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
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.”
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.
87
Dry
Pilot Sport 4 +5
82
Why this score
Source
Pilot Sport 4
Primacy 4
Professional tests (TWG score) · 20 / 21 tests
89
86
Reviews found online
84
75
Pilot Sport 4:60% × 89.3 + 40% × 83.9 = 87
Primacy 4:60% × 85.9 + 40% × 75.4 = 82
89
Wet
Pilot Sport 4 +6
83
Why this score
Source
Pilot Sport 4
Primacy 4
Professional tests (TWG score) · 20 / 22 tests
92
85
Reviews found online
84
80
Pilot Sport 4:60% × 92.5 + 40% × 84.4 = 89
Primacy 4:60% × 85.5 + 40% × 79.5 = 83
76
Comfort
Level
76
Why this score
Source
Pilot Sport 4
Primacy 4
Professional tests (TWG score) · 6 / 5 tests
82
75
Reviews found online
72
76
Pilot Sport 4:40% × 81.6 + 60% × 71.7 = 76
Primacy 4:40% × 75.4 + 60% × 75.8 = 76
70
Noise
Primacy 4 +1
71
Why this score
Source
Pilot Sport 4
Primacy 4
Professional tests (TWG score) · 13 / 15 tests
73
74
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.
71
Treadwear
Primacy 4 +10
81
Why this score
Source
Pilot Sport 4
Primacy 4
Professional tests (TWG score) · 3 / 3 tests
78
85
Reviews found online
60
75
Pilot Sport 4:60% × 78.1 + 40% × 59.5 = 71
Primacy 4:60% × 84.8 + 40% × 75.4 = 81
81
Handling (owners)
Pilot Sport 4 +6
75
Why this score
Source
Pilot Sport 4
Primacy 4
Reviews found online
81
75
76
Efficiency
Primacy 4 +17
93
Why this score
Source
Pilot Sport 4
Primacy 4
Professional tests (TWG score) · 14 / 15 tests
76
93
Scores at a glance
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 vs Michelin Primacy 4: scores by category (0–100)
Category
Michelin Pilot Sport 4
Michelin 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
81
/ 100
± 4
Pilot Sport 4
80
/ 100
± 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.
Discipline
Category
Pilot Sport 4
Primacy 4
Δ
Head-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
#16/202020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test
#3/212022 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
#7/92022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19
#4/62025 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
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.
#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.
#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
Category
Summer
Summer
Vehicle type
Passenger Car / Crossover
Passenger Car / Crossover
Sizes available
62
57
Rim diameters
16″ – 20″
15″ – 20″
UTQG
300 - 320 A - AA A
340 A A
Sizes in common
20
20
Which one should you actually buy?
81
/ 100
Michelin Pilot Sport 4
80
/ 100
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 BYou want lower fuel or energy use
Michelin Primacy 4 scores 93 vs 76 on efficiency.
Pick tire BYou want the longest tread life
Michelin Primacy 4 scores 81 vs 71 on treadwear.
Pick tire AYour priority is wet-weather safety
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 scores 89 vs 83 on wet.
Pick tire AYou enjoy sharp, responsive handling
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 scores 81 vs 75 on handling.
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