Michelin Primacy 4+ vs Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun: Launched in 2022, the Michelin Primacy 4+ is designed to deliver exceptional safety, longevity, and fuel efficiency. With its cutting-edge technology, you can trust the Primacy 4+ to provide unparalleled grip on both wet and dry roads. Buckle up for an unmatched driving experience that lasts. On the other hand, Falken unveiled its ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun back in 2017. Engineered with an eco-friendly mindset, this tire features an innovative Adaptive Constant Pressure (ACP) design that not only ensures consistent performance but also reduces CO2 emissions. The ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun is where sustainability meets driving pleasure.
Get ready to witness the clash of these green tire titans! Stay tuned as we dive deeper into the Michelin Primacy 4+ vs Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun showdown, comparing their performances, technology, and eco-friendly features. Are you prepared to witness the future of sustainable driving?
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.
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 Michelin Primacy 4+ vs Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun based on the relevant performance category. The Michelin Primacy 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
Safety has consistently remained the top priority when it comes to wet performance demands. Given that wet conditions represent the most critical criterion for the touring segment, Tyre Review has conducted thorough evaluations, covering six distinct wet tests! The Primacy 4+ outperformed the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun in wet braking, stopping 1 meter shorter. Both tires were in the top 4 standings for wet braking, with Primacy 4+ in 2nd place and ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun in 4th. Bolstered by its superior wet braking, the Primacy 4+ achieved a 0.86-second faster lap time. From a subjective handling perspective, both tires performed equally well, as the test driver couldn’t differentiate between them. A slight edge was observed in the wet circle test, with the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun registering marginally higher lateral acceleration.
Regarding aquaplaning, the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun demonstrated a slightly better performance, boasting a 0.7 km/h higher slip speed compared to the PremiumContact 7. This trend continued in lateral aquaplaning, with the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun outperforming by 0.14 m/s² in terms of lateral acceleration. In summary, the Primacy 4+ exhibited a slight advantage in wet braking and wet handling lap time, while the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun held a minor edge in aquaplaning criteria.
ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun :
- -3% in wet braking
- -1% in wet handling (lap time)
- 0% in wet handling (subj)
- +2.1% in wet circle
- +1% in straight aquaplaning
- +4.1% in curved aquaplaning
Dry
In dry conditions, safety generally poses fewer challenges, as braking distances are significantly longer compared to wet situations. Nevertheless, this represents the typical daily usage, and tires must consistently excel. Both tires demonstrated similar strengths, with the Primacy 4+ slightly outperforming the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun by a mere 0.12 meters. However, both tires fared poorly compared to the competition, ranking in the bottom 4 for dry braking.
Regarding dry handling, the differences are considerably more pronounced, with the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun outperforming the Primacy 4+ by 0.56 seconds, resulting in a subjective advantage of +5 points in its favor. In summary, on dry surfaces, the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun holds the upper hand, particularly in the area of dry handling performance.
ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun :
- -0.3% in dry braking
- +1.1% in dry handling (lap time)
- +2.5% in dry handling (subj)
Noise & Comfort
Although noise and comfort might not be the primary concerns within the touring segment, Tyre Review has diligently evaluated these aspects. Both tires were remarkably similar in exterior noise tests, with the Primacy 4+ showcasing a significant advantage of -1.3 dB. In terms of subjective comfort, the tables turned, as the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun secured a 5-point lead over the Primacy 4+. In conclusion, the Primacy 4+ emerges as a marginally quieter tire, while the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun proves to be the more comfortable option, relatively speaking.
ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun :
- -1.8% in exterior noise (+1.3 dB)
- +2.5% in subjective comfort
Rolling Resistance
Although wet braking is of paramount importance in the touring segment, rolling resistance might not always be a top priority, as engineers often grapple with more pressing design challenges. Nonetheless, with the growing emphasis on sustainability, rolling resistance has emerged as a competitive marketing tool, easily noticeable in label values.
In this regard, the “Eco” designation in the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun generated high expectations that this tire would perform significantly better in rolling resistance, as this performance metric correlates with emission levels, signifying eco-friendliness. However, upon examining the values, the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun actually ranks at the lower end of the competition, with a rolling resistance coefficient value of 8.7 N/kN, in contrast to the lower rolling resistance coefficient value of 8.2 N/kN achieved by the Primacy 4+.
ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun :
- -5.5% in rolling resistance
Price
As expected from Michelin, a premium brand, the Primacy 4+ commands one of the highest prices in the market, being £21 more expensive than the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun.
Tire size: 205/55 R16
ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun : £79
Primacy 4+: £100
Difference: -27% more cheaper for ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun.
Summary
In summary, the Primacy 4+ excels in wet braking, noise reduction, and rolling resistance, while the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun stands out in dry handling and comfort. In our opinion, this contest is too close to call, and the ultimate decision depends on your primary requirements.