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Head-to-head Updated

Firestone RoadHawk vs Michelin Primacy 4 — Compared

Relative Score (0–100): the weighted average of the categories below, each 60% road tests and 40% owner reviews (comfort 40/60). Based on 17 + 23 road tests and 644 + 13,422 owner reviews. How we score

Primacy 4 is ahead, 80–57

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Firestone RoadHawk
Tire AFirestone

RoadHawk

Summer

± 6

Tests 70 · 17 tests Owners 40 · 644 reviews

Best test result: #1 of 15 in 2019 Summer and All Season Tyre Test (wet handling)

“Not sure if it is what you are looking for. I am Polish but I live in the USA. I am still following info from Poland but I am not buying tires there anymore. A magazine Motor tests tires. magazynauto.pl Firestone was included in their "accessibly priced" summer tires: Firestone Roadhawk. They lost to Uniroyal, Semperit, Dębica but were ahead of Kumho, Apollo, Tomket, Imperial and Double Coin. They were not included in their premium and middle priced test. German based Auto Bild (and its Polish version Auto Świat) did a test in 2019 and the same Roadhawk passed the elimination test (53 down to 20: wet and dry braking distances added together as #13) and finished #18 in detailed test. So Firestone is present in Poland and Europe as a cheaper brand from Bridgestone but how popular it is I do not know. Krzyś”

Michelin Primacy 4
Tire BMichelin

Primacy 4

Summer

± 4

Tests 84 · 23 tests Owners 77 · 13,422 reviews

Best test result: #1 of 20 in 2020 Auto Zeitung Summer Tyre Test (wet braking)

“I have Primacy 4s on my Volvo wagon. I've been very pleased. Plenty of grip, low road noise and longevity.”

Category by category

Relative Score per category, 0–100. Open “Why this score” for the tests and owner ratings behind it.

Key facts

  • In 8 tests that measured wet braking for both, RoadHawk won 0 and Primacy 4 won 8 (average 89% vs 97% of the best).
  • In 7 tests that measured dry braking for both, RoadHawk won 3 and Primacy 4 won 4 (average 95% vs 97% of the best).
  • In 5 tests that measured dry handling for both, RoadHawk won 4 and Primacy 4 won 1 (average 99% vs 97% of the best).
  • In 5 tests that measured wet handling for both, RoadHawk won 3 and Primacy 4 won 2 (average 97% vs 98% of the best).
  • In 5 tests that measured noise for both, RoadHawk won 1 and Primacy 4 won 3 (average 97% vs 98% of the best).
  1. 68

    Dry

    Primacy 4 +14
    82
    Why this score
    SourceRoadHawkPrimacy 4
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 16 / 21 tests8286
    Reviews found online4675
    Dry Braking (% of best) · 7 shared tests · wins 3–495%97%
    Dry Handling (% of best) · 5 shared tests · wins 4–199%97%
    Dry Handling (tester's mark) (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–083%63%

    RoadHawk: 60% × 82.2 + 40% × 46 = 68

    Primacy 4: 60% × 85.9 + 40% × 75.4 = 82

  2. 65

    Wet

    Primacy 4 +18
    83
    Why this score
    SourceRoadHawkPrimacy 4
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 17 / 22 tests7685
    Reviews found online4780
    Straight Aquaplaning (% of best) · 3 shared tests · wins 1–294%94%
    Wet Handling (tester's mark) (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–127%93%
    Wet Braking (% of best) · 8 shared tests · wins 0–889%97%
    Wet Handling (% of best) · 5 shared tests · wins 3–297%98%

    RoadHawk: 60% × 76.3 + 40% × 47.3 = 65

    Primacy 4: 60% × 85.5 + 40% × 79.5 = 83

  3. 50

    Comfort

    Primacy 4 +26
    76
    Why this score
    SourceRoadHawkPrimacy 4
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 2 / 5 tests6775
    Reviews found online3976
    Comfort (tester's mark) (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–088%75%

    RoadHawk: 40% × 67.1 + 60% × 39 = 50

    Primacy 4: 40% × 75.4 + 60% × 75.8 = 76

  4. 45

    Noise

    Primacy 4 +26
    71
    Why this score
    SourceRoadHawkPrimacy 4
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 8 / 15 tests3174
    Reviews found online≈ 66 (est.)≈ 66 (est.)
    Noise (% of best) · 5 shared tests · wins 1–397%98%

    RoadHawk: 60% × 30.6 + 40% × 66.4 (est.) = 45

    Primacy 4: 60% × 73.6 + 40% × 66.4 (est.) = 71

    No owner ratings of noise for RoadHawk or Primacy 4. The owner half is the owners’ average (66): owners’ noise ratings barely follow the road tests, so the tests say nothing about how owners would rate it.

  5. 50

    Treadwear

    Primacy 4 +31
    81
    Why this score
    SourceRoadHawkPrimacy 4
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 6 / 3 tests6485
    Reviews found online2975
    Wear (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–158%92%

    RoadHawk: 60% × 64.3 + 40% × 28.9 = 50

    Primacy 4: 60% × 84.8 + 40% × 75.4 = 81

  6. 35

    Handling (owners)

    Primacy 4 +40
    75
    Why this score
    SourceRoadHawkPrimacy 4
    Reviews found online3575
  7. 72

    Efficiency

    Primacy 4 +21
    93
    Why this score
    SourceRoadHawkPrimacy 4
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 9 / 15 tests7293
    Rolling Resistance (% of best) · 3 shared tests · wins 0–386%91%
Scores at a glance
CategoryFirestone RoadHawkMichelin Primacy 4
Relative Score 57 80
Dry 68 82
Wet 65 83
Comfort 50 76
Noise 45 71
Treadwear 50 81
Handling (owners) 35 75
Efficiency 72 93

Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.

Weight the categories that matter to you

Wet grip and treadwear start at “Important” — the two things buyers rank highest. Move the sliders and the scores update instantly.

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Recomputed
Headline score
± 6

RoadHawk

± 4

Primacy 4

The professional test results behind the scores

Per discipline: the average % of the best tire over every test both tires were in, and how many of those tests each one won. “Different tests” rows compare results from separate tests.

In the overall rankings of 12 tests that ran both, Firestone RoadHawk finished ahead 2 times and Michelin Primacy 4 10 times.

DisciplineCategoryRoadHawkPrimacy 4ΔHead-to-head
Dry Braking Dry 95% 97% −2.5 3–4 in 7 shared tests Newest: 2022 Summer Tyre Market Overview · 215/55 R17
Dry Handling Dry 99% 97% +1.7 4–1 in 5 shared tests Newest: 2021 Auto Bild 16 Inch Summer Tyre Test · 205/55 R16
Dry Handling (tester's mark) Dry 83% 63% +20.0 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2020 Auto Zeitung Summer Tyre Test · 225/50 R17
Straight Aquaplaning Wet 94% 94% −0.7 1–2 in 3 shared tests Newest: 2021 Auto Bild 16 Inch Summer Tyre Test · 205/55 R16
Wet Braking Wet 89% 97% −8.6 0–8 in 8 shared tests Newest: 2022 Summer Tyre Market Overview · 215/55 R17
Wet Handling Wet 97% 98% −1.3 3–2 in 5 shared tests Newest: 2021 Auto Bild 16 Inch Summer Tyre Test · 205/55 R16
Wet Handling (tester's mark) Wet 27% 93% −66.6 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2020 Auto Zeitung Summer Tyre Test · 225/50 R17
Comfort (tester's mark) Comfort 88% 75% +12.5 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2020 Auto Zeitung Summer Tyre Test · 225/50 R17
Noise Noise 97% 98% −1.4 1–3 in 5 shared tests Newest: 2021 Auto Bild 16 Inch Summer Tyre Test · 205/55 R16
Wear Treadwear 58% 92% −34.0 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2021 Auto Bild 16 Inch Summer Tyre Test · 205/55 R16
Rolling Resistance Efficiency 86% 91% −5.5 0–3 in 3 shared tests Newest: 2021 Auto Bild 16 Inch Summer Tyre Test · 205/55 R16
Also published by the testers (not in the score)
Price Cost 58% 43% +14.9 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2020 Auto Zeitung Summer Tyre Test · 225/50 R17
Total Cost of Ownership Cost #14/20 #3/20 – 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2021 Auto Bild 16 Inch Summer Tyre Test · 205/55 R16
Value Cost 63% 79% −16.6 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2021 Auto Bild 16 Inch Summer Tyre Test · 205/55 R16
Overall Ranking Overall #27/44 #8/44 – 2–10 in 12 shared tests Newest: 2022 Summer Tyre Market Overview · 215/55 R17

Pros, cons & observations

Themes extracted from owner reviews found online — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.

Tire A RoadHawk

Pros

  • Exceptional wet weather performance, particularly in standing water and heavy rain
  • Strong dry grip and confident cornering for daily driving
  • Comfortable ride quality with good bump absorption

Cons

  • Accelerated and sometimes uneven tread wear, resulting in shorter-than-expected lifespan
  • Soft sidewalls that can cause a visual 'under-inflated' bulge and spongy cornering response
  • Limited steering feedback and precision during spirited driving
All owner themes in the RoadHawk review

Tire B Primacy 4

Pros

  • Exceptional tread life and long-lasting durability
  • Low road noise and a very quiet, comfortable ride
  • Reliable and consistent wet and dry grip

Cons

  • Vague, numb, or floaty steering feel with soft sidewalls under hard cornering
  • High price point compared to competitors
  • Occasional reports of increased road noise or harsher ride as the tread wears down
All owner themes in the Primacy 4 review

What real owners are saying

From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of our score

Tire A

Firestone RoadHawk

Mixed

Community discussions reflect mixed perspectives on the Firestone Roadhawk, noting reasonable reviews alongside concerns regarding tread wear. While some test results place it competitively among budget-friendly summer options, owners also discuss practical issues such as unusual noises, generational replacement difficulties, and overall value.

r/automobil ·2025-11-20

“sind diese Sommerreifen noch okay? Im August 2023 gekauft und circa 25 tausend km gefahren. Firestone Roadhawk, DOT 4922. Habe an meinem Opel Meriva beim Anfahren nach links, zB beim Ausparken oder beim Anfahren in einer engen Linkskurve von vorne rechts ein mehrmaliges Poltern gehört. Habe ein bisschen gegoogelt und von ausgeschlagenem Querlenker gelesen. Im Oktober 2022 hat das Auto einen neuen Vorderachsträger und neue Querlenker bekommen. Nun habe ich Winterräder montiert und das Poltern beim Anfahren nach links ist weg. Was kann das sein? Read more”
r/tires ·2026-04-22

“I cant for the life of me find a Firestone Roadhawk (gen1) 205/50 R17 93W XL anywhere in Europe. The problem is GEN 1 is over, and all they have is GEN 2, aka Roadhawk 2. And i have 3 perfectly good Roadhawk (GEN 1), and no tire to make a set. Some sellers even post pictures of GEN 1, but they actually send you GEN 2. Which im pretty sure have a different profile, and markings. Any ideas ?”
Top themes
#tread wear concerns#budget tire test results#replacement availability issues#generation differences#driving noise symptoms

Based on 5 community posts

Tire B

Michelin Primacy 4

Positive

The Michelin Primacy 4 is generally praised for its comfortable ride, low road noise, and strong braking and safety in both dry and wet conditions. While many users report excellent tread longevity across tens of thousands of kilometers, some note faster wear on heavier electric vehicles or rough surfaces. It is viewed as a premium touring tire that is unsuitable for winter conditions, prompting some drivers to weigh its high price against newer models like the Primacy 5 or cheaper alternatives.

r/ItalyMotori ·1 upvote ·2026-03-26

“Gomme alternative a Primacy 4 Buongiorno, ho una Peugeot 208 del 2020 con delle Michelin Primacy 4 205/45 R 17 88 V, le ho da 4 anni, circa 20000km all’anno tranne quest’anno che non le ho sostituite con le invernali e che quindi dovrei portarle ad usura completa con il prossimo “giro” delle gomme per altri 20000km. In totale arriverò a quasi 100000km, quindi super ammortizzate e le consiglierei sempre anche per la tenuta. Visto che entro fine estate pensavo di sostituirle tutte e quattro, vorrei capire se ci fossero delle alternative un più economiche ma altrettanto valide (un cambio gomme al momento mi costa circa €650-700). Read more”
vwvortex.com ·2026-09-12

“I might try to have a look at one today. There are two Uniroyal shops near me. Whether they have one in stock to look at though...? The trouble is they look really nice online but I'd like to see them in the flesh first. The old tyres (above photo) that were on these wheels were that nice square edged profile that I like, much the same as the Michelin Pilot Sports. These are going on my sons Golf EV so I'm also trying to consider if they are A rated for fuel, the best wet grip I can find and the lowest decibel level. The best choice I can find is the Michelin Primacy 4 which are A, A and 68. But on Black Circles it says they were designed for BMW. I'm sure they fit any wheel but do those properties still hold? I've always bought Pilots but B, B and 72, and its this 72 that really bugs me, is whats making me invest so much time into getting the right tyre for Toms EV. I'm getting a Tesla this Tuesday which does in fact come with the Pilots so they must be good on EV's anyway. Who knew buying tyres was so complicated.”
r/carIndia ·7 upvotes ·2026-03-26

“Michelin Primacy 4 or Conti UC6 - Virtus GT Hey, i recently got a Virtus GT with stock Apollo alnac 4g tyres - looking to upgrade them. As per ChatGPT my options are Michelin Primacy 4 and Continental UC6 - budget is not really a problem. Overall i want good grip, handling, comfort and low cabin noise. Not going for Pilot Sport 4, because don't want to compromise on comfort for performance when i am not going to push my car too much, hence PS4 is a no no. But read it somewhere that with Primacy 4, there is a noticeable difference in mileage not sure if it means going up or down. Need recommendations on what i should get! Thanks in advance”
Top themes
#ride comfort and low noise#tread life and durability#wet and dry grip#EV tire compatibility#Primacy 4 vs Primacy 5#poor winter and snow performance#premium pricing and alternatives

Based on 43 community posts

Specs side by side

Attribute A · Firestone RoadHawk B · Michelin Primacy 4
CategorySummerSummer
Vehicle typePassenger Car / CrossoverPassenger Car / Crossover
Sizes available11557
Rim diameters15″ – 21″15″ – 20″
UTQG—340 A A
Sizes in common4545

Which one should you actually buy?

Firestone RoadHawk

Michelin Primacy 4

Winner: Michelin Primacy 4 — better handling, treadwear and comfort. It leads or ties in every category we score.

Pick tire B You enjoy sharp, responsive handling

Michelin Primacy 4 scores 75 vs 35 on handling.

Pick tire B You want the longest tread life

Michelin Primacy 4 scores 81 vs 50 on treadwear.

Pick tire B You want the most comfortable ride

Michelin Primacy 4 scores 76 vs 50 on comfort.

Pick tire B You want a quieter cabin

Michelin Primacy 4 scores 71 vs 45 on noise.

Pick tire A Your priority is dry handling

Firestone RoadHawk won 4 of 5 shared dry handling tests.

Tire A · Firestone RoadHawk
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Tire B · Michelin Primacy 4
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RoadHawk or Primacy 4?

Which is better in the wet, RoadHawk or Primacy 4?

Michelin Primacy 4, 83 vs 65 on our wet score.

Which grips better on dry roads, RoadHawk or Primacy 4?

Michelin Primacy 4, 82 vs 68 on our dry score.

Which is quieter, RoadHawk or Primacy 4?

Michelin Primacy 4, 71 vs 45 on our noise score.

Which is more comfortable, RoadHawk or Primacy 4?

Michelin Primacy 4, 76 vs 50 on our comfort score.

Which lasts longer, RoadHawk or Primacy 4?

Michelin Primacy 4, 81 vs 50 on our treadwear score.

Which rolls more easily, RoadHawk or Primacy 4?

Michelin Primacy 4, 93 vs 72 on our efficiency score.

How do we compare tires?

Every category score blends two independent signals. 60% comes from professional tire tests (braking distances, lap times, noise measurements), each result compared with every other tire in the same test and newer tests counting more. 40% comes from owner reviews found online, adjusted for how generously each site rates. Both use one scale: the average tested tire gets 70, the best 100. When a tire has only one of the two, the missing half is estimated from the other and the score stays closer to average; with no road test and fewer than five owner reviews it gets no score yet.

Handling is the exception: road tests measure it inside the dry and wet scores, so its own row comes from owner ratings only and starts as less important.

Community buzz from Reddit and forums is shown for context only — it never changes the score. Full methodology