Michelin Primacy MXM4 AC vs Michelin Primacy Tour A/S: Renowned for its performance, the MXM4 is the original equipment tire for the revolutionary Tesla Model 3. Designed for comfort and efficiency, it complements the electric vehicle’s demand for low rolling resistance without compromising on performance. The MXM4’s advanced design aims to maximize the driving experience, blending precision handling and ride comfort with reduced road noise. It’s more than just a tire; it’s an integral part of the Tesla Model 3’s exhilarating ride and unparalleled efficiency.
On the other hand, we have the Primacy Tour A/S, a tire that encapsulates the spirit of versatility and all-year performance. With its impressive handling characteristics across a myriad of road conditions, it’s no wonder it has carved a distinct segment for itself amongst drivers who seek performance, safety, and longevity. Regardless of whether it’s baking in the summer heat or tackling the frosty winter roads, the Tour A/S is a tire that truly embraces the “all-season” tag.
Today, we’re setting the stage for a thrilling match-up. It’s the battle of the Michelin champions – the efficient, smooth operator, Primacy MXM4 AC versus the versatile warrior, Primacy Tour A/S. Let the tires do the talking and may the best rubber win!
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Results : Michelin Primacy MXM4 AC vs Michelin Primacy Tour A/S
Ideally, you would want a head-to-head test result to demonstrate the distinct performance differences between the two products. However, in this instance, no test results are available that compare these two products directly. Fortunately, Discount Tire has tested both tires, allowing us to use their data-tested results to assess the performance of each tire. The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin Primacy MXM4 AC vs Michelin Primacy Tour A/S based on the relevant performance category.
Wet
In the critical arena of wet braking performance, it’s an important comparison that speaks volumes about the safety and dependability of a tire. The Michelin Primacy MXM4 AC and the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S both offer impressive performances, but the numbers tilt the scales towards one champion.
Wet Braking :
- Primacy MXM4 AC : 100%
- Primacy Tour A/S : 106%
The Michelin Primacy MXM4 AC, despite its many virtues, records a wet braking distance of 148 feet. While this performance is commendable and provides a reliable and controlled stopping experience, its rival pulls ahead in this category.
The Michelin Primacy Tour A/S, living up to its all-season moniker, shows why it is renowned for its versatility. With a wet braking distance of 140 feet, it clearly outperforms the MXM4 AC. This 8-feet advantage can mean the difference between a safe stop and a potential mishap in real-world conditions.
Thus, when it comes to wet braking performance, the Primacy Tour A/S takes the lead, reinforcing its position as an all-season champion that thrives in diverse conditions. The race continues, with the Tour A/S showcasing its prowess even under the most challenging conditions.
Dry
In the realm of dry braking, both the Michelin Primacy MXM4 AC and the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S showcase remarkable abilities. These numbers, crucial as they are to understanding a tire’s performance and safety, point to a clear frontrunner in this area.
Dry Braking :
- Primacy MXM4 AC : 100%
- Primacy Tour A/S : 111%
The Michelin Primacy MXM4 AC brings a competent performance to the table with a dry braking distance of 128 feet. This performance assures drivers of safety and reliability under normal dry conditions. It’s an impressive display but one that’s not quite enough to take the lead in this match-up.
The Michelin Primacy Tour A/S once again shines in this comparison. With a dry braking distance of just 115 feet, it demonstrates superior control and responsiveness under dry conditions. This 13-feet advantage over the MXM4 AC is not just a numerical superiority; it translates to enhanced safety and potentially life-saving fractions of a second in an emergency.
Therefore, when dry braking performance comes into play, the Primacy Tour A/S continues to lead the race, reinforcing its reputation as a well-rounded performer that excels under varying road conditions. It’s another point on the scoreboard for the Tour A/S, displaying its commendable abilities irrespective of the weather.
Mileage
A tire’s mileage is a crucial consideration, as it’s a key indicator of its durability and value for money. Both the Michelin Primacy MXM4 AC and the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S boast impressive mileage, but let’s see how they stack up.
Mileage:
- Primacy MXM4 AC : 100%
- Primacy Tour A/S : 129%
The Michelin Primacy MXM4 AC, favored by Tesla for its Model 3, offers a median mileage of 38,000 miles. While this figure might seem impressive, the tire comes with a mileage warranty of 50,000 miles, indicating that the actual performance tends to fall short of the warranty promise by about 12,000 miles.
In contrast, the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S outperforms the MXM4 AC in this regard. It has a median mileage of 49,000 miles, a noticeable 11,000 miles more than the MXM4 AC. More impressively, it comes close to fulfilling its mileage warranty of 55,000 miles, falling short by just 6,000 miles.
What’s fascinating is that both tires start at a tread depth of 8/32″. This is surprising for the Tour A/S considering its superior median mileage. One might expect a deeper tread depth for such an enduring tire, but the Tour A/S proves that it can deliver exceptional mileage even with the same starting tread depth as the MXM4 AC.
To sum up, the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S has the edge in terms of mileage performance, consistently closing the gap on its mileage warranty and demonstrating impressive longevity with a surprising tread depth. It’s another winning round for the Tour A/S in the face-off with the MXM4 AC.
Handling, Comfort & Noise
In the quest for the perfect ride, Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) are important factors that contribute to a vehicle’s overall comfort and driving experience. Let’s compare the Michelin Primacy MXM4 AC and the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S based on these parameters.
Handling :
- Primacy MXM4 AC : 100%
- Primacy Tour A/S : 105%
When it comes to handling, the Michelin Primacy MXM4 AC scores a solid 3 out of 5. While this implies reliable control and decent maneuverability, it does leave room for improvement. The Michelin Primacy Tour A/S, on the other hand, scores a 4 out of 5. The higher rating suggests that the Tour A/S delivers a smoother, more responsive handling experience, providing drivers with better control and road feedback.
Quite Ride:
- Primacy MXM4 AC : 100%
- Primacy Tour A/S : 102.5%
As for providing a quiet ride, both tires show commendable performance. The MXM4 AC scores a 3.5 out of 5, indicating a fairly quiet ride with controlled noise levels. However, the Tour A/S pulls ahead with a 4 out of 5, indicating a quieter ride that significantly reduces tire noise, making long journeys more comfortable.
Comfort:
- Primacy MXM4 AC : 100%
- Primacy Tour A/S : 102.5%
Lastly, regarding overall comfort, both tires perform well, with the MXM4 AC scoring a 3.5 out of 5. This reflects a comfortable ride, with a good balance between stiffness for handling and softness for comfort. Yet, the Tour A/S outshines its competitor again, scoring a 4 out of 5. It offers a smoother, more comfortable ride, which can be especially appreciated during long drives or on uneven road surfaces.
In summary, when considering NVH, the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S emerges as the stronger performer. It offers better handling, a quieter ride, and superior comfort compared to the Michelin Primacy MXM4 AC, underlining its reputation as a top-tier, versatile, all-season tire.
UTQG rating
The Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) system provides valuable insights into a tire’s performance characteristics, and it’s an excellent resource when comparing the Michelin Primacy MXM4 AC and the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S.
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michelin | Primacy MXM4 AC | All | 500 | A | A |
| Michelin | Primacy Tour A/S | All | 540 | A | A |
In terms of treadwear, the UTQG assigns the MXM4 AC a rating of 500. This suggests a good level of durability, but when we correlate this with the reported median mileage of 38,000 miles, it’s evident that the tire’s real-world performance might not fully live up to its UTQG rating. On the other hand, the Primacy Tour A/S comes with a slightly higher UTQG treadwear rating of 540. This points towards enhanced durability, and its reported median mileage of 49,000 miles indeed aligns more closely with this. The higher UTQG rating and better mileage performance provide evidence of the Tour A/S’s superior longevity.
Both tires have the same UTQG ratings for traction and temperature, with an ‘A’ grade in each category. This indicates excellent traction performance and the ability to effectively dissipate heat even at high speeds for both tires.
In conclusion, while both tires demonstrate high-quality performance, the Primacy Tour A/S comes out ahead in terms of treadwear and real-world mileage. This tire not only boasts a higher UTQG treadwear rating but also more closely matches its performance to its rating, offering better value and longevity for drivers.
Price
Price is an essential factor when choosing tires, as it often dictates the value for money a customer receives. In this comparison between the Michelin Primacy MXM4 AC and the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S for the size 235/45 R18, there’s a significant difference.
Tire size: 235/45 R18
- Primacy MXM4 AC : $300
- Primacy Tour A/S : $212
Difference: -42% more cheaper for Primacy Tour A/S
The Michelin Primacy MXM4 AC, which delivers reliable performance and is the original equipment tire for the Tesla Model 3, comes at a premium price of $300. Its features and association with a leading electric vehicle brand justify the cost to an extent.
On the other hand, the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S, acclaimed for its all-season capabilities and impressive performance characteristics, is priced at a much more affordable $212. This represents a significant saving, with the Tour A/S being 42% cheaper than the MXM4 AC.
Taking into account the comparable, and in some cases superior, performance of the Primacy Tour A/S, along with its more affordable price, it becomes apparent that the Tour A/S provides excellent value. For customers seeking reliable performance and cost-effectiveness, the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S appears to be the winning choice in this comparison.
Summary
After an in-depth and rigorous comparison of the Michelin Primacy MXM4 AC and the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S, it is time to draw conclusions. This exciting face-off has offered us insights into each tire’s performance, durability, comfort, and value for money.
Based on the results tabulated, it is clear that the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S has outperformed the MXM4 AC in several key areas. From wet and dry braking performances to noise and comfort levels, from treadwear longevity to overall value, the Tour A/S has consistently delivered impressive results.
The only parameter we lack is the rolling resistance value, which might sway in favor of the MXM4 AC considering its original equipment status for the Tesla Model 3, a vehicle designed with efficiency in mind. While this could potentially boost the MXM4 AC’s standing, it’s important to note that rolling resistance is just one aspect of overall tire performance.
Given the comprehensive analysis, we confidently recommend the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S. This tire presents an outstanding combination of wet and dry braking performance, noise comfort, treadwear longevity, and most importantly, it provides tremendous value for its price.
Dr Edwin Pang
Bear in mind that the best tire for you always depends on your specific needs and driving conditions. Yet, based on our comparison, the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S proves to be a highly versatile and commendable all-season tire that promises to enhance your driving experience.