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Comparing the Michelin Pilot Sport 5, 4S, and Primacy 4
When it comes to purchasing new tires, it's important to consider the specific needs and desires of your driving experience. In this article, we'll be comparing the differences between the new Michelin Primacy 4+, the new Michelin Pilot Sport 5, and the established King of the UHP (Ultra High Performance) segment, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S.
Design Targets
The design targets of each of these three tires vary, and understanding these differences can help determine which tire is the best fit for your vehicle. The Michelin Primacy 4+ is an update to the popular Primacy 4 premium touring tire, known for its emphasis on safety, low rolling resistance, low noise, and comfort. The Primacy 4+ has improved braking by 8% at a worn state, while maintaining the excellent wear of the Primacy 4. It is available in 15 to 20 inch wheel fitments and is commonly fitted on smaller vehicles.
The new Pilot Sport 5 replaces the Pilot Sport 4 (not the 4S) and is considered the best all-around UHP tire in its segment. It has a significant increase in tread life compared to the Pilot Sport 4, without sacrificing any other performance areas. The Pilot Sport 5 is available in 17 to 21 inch fitments and can be fitted on a variety of vehicles.
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is known for its sporty handling and has won numerous tests in the UHP category. It is intended for high performance vehicles and is available in 18 to 23 inch wheel fitments, with a focus on 19 to 23 inches.
Real-World Performance Testing
To compare the performance of these three tires in real-world conditions, the author conducted a thorough test of the wet and dry handling, noise and comfort, and rolling resistance on a Volkswagen Golf GTI. It's important to note that the wet handling data may be affected by the extremely hot temperatures during the test (40 degrees Celsius, or 105 Fahrenheit), which can impact the performance of the tire compounds.
Wet Handling
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In the wet handling test, the Primacy 4+ performed well in terms of safety and predictability, but struggled with grip and traction due to the hot temperatures. The Pilot Sport 5 had strong grip and traction, but was slightly less predictable than the Primacy 4+. The Pilot Sport 4S had the best grip and traction, but also the least predictability of the three tires.
Dry Handling
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In the dry handling test, the Primacy 4+ had good stability and grip, but was not as agile as the other two tires. The Pilot Sport 5 had the best balance of stability and agility, while the Pilot Sport 4S had the most agility but also the least stability.
Noise and Comfort
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In terms of noise and comfort, the Primacy 4+ was the quietest and most comfortable tire of the three. The Pilot Sport 5 had a slightly higher level of noise, but was still comfortable. The Pilot Sport 4S had the most noise and the least comfort, as expected due to its focus on sporty handling.
Rolling Resistance
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In the rolling resistance test, the Primacy 4+ had the lowest rolling resistance, followed by the Pilot Sport 5 and then the Pilot Sport 4S.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to purchasing new tires, it's important to consider the specific needs and desires of your driving experience. The Michelin Primacy 4+ is a great choice for those looking for a safe, low-noise, and comfortable tire with good wear. The new Michelin Pilot Sport 5 is the best all-around UHP tire in its segment, with a significant increase in tread life compared to its predecessor. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is the top choice for those seeking sporty handling and is best suited for high performance vehicles. In real-world performance testing, the Primacy 4+ excelled in terms of noise and comfort, but struggled with grip and traction in wet conditions. The Pilot Sport 5 had strong grip and traction, but was slightly less predictable than the Primacy 4+. The Pilot Sport 4S had the best grip and traction, but also the least predictability and the least comfort. In terms of rolling resistance, the Primacy 4+ had the lowest, followed by the Pilot Sport 5 and then the Pilot Sport 4S. Ultimately, the best tire for you will depend on your specific needs and priorities.
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