Michelin Primacy 4+ vs. Pirelli Cinturato C3: A battle of eras in the summer touring segment! The all-new 2025 Pirelli Cinturato C3 enters the ring, looking to make its mark against an old guard, the Michelin Primacy 4+. While its successor, the Primacy 5, has already been announced, this could be one of the last major tests for the Primacy 4+. Can the fresh challenger outclass the proven veteran, or does experience still reign supreme? Let’s find out!
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Results: Michelin Primacy 4+ vs Pirelli Cinturato C3
The results featured here are from Tyre Review’s Best Touring Tyres Test, with 7 model of the finest touring tires were tested. The accompanying graph presents a side-by-side comparison of the Michelin Primacy 4+ vs Pirelli Cinturato C3 across various performance categories, with the Michelin Primacy 4+ serving as the benchmark at the 100% mark.
The tire size of interest is the 225/50R17 tire size, a popular choice for vehicles like the BMW 3 series Audi A3. For further insights into various tire sizes, feel free to consult our latest tire size table. The tests were conducted using a standard BMW 3 series.
Wet
In wet braking, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 stops 2.2 meters shorter than the Michelin Primacy 4+, a 9% advantage, giving it a significant edge in emergency stops. Around the wet handling circuit, the Cinturato C3 is 3.29 seconds faster, translating to a 3% improvement in lap times, showing its superior grip and control. Subjectively, the C3 also feels noticeably better to drive in wet conditions, scoring 0.75 points higher, reinforcing its stronger handling characteristics.
However, in straight-line aquaplaning, the Primacy 4+ manages to maintain a 2 km/h higher speed, a 2% advantage, showcasing better resistance to hydroplaning. Despite this, the Cinturato C3 dominates in wet performance, proving to be the superior tire in braking, handling, and overall wet grip.
Cinturato C3 :
- +9% in wet braking
- +3% in wet handling (lap time)
- +4% in subjective wet handling
- -2% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
In dry braking, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 stops 1.09 meters shorter than the Michelin Primacy 4+, giving it a 3% advantage, which can make a crucial difference in emergency stops. Around the dry handling circuit, the Cinturato C3 is 0.82 seconds faster, translating to a 1% improvement, showing slightly better agility and cornering speed.
However, both tires receive identical 10-point scores in subjective dry handling, indicating that while the C3 is marginally faster, the overall driving feel remains equally satisfying. The Cinturato C3 edges out the Primacy 4+ in dry performance, with better braking and lap times, but the gap is much smaller compared to its dominance in wet conditions.
Cinturato C3 :
- +3% in dry braking
- +1% in dry handling (lap time)
- 0% in subjective dry handling
Noise
The Michelin Primacy 4+ holds the edge in comfort, scoring 1 point higher than the Pirelli Cinturato C3, making it the more refined option for long drives. In exterior noise levels, the Primacy 4+ is also 0.8 dB quieter, a 1% reduction, giving it a slight advantage in cabin noise suppression. While the Cinturato C3 excels in performance, the Primacy 4+ retains its reputation for superior ride comfort and noise control.
Cinturato C3 :
- -5% in subjective comfort
- -1% in exterior noise (+0.8 dB)
Rolling Resistance
The Michelin Primacy 4+ has a slight advantage in rolling resistance, measuring 0.13 N/kN lower than the Pirelli Cinturato C3, which translates to a 2% reduction. This means the Primacy 4+ is marginally more efficient, potentially offering better fuel economy over long distances.
Cinturato C3 :
- -2% in rolling resistance
Price
The Pirelli Cinturato C3 is €9 cheaper than the Michelin Primacy 4+, making it 6% more affordable in the 225/50 R17 size. This price difference adds to the C3’s strong value, especially considering its dominance in wet performance.
Tire size: 225/50 R17
- Primacy 4+ : € 151
- Cinturato C3 : € 142
Difference: -6% more cheaper for Cinturato C3
Summary
The once-mighty Michelin Primacy 4+ has fallen. The Pirelli Cinturato C3 dominates in wet performance, braking shorter and handling better. It also beats the Primacy 4+ in dry braking and lap times, all while being 6% cheaper. However, the Michelin Primacy 4+ still excels in comfort, noise, and fuel efficiency, but it’s clear—the C3 is the new benchmark in the summer touring segment.
Dr Edwin Pang