Michelin Primacy 4 vs Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred: In the world of touring tires, a thrilling showdown is brewing as Goodyear launches its new contender in 2023, the Assurance ComfortTred. This newcomer is poised to challenge the well-established Michelin Primacy 4, a favorite among drivers for its exceptional performance and reliability.
As these two titans prepare to clash, enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike are on the edge of their seats. Will the Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred, with its fresh innovations and promises of comfort and durability, dethrone the reigning champion, the Michelin Primacy 4? Only time will tell in this epic battle of the tires, where technology, design, and brand legacy collide. Gear up for a gripping rivalry that’s set to redefine standards in the touring tire segment!
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Results: Michelin Primacy 4 vs Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred
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 Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred 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
In the touring tire segment, where safety and control are paramount, wet performance is a critical measure of a tire’s capability. It determines how well a tire can maintain grip and stability on wet roads, crucial for preventing accidents during rainy conditions. The Michelin Primacy 4 and Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred are two notable contenders, each with unique strengths in wet conditions.
When comparing wet braking from 80 to 0 km/h, the Michelin Primacy 4 shows superior stopping power with a distance of 45.14 meters, outperforming the Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred, which stops at 48.41 meters. This 3.27-meter difference could be the deciding factor in preventing a collision.
In terms of wet handling, which assesses a tire’s ability to maintain control while navigating turns on wet roads, the Michelin Primacy 4 again leads with an average speed of 77.8 km/h, slightly ahead of the Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred’s 76.8 km/h. This difference highlights the Primacy 4’s better ability to handle challenging wet conditions without sacrificing speed.
Looking at performance on a wet circle, which tests a tire’s grip and stability in consistent circular motion on wet asphalt, the Primacy 4 completes the course in 11.67 seconds, compared to the ComfortTred’s 12.07 seconds. This margin reflects the Primacy 4’s superior lateral grip and stability in wet conditions.
However, in aquaplaning scenarios, where water between the tire and road surface can lead to loss of traction, the Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred shows a slight advantage with an average slipping speed of 78.2 km/h, compared to the Michelin Primacy 4’s 77.3 km/h. This indicates the ComfortTred’s slightly better performance in preventing aquaplaning, a vital safety feature in heavy rain.
Overall, while the Michelin Primacy 4 generally outperforms the Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred in wet braking, handling, and lap times, the Assurance ComfortTred holds a slight edge in aquaplaning resistance. Both tires offer compelling attributes, but the Primacy 4’s consistent performance across most wet conditions makes it a formidable choice in the touring segment, emphasizing the importance of wet performance for safety and reliability.
Assurance ComfortTred :
- -7% in wet braking
- -1% in wet handling (average speed)
- -3% in wet circle
- +1% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
In the realm of dry performance, the distinction between the Michelin Primacy 4 and the Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred highlights the importance of precision and efficiency in everyday driving conditions. Dry performance, essential for ensuring optimal safety and handling in clear weather, offers a direct comparison of how these tires fare on dry roads.
When we delve into dry braking, where the ability to come to a stop from 100 km/h is tested, the Michelin Primacy 4 demonstrates a notable advantage. It achieves a stopping distance of 37.19 meters, which is significantly shorter than the Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred’s 40.81 meters. This difference of 3.62 meters underlines the Primacy 4’s superior braking capability on dry surfaces, a critical factor in preventing accidents and enhancing driver confidence.
Turning our attention to dry handling, which assesses a tire’s agility and responsiveness on dry roads, the Michelin Primacy 4 slightly edges out its competitor with an average speed of 116.43 km/h compared to the Assurance ComfortTred’s 115.92 km/h. Though the difference is modest, it reflects the Primacy 4’s better performance in maintaining stability and control during high-speed maneuvers on dry roads.
Overall, in dry conditions, the Michelin Primacy 4 consistently outshines the Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred, offering shorter stopping distances and marginally higher speeds in handling tests. These attributes speak to the Primacy 4’s design and technology, which prioritize safety and performance in dry weather, making it a strong contender for drivers prioritizing these aspects.
Assurance ComfortTred :
- -9% in dry braking
- ~0% in dry handling (average speed)
Interior Noise
The Michelin Primacy 4, with an interior noise level of 67.26 dB, is slightly quieter than the Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred at 67.35 dB when driving on smooth asphalt at 100 km/h. This minimal difference of 0.09 dB subtly favors the Primacy 4, suggesting it offers a marginally more serene driving experience, though both tires perform closely in minimizing interior noise.
Assurance ComfortTred :
- ~0% in exterior noise (+0.1 dB)
Rolling Resistance
The Michelin Primacy 4 shows lower rolling resistance, at 7.78 N/kN, compared to the Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred, which has a rolling resistance of 8.87 N/kN. This difference highlights the Primacy 4’s greater efficiency, as lower rolling resistance means the tire requires less energy to roll, potentially leading to better fuel economy and a lighter environmental footprint. The 1.09 N/kN gap between the two indicates that the Primacy 4 could offer drivers savings on fuel over time, as well as contribute to a reduction in CO2 emissions, making it the more energy-efficient choice between the two.
Assurance ComfortTred :
- -12% in rolling resistance
Price
The Michelin Primacy 4 is priced at RM 432, while the Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred costs RM 481 for the size 225/50R17. This makes the Assurance ComfortTred about 10% more expensive than the Primacy 4. For those in the Klang Valley, we invite you to visit our tire shop for more details and a closer look at these options. Our selection and service are designed to meet your needs, providing insights and assistance to ensure you make the best choice for your vehicle.
Tire size: 225/50R17
- Primacy 4: RM 432
- Assurance ComfortTred : RM 481
Difference: +10% more expensive for Assurance ComfortTred
Summary
As a tire expert, after thorough comparison, I find the Michelin Primacy 4 to be the clear winner over the Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred. Its superior wet and dry braking, better handling, slightly lower interior noise, and lower rolling resistance highlight its efficiency and safety advantages. Additionally, its lower price point offers better value. The Primacy 4 stands out for its overall performance and sustainability, making it the top choice for informed drivers.
Dr Edwin Pang