Michelin Primacy 4+ vs Michelin Pilot Sport 4S: So the long awaited successor of Primacy 4 has finally arrived after 5 years. I introduce to you the Michelin Primacy 4+. As we have observed over the last decade, Michelin has always preferred to keep the pattern while only changing the compound & construction for its next generation tire line. This has some clear advantages as the tire molds can be reused saving a huge amount of money while the performance gain can come from the compound & construction. This only makes sense if you have one the best technical patterns out there which the Primacy 4 definitely can be classified as.
As we have done in one of our most popular articles with Primacy 4 vs Pilot Sport 4, we will like to update this match up with the newest product in the form of Michelin Primacy 4+ vs Michelin Pilot Sport 4S. Some word of caution as we are comparing 2 different segments, it’s important to know that the target conflict Michelin is trying to solve differs in the 2 products. Hence only a comparison with the same segment product will highlight its true competitive nature. Nonetheless as there are some sizes which are offered in Primacy 4+ & Pilot Sport 4S, it will be a nice comparison for the few lucky size owners 🙂
Table of Contents
Results
Results below were taken from Tyre Reviews “Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs Pilot Sport 4S vs Primacy 4+! The Differences Tested and Explained!” Test. A total of 3 tires were tested on Michelin’s track in France. The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin Primacy 4+ vs Michelin Pilot Sport 4S based on the relevant performance category. The Michelin Primacy 4+ was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
The tire size of interest is 245/40R18 which is a common tire size for Audi A4 & Jaguar Xe. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice is the highly sporty Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Wet
Safety has always been the main theme when it comes to the need for wet performances. In objective wet braking, the Pilot Sport 4S being in the max performance segment took the initiative by out braking Primacy 4+ by 2.5m. With the advantage gained in wet braking, Pilot Sport 4S continued to dominate in wet handling by being 4.7 seconds faster than Primacy 4+. In its own touring segment, Primacy 4 was a well known wet performer but with the latest compound upgrade, it still could not handle the better performing Pilot Sport 4S.
Pilot Sport 4S:
- +7.3% in wet braking
- +4.9% in wet handling (lap time)
Dry
One of the most important performances when it comes to the max performance segment is to have a very strong dry showing. In dry braking, Pilot Sport 4S managed to out brake Primacy 4+ by 2.4m. While in dry handling Pilot Sport 4S was dominating as well with a 2 seconds per lap faster time than Primacy 4+. Overall, Pilot Sport 4S dominated the dry category which is not surprising giving its max performance segment.
Pilot Sport 4S:
- +6.8% in dry braking
- +2.6% in dry handling (lap time)
Noise/comfort
In noise/comfort, the touring tire of Primacy 4+ was the best compared to Pilot Sport 5 & 4S. However as mentioned by the test driver, these tires are outright the comfort leaders in their respective segments and the comparisons are valid only in the cross segment test.
- Ranking: Primacy 4+ >>Pilot Sport 4S
Rolling Resistance
When it comes to extreme sporty tires, rolling resistance is definitely not something the user has in mind when purchasing the tire. However with the sustainability topic being more prevalent, it is good to know where they stand. Pilot Sport 4S has a rolling resistance coefficient of 8.93 N/kN while Primacy 4+ has a lower coefficient of 8 N/kN
Pilot Sport 4S:
- -10.4% in rolling resistance
Price
Being the undisputed technology leader, we would expect Michelin to command the highest priced tire in the market for these 2 segments. As this max performance segment is one the most expensive segment, do expect a big difference against the touring segment tires. The tire price for both tires are as below:
Tire size: 225/40 R18
Primacy 4+: €103
Pilot Sport 4S: €182
Difference: +43% more expensive for Pilot Sport 4S:.
Summary
Overall, Pilot Sport 4S showed great strengths in wet & dry performances as it should being a max performance segment tire. Primacy 4+ on the other hand being in the touring segment was not far behind in wet & dry while it excels in comfort, rolling resistance & is also cheaper. As mentioned earlier, as we are comparing 2 different segments there is no clear winner. It boils down to what are your main requirements and the value proposition that is offered. Enjoy !