Michelin Primacy 4+ vs Vredestein Ultrac: In this article, we’re diving into a thrilling tire comparison: the Michelin Primacy 4+ versus the Vredestein Ultrac. Launched in 2022, the Michelin Primacy 4+ has quickly become the gold standard in the touring segment, renowned for its exceptional performance and reliability. On the other hand, the Vredestein Ultrac, introduced in 2021, hails from a mid-quality tire manufacturer but has made quite an impression with its competitive features.
Can the Vredestein Ultrac outclass the best in class? Stay tuned as we pit these two contenders against each other in an exciting battle to see if the Ultrac can dethrone the Primacy 4+.
Table of Contents
Results: Michelin Primacy 4+ vs Vredestein Ultrac
The results featured here are from the 2024 ADAC Summer Tire Test, with 16 model of the finest tires were tested. Wear bring a extremely pricey and expensive test were provided to our delight. The accompanying graph presents a side-by-side comparison of the Michelin Primacy 4+ vs Vredestein Ultrac across various performance categories, with the Michelin Primacy 4+ serving as the benchmark at the 100% mark.
The tire size of interest is the 215/55R17 tire size, a popular choice for vehicles like the Honda HRV and Hyundai Kona Electric. For further insights into various tire sizes, feel free to consult our latest tire size table. The tests were conducted using a standard Volkswagen T-Roc as the test vehicle.
Wet
In wet braking tests, the Michelin Primacy 4+ stopped in 31.1 meters, while the Vredestein Ultrac took 34.1 meters, making the Primacy 4+ superior by 3 meters. For straight aquaplaning resistance, the Vredestein Ultrac excelled, slipping at 78.4 km/h compared to the Primacy 4+’s 75.3 km/h. Thus, while the Primacy 4+ outperforms in wet braking, the Ultrac has a slight edge in aquaplaning resistance.
Ultrac :
- -9% in wet braking
- +4% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
In dry braking tests, the Michelin Primacy 4+ stopped in 37.3 meters, while the Vredestein Ultrac took 37.8 meters. This means the Primacy 4+ stopped 0.5 meters shorter than the Ultrac, giving it a slight advantage in dry braking performance.
Ultrac :
- -1% in dry braking
Wear
In terms of mileage, the Michelin Primacy 4+ lasted for 60,300 kilometers, significantly outperforming the Vredestein Ultrac, which lasted only 27,200 kilometers. Regarding abrasion, the Primacy 4+ showed a much lower rate of 48.1 mg/km/t compared to the Ultrac’s 102.7 mg/km/t.
The target conflict of wear versus wet braking performance is clearly evident in the Vredestein Ultrac. The Ultrac not only performs worse in wet braking, it also worse in wear and abrasion. In contrast, the Michelin Primacy 4+ showcases an impressive balance, achieving both excellent wet braking performance and outstanding wear resistance. This high level of conflict management by Michelin highlights their advanced engineering and ability to optimize tire performance across multiple metrics.
Ultrac :
- -55% in mileage
- -53% in abrasion
Noise
In terms of exterior noise performance, the Michelin Primacy 4+ registers at 70.7 dB, making it quieter than the Vredestein Ultrac, which comes in at 71.8 dB. This means the Primacy 4+ produces 1.1 dB less noise than the Ultrac, indicating a quieter and more comfortable ride.
Ultrac :
- -2% in exterior noise (+1.1 dB)
Fuel Consumption
In terms of fuel consumption, the Michelin Primacy 4+ uses 5.8 liters per 100 kilometers, while the Vredestein Ultrac uses 5.9 liters per 100 kilometers. This indicates that the Primacy 4+ is slightly more fuel-efficient, consuming 0.1 liters less fuel per 100 kilometers than the Ultrac.
Ultrac :
- -2% in fuel consumption
Price
When comparing prices for the 215/55 R17 tire size, the Michelin Primacy 4+ costs €154, while the Vredestein Ultrac is priced at €117. This makes the Ultrac 32% cheaper than the Primacy 4+.
Tire size: 215/55 R17
- Primacy 4+ : € 154
- Ultrac : € 117
Difference: -32% more cheaper for Ultrac
Summary
As a tire expert, it’s clear that Michelin has the upper edge in this comparison. The Primacy 4+ not only excels in critical performance areas like wet braking and dry braking but also demonstrates superb conflict management between mileage and wet braking performance. This balance showcases Michelin’s true technological advantage. While the Vredestein Ultrac offers competitive features and a lower price point, it falls short in longevity, abrasion resistance, and overall noise reduction. The Michelin Primacy 4+ stands out as the superior choice, reflecting advanced engineering and superior quality.
Dr Edwin Pang