Head-to-head Updated

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 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 21 + 23 road tests and 12,714 + 13,422 owner reviews. How we score

Too close to call: Pilot Sport 4 81, Primacy 4 80.

Add your size for an exact match
/R

Both Amazon links then search this exact size.

TireWheelGuide may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

Michelin Pilot Sport 4
Tire AMichelin

Pilot Sport 4

Summer

± 4

Tests 85 · 21 tests Owners 76 · 12,714 reviews

Best test result: #1 of 45 in 2019 Summer 53 Tyre Braking Shootout (dry braking)

“Those are Pilot sport 4 (all season). If it had s after the 4 it would be the summer high performance version. I put the pilot sport 4 on wife's GTI autobahn 2016. Great handling tire, stiff side walls, not the smoothest ride but best overall.”

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)

“Well my answer is none of the above. You choose, they are all a lottery imo. I just bought some Michelin Primacy 4 for mine today. Size 215/55 R18”

Category by category

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

  1. 87

    Dry

    Pilot Sport 4 +5
    82
    Why this score
    SourcePilot Sport 4Primacy 4
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 20 / 21 tests8986
    Reviews found online8475

    Pilot Sport 4: 60% × 89.3 + 40% × 83.9 = 87

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

  2. 89

    Wet

    Pilot Sport 4 +6
    83
    Why this score
    SourcePilot Sport 4Primacy 4
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 20 / 22 tests9285
    Reviews found online8480

    Pilot Sport 4: 60% × 92.5 + 40% × 84.4 = 89

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

  3. 76

    Comfort

    Level
    76
    Why this score
    SourcePilot Sport 4Primacy 4
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 6 / 5 tests8275
    Reviews found online7276

    Pilot Sport 4: 40% × 81.6 + 60% × 71.7 = 76

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

  4. 70

    Noise

    Primacy 4 +1
    71
    Why this score
    SourcePilot Sport 4Primacy 4
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 13 / 15 tests7374
    Reviews found online≈ 66 (est.)≈ 66 (est.)

    Pilot Sport 4: 60% × 73.2 + 40% × 66.4 (est.) = 70

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

    No owner ratings of noise for Pilot Sport 4 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. 71

    Treadwear

    Primacy 4 +10
    81
    Why this score
    SourcePilot Sport 4Primacy 4
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 3 / 3 tests7885
    Reviews found online6075

    Pilot Sport 4: 60% × 78.1 + 40% × 59.5 = 71

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

  6. 81

    Handling (owners)

    Pilot Sport 4 +6
    75
    Why this score
    SourcePilot Sport 4Primacy 4
    Reviews found online8175
  7. 76

    Efficiency

    Primacy 4 +17
    93
    Why this score
    SourcePilot Sport 4Primacy 4
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 14 / 15 tests7693
Scores at a glance
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 vs Michelin Primacy 4: scores by category (0–100)
CategoryMichelin Pilot Sport 4Michelin Primacy 4
Relative Score 81 80
Dry 87 82
Wet 89 83
Comfort 76 76
Noise 70 71
Treadwear 71 81
Handling (owners) 81 75
Efficiency 76 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.

Important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Less important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Less important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Less important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Not important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Recomputed
Headline score
± 4

Pilot Sport 4

± 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.

DisciplineCategoryPilot Sport 4Primacy 4ΔHead-to-head
Dry Braking Dry 80% #3/9 · 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 99% #3/8 · 2022 Motor Crossover Summer Tire Test R17 – Different tests
Dry Handling Dry 80% #3/9 · 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 99% #5/8 · 2022 Motor Crossover Summer Tire Test R17 – Different tests
Dry Handling (tester's mark) Dry 90% #2/9 · 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 63% #12/20 · 2020 Auto Zeitung Summer Tyre Test – Different tests
Curved Aquaplaning Wet 80% #5/9 · 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 96% #2/8 · 2022 Motor Crossover Summer Tire Test R17 – Different tests
Straight Aquaplaning Wet 80% #2/9 · 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 99% #2/8 · 2022 Motor Crossover Summer Tire Test R17 – Different tests
Wet Braking Wet 70% #8/9 · 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 96% #2/8 · 2022 Motor Crossover Summer Tire Test R17 – Different tests
Wet Circle Wet 97% #4/10 · 2022 Sport Auto UHP, UUHP and Semi Slick Tyre Test 92% #13/21 · 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test – Different tests
Wet Handling Wet 70% #4/9 · 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 98% #4/8 · 2022 Motor Crossover Summer Tire Test R17 – Different tests
Wet Handling (tester's mark) Wet 78% #7/9 · 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 93% #2/20 · 2020 Auto Zeitung Summer Tyre Test – Different tests
Wet Lateral Stability Wet 70% #8/9 · 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 98% #3/8 · 2022 Motor Crossover Summer Tire Test R17 – Different tests
Comfort (tester's mark) Comfort 70% #5/9 · 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 92% #4/8 · 2022 Motor Crossover Summer Tire Test R17 – Different tests
Exterior Noise Noise 90% #3/9 · 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 100% #1/8 · 2022 Motor Crossover Summer Tire Test R17 – Different tests
Noise Noise 99% #6/10 · 2022 Sport Auto UHP, UUHP and Semi Slick Tyre Test 98% #4/21 · 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test – Different tests
Wear Treadwear 96% #5/16 · 2020 ADAC 18 Inch Summer Tyre Test 87% #2/21 · 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test – Different tests
Rolling Resistance Efficiency 80% #2/9 · 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 83% #2/21 · 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test – Different tests
Also published by the testers (not in the score)
Price Cost 66% #7/10 · 2022 Sport Auto UHP, UUHP and Semi Slick Tyre Test 63% #10/10 · 2022 AutoBild SUV 4x4 Summer Tyre Test – Different tests
Total Cost of Ownership Cost #16/20 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test #3/21 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test – Different tests
Value Cost 59% #20/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test 83% #8/21 · 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test – Different tests
Overall Ranking Overall #7/9 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 #4/6 2025 Wybór Kierowców Summer Tire Test R16 – Different tests

Pros, cons & observations

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

Tire A Pilot Sport 4

Pros

  • Exceptional wet and dry traction with outstanding resistance to aquaplaning
  • Noticeable improvement in ride comfort and a reduction in cabin noise compared to standard run-flat tires
  • Progressive and predictable breakaway limits during spirited driving

Cons

  • Faster-than-average treadwear, particularly under aggressive driving or on rear-wheel-drive performance cars
  • Softer sidewalls can lead to a slight lack of initial steering precision and a vague feel at the limit for hardcore enthusiasts
  • Performance drops off significantly in cold, freezing, or snowy winter conditions
All owner themes in the Pilot Sport 4 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

Michelin Pilot Sport 4

Positive

The community widely regards the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 line as a premium upgrade offering exceptional dry and wet grip, precise handling, and superior ride comfort compared to OEM or run-flat tires. While celebrated for performance, users frequently discuss its high price tag, faster treadwear, and noticeable drop in EV efficiency. Some drivers also note increased road noise and reduced traction when temperatures drop near freezing.

r/JettaGLI ·59 upvotes ·2026-09-27

“Reminder: Tires are the key to this car Just replaced my Michelin Pilot Sport 4 AS tires with a new set ahead of the rainy season. Lasted 36K miles. It was the best mod to the car and a fresh set reminded just how good a brand new set is. The car is glued to the road, riding wonderfully smooth and quiet. Spend the money, get the best tires for you. The tune can wait. And it will need it.”

r/BoltEV ·5 upvotes ·2026-04-29

“Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires are noisy (a followup) I have been asked on this sub if the PS4 tires on my wife’s Bolt are noisy, and I wasn’t sure how to answer. Well, we made two 60-mile round trips this past weekend, mostly on highways with 55 and 70 mph speed limits, and I have to say that the tires are kind of noisy. Certainly not as quiet as EV-oriented tires are. The grip is fantastic, so we really like them. If you are sensitive to noise, though, these Max Performance class tires are probably not for you.”

f30.bimmerpost.com

“Quote: Originally Posted by weston.__ I will be going down the non-rft route, Pilot Sport 4. You're not the only one to say the ride quality with non-rft is a massive improvement and this is the reason why I will change once the time comes. I went from Bridgestone S001 RFT to 'go-flats' and have found the suppleness an obvious difference. Since I put the pressure to the mid point between the low and high load plated pressures I have yet to have any of the heartstopping thumps come through the suspension that the Bridgestone seemed prone to.”

Top themes
#Wet and dry grip#Run-flat replacement upgrade#Treadwear and longevity#Cold weather performance#Road noise and comfort#EV range and efficiency#Comparison to Continental tires

Based on 246 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 · Michelin Pilot Sport 4 B · Michelin Primacy 4
CategorySummerSummer
Vehicle typePassenger Car / CrossoverPassenger Car / Crossover
Sizes available6257
Rim diameters16″ – 20″15″ – 20″
UTQG300 - 320 A - AA A340 A A
Sizes in common2020

Which one should you actually buy?

Michelin Pilot Sport 4

Michelin Primacy 4

Too close to call: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 and Michelin Primacy 4 are within 2 points overall. Michelin Pilot Sport 4 is stronger on wet, handling and dry. Michelin Primacy 4 is stronger on efficiency and treadwear.

Pick tire B You want lower fuel or energy use

Michelin Primacy 4 scores 93 vs 76 on efficiency.

Pick tire B You want the longest tread life

Michelin Primacy 4 scores 81 vs 71 on treadwear.

Pick tire A Your priority is wet-weather safety

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 scores 89 vs 83 on wet.

Pick tire A You enjoy sharp, responsive handling

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 scores 81 vs 75 on handling.

Tire A · Michelin Pilot Sport 4
Tire B · Michelin Primacy 4

TireWheelGuide may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

Pilot Sport 4 or Primacy 4?

Which is better in the wet, Pilot Sport 4 or Primacy 4?

Michelin Pilot Sport 4, 89 vs 83 on our wet score.

Which grips better on dry roads, Pilot Sport 4 or Primacy 4?

Michelin Pilot Sport 4, 87 vs 82 on our dry score.

Which is quieter, Pilot Sport 4 or Primacy 4?

Neither, by our numbers: 70 vs 71 on the noise score, within 3 points.

Which is more comfortable, Pilot Sport 4 or Primacy 4?

Neither, by our numbers: 76 vs 76 on the comfort score, within 3 points.

Which lasts longer, Pilot Sport 4 or Primacy 4?

Michelin Primacy 4, 81 vs 71 on our treadwear score.

Which rolls more easily, Pilot Sport 4 or Primacy 4?

Michelin Primacy 4, 93 vs 76 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