelin Primacy 4 vs Bridgestone Turanza ER300: In the highly competitive touring tire segment, the duel between Michelin’s Primacy 4 and Bridgestone’s Turanza ER300 is nothing short of epic. On one side, we have the venerable Turanza ER300, a seasoned veteran revered for its reliability and performance, anchoring Bridgestone’s reputation in the touring domain for years.
Facing off against this old-timer is Michelin’s Primacy 4, a relative newcomer that has been blazing trails with exceptional prowess since its debut in 2017. This face-off is more than just a comparison; it’s a clash of titans, where the blend of innovation meets the legacy of performance. Each tire brings its unique strengths to the table, promising to elevate the driving experience. Gear up for a riveting showdown in the touring tire arena, where tradition challenges the cutting edge, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable comparison.
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Results: Michelin Primacy 4 vs Bridgestone Turanza ER300
Results below were taken from 2023 YiChe Touring Tire Test with a total of 10 tires tested, The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin Primacy 4 vs Bridgestone Turanza ER300 based on the relevant performance category. The Michelin Primacy 4 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Note that for both wet & dry handling evaluation, the average lap speed was used instead of the standard lap time & subjective rating. The tire size of interest is 205/55R16 which is a common tire size for Toyota Corolla & Nissan Almera. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a Volkswagen Golf.
Wet
When it comes to wet performance, the Michelin Primacy 4 and Bridgestone Turanza ER300 showcase distinct differences that highlight their capabilities under challenging conditions. In terms of wet braking, the Primacy 4 demonstrates a notable advantage, stopping from 80 km/h to a standstill in 45.1 meters, which is significantly shorter than the Turanza ER300’s 53.7 meters. This difference underscores the Primacy 4’s superior grip and responsiveness on wet surfaces.
Delving into wet handling, the Primacy 4 maintains its lead with an average speed of 77.8 km/h, compared to the Turanza ER300’s 74.6 km/h. This suggests that the Primacy 4 offers better control and stability when navigating through wet corners and curves, providing a safer and more confident driving experience.
The performance trend continues with the average lap time on wet asphalt, where the Primacy 4 completes the circuit in 11.7 seconds, slightly faster than the Turanza ER300’s 12.1 seconds. Although the difference is subtle, it further illustrates the Primacy 4’s efficiency and agility in wet conditions.
Lastly, in the crucial aspect of aquaplaning resistance, where preventing the tires from sliding on water is vital, the Primacy 4 edges out with an average slipping speed of 77.3 km/h, compared to the Turanza ER300’s 73.9 km/h. This indicates that the Primacy 4 is slightly better at maintaining traction and preventing loss of control on waterlogged roads.
Overall, the Michelin Primacy 4 consistently outperforms the Bridgestone Turanza ER300 across various wet performance metrics, highlighting its enhanced safety features and driving dynamics in adverse weather conditions.
Turanza ER300 :
- -16% in wet braking
- -4% in wet handling (average speed)
- -4% in wet circle
- -4% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
In dry conditions, the competition between the Michelin Primacy 4 and the Bridgestone Turanza ER300 highlights their respective strengths, but with clear distinctions in performance. When it comes to dry braking, the difference between the two is evident. The Michelin Primacy 4 takes the lead by stopping from 100 km/h to 0 in just 37.19 meters, which is 2.23 meters shorter than the Bridgestone Turanza ER300, which requires 39.42 meters to come to a halt. This indicates that the Primacy 4 offers superior braking efficiency on dry surfaces, ensuring a safer stopping distance.
Moving on to dry handling, which is crucial for precision and confidence during maneuvers, the Primacy 4 again demonstrates its prowess. With an average speed of 116.43 km/h, it surpasses the Turanza ER300, which maintains an average speed of 114.13 km/h. This difference suggests that the Primacy 4 provides better stability and grip during high-speed cornering on dry roads, enhancing the overall driving experience.
In summary, across both key metrics of dry performance—braking and handling—the Michelin Primacy 4 outshines the Bridgestone Turanza ER300. This showcases the Primacy 4’s ability to deliver shorter stopping distances and higher handling speeds, marking it as a superior choice for drivers prioritizing performance on dry roads.
Turanza ER300 :
- -6% in dry braking
- -2% in dry handling (average speed)
Interior Noise
When it comes to interior noise on smooth asphalt at 100 km/h, the Michelin Primacy 4 and Bridgestone Turanza ER300 are nearly identical, with just a hair’s breadth difference between them. The Primacy 4 generates interior noise at 67.3 decibels, while the Turanza ER300 is slightly quieter at 67.2 decibels. This minimal difference of 0.1 decibels suggests that both tires offer a comparable level of comfort in terms of noise inside the vehicle. Essentially, either tire should provide a similarly quiet and pleasant driving experience on smooth roads, making them both excellent choices for drivers who value a serene cabin environment.
Turanza ER300 :
- ~0% in exterior noise (-0.1 dB)
Rolling Resistance
The Bridgestone Turanza ER300 has a slightly lower rolling resistance at 7.54 N/kN compared to the Michelin Primacy 4’s 7.78 N/kN. This means the Turanza ER300 is marginally more fuel-efficient, by a small margin of 0.24 N/kN. Both tires are quite close in this performance aspect, with the difference being minimal.
Turanza ER300 :
- +3% in rolling resistance
Summary
As a tire expert, I find the Michelin Primacy 4 to be the clear winner over the Bridgestone Turanza ER300. Its superior performance in both wet and dry conditions—evidenced by shorter stopping distances and better handling—makes it stand out. Despite the Turanza ER300’s slightly lower rolling resistance, the overall safety, control, and driving enjoyment provided by the Primacy 4 outweigh this minor advantage. In summary, for drivers prioritizing safety and performance, the Michelin Primacy 4 is the top choice.
Dr Edwin Pang