Michelin Primacy 4+ vs Toyo Proxes Comfort: The Michelin Primacy 4+, introduced in 2022, has quickly become a powerhouse in the touring tire market, renowned for its exceptional wet and dry performance, longevity, and comfort. Meanwhile, the Toyo Proxes Comfort, launched in 2020, has garnered a reputation for its smooth, quiet ride and impressive handling capabilities.
As these two titans of the touring segment face off, the Michelin Primacy 4+ brings its advanced technologies and durable design to challenge the proven reliability and comfort of the Toyo Proxes Comfort. This showdown promises a thrilling clash of innovation and performance, setting the stage for a captivating battle in the world of premium touring tires!
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Results: Michelin Primacy 4+ vs Toyo Proxes Comfort
Results below were taken from the 2024 Auto Bild Summer independent Tire Test which includes 21 top tires in the market. The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin Primacy 4+ vs Toyo Proxes Comfort 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 a 205/55R16 which is a common tire size for Volkswagen Golf & Toyota Corolla . You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice is a Volkswagen Golf
Wet
In the battle of wet performance between the Michelin Primacy 4+ and the Toyo Proxes Comfort, the results were surprisingly close. In wet braking tests from 100 km/h to 0, the Toyo Proxes Comfort stopped slightly shorter at 42.9 meters, just edging out the Michelin Primacy 4+, which required 43.3 meters—a difference of 0.4 meters. When it came to wet handling, the Toyo Proxes Comfort again held a slight advantage, averaging a speed of 75.4 km/h compared to the Michelin’s 74.5 km/h.
On the wet circle test, which measures lateral grip, the Toyo’s higher speed of 6.4 m/s outperformed the Michelin’s 6.24 m/s. However, the Michelin Primacy 4+ showed its strength in straight-line aquaplaning resistance, maintaining control at a slipping speed of 85.2 km/h, surpassing the Toyo Proxes Comfort’s 81.9 km/h. This nuanced competition reveals that while the Michelin excels in aquaplaning resistance, the Toyo Proxes Comfort unexpectedly takes the lead in other critical aspects of wet performance.
Proxes Comfort :
- +1% in wet braking
- +1% in wet handling (average speed)
- +3% in wet circle
- -4% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
In dry performance comparisons between the Michelin Primacy 4+ and the Toyo Proxes Comfort, the Michelin slightly outperforms in braking, stopping in 36.3 meters from 100 km/h, while the Toyo takes 36.7 meters—a marginal difference of 0.4 meters. However, in dry handling, the Toyo Proxes Comfort takes a narrow lead, achieving an average speed of 116 km/h compared to the Michelin’s 115.1 km/h. This indicates that while the Michelin Primacy 4+ offers slightly better braking on dry surfaces, the Toyo Proxes Comfort excels with a marginally higher handling speed.
Proxes Comfort :
- –1% in dry braking
- +1% in dry handling (lap time)
Mileage
When it comes to mileage, the Michelin Primacy 4+ significantly outlasts the Toyo Proxes Comfort. The Michelin is designed to endure up to 38,950 kilometers, while the Toyo Proxes Comfort falls behind with a lifespan of just 24,450 kilometers. This substantial difference of 14,500 kilometers highlights Michelin’s superior durability and longevity.
Interestingly, despite the Toyo Proxes Comfort’s surprising edge in wet performance, it clearly struggles to match the Michelin in wear resistance. This stark contrast underscores the challenge of balancing wet grip and wear in tire design, with Michelin excelling in managing this complex trade-off.
Proxes Comfort :
- -37% in mileage
Noise
In terms of exterior noise performance, the Michelin Primacy 4+ offers a slightly quieter ride compared to the Toyo Proxes Comfort. The Michelin produces 72.7 dB of noise, marginally lower than the Toyo’s 73 dB.
Proxes Comfort :
- ~0% in exterior noise (+0.3 dB)
Rolling Resistance
When comparing rolling resistance, the Toyo Proxes Comfort slightly outperforms the Michelin Primacy 4+. The Toyo shows a lower rolling resistance of 8.05 N/kN, compared to the Michelin’s 8.16 N/kN. This 0.11 N/kN difference suggests that the Toyo Proxes Comfort is marginally more efficient in reducing the energy loss due to tire deformation.
Proxes Comfort :
- +1% in rolling resistance
Price
In the 205/55 R16 size, the Michelin Primacy 4+ is priced at €107, while the Toyo Proxes Comfort comes in significantly cheaper at €68. This means the Toyo Proxes Comfort is about 43% less expensive than the Michelin Primacy 4+, making it a more budget-friendly option for those looking to save on tire costs.
Tire size: 205/55 R16
- Primacy 4+ : € 107
- Proxes Comfort : € 68
Difference: -43% more cheaper for Proxes Comfort.
Summary
As a tire expert, I’ve analyzed the Michelin Primacy 4+ and the Toyo Proxes Comfort, and each has distinct advantages. The Michelin Primacy 4+ excels in balancing wet performance with longevity, offering exceptional grip and nearly 39,000 kilometers of wear, making it ideal for those prioritizing safety and durability. Its ability to manage the wet vs. wear conflict is particularly noteworthy.
The Toyo Proxes Comfort, on the other hand, surprise us with strong wet performance, slightly outperforming the Michelin in braking and handling tests. With its 43% lower price, it’s a great choice for budget-conscious drivers seeking an edge in wet performances.
Dr Edwin Pang