Seeking experiences on tyres which have a combined strengths of quietness and handling although both usually don't really go together. Quietness takes precedence over handling, although I"m not really looking for super F1 race car handling, just decent accurate or good steering feedback would do. The tyres are for a family car Nissan Almera.

I only have experience with the old Michelin Primacy 3ST if I'm not mistaken as it came together with the Ford Focus as standard back in 2013. It's rather quiet and handling was pretty top-notch even though it's not a Pilot Sport version. I was just wondering how would the current Primacy 4 and Pilot Sport 4 compare.

I briefly tried Toyo CR1 and although it's a soft, comfortable and cheap tyre, steering accuracy was slightly poor as it was loose and not as precise. The current car came with Continental UC6 and although handling was decent, my main complaint was it's quite noisy and there is a subtle "wooong wooong" sound when the vehicle is going over old or worn-out road surfaces ie. poor and old condition roads.

This post has been edited by SportyHandling: Aug 4 2025, 01:13 PM

FWIW due to the rather less-than-satisfactory quality or performance of the UC6 mainly due to the rather noisy sound, I"m rather hesitant to consider the newer UC7. The Continental UC7 will have the edge in lower price as Michelin tyres are usually more expensive.

Hankook Ventus Prime 4? I'm personally planning to switch to the VP4 after driving with PS4 tires. Was hoping to try Hankook Ventus Evo but they're not available in Malaysia at the moment.

Will put this in the shortlist. In the end price will be a factor as well.

Goodyear Eagle F1 Sport
Hankook Ventus Prime 4
Continental UC7

Am also considering between Primacy 4 & VP4. For my size P4 about RM650 Vs VP4 RM400. Big difference

Used various tyres in the past ie MC6,Uc6, P4. Best is P4. Very comfortable and low rolling resistance but noisier when old

This post has been edited by techtalks: Aug 4 2025, 01:27 PM

any website for comparison on the performance like handling,noise,comfort? Thanks

Another to consider is Pirelli Cinturato Rosso

What tyre size? No point recommending when the tyre model/range doesn't target your wheel size.

If not mistaken, your ride is Almera?

Size is 205 55/R16. Fortunately it's a common size where most tyre models are available, unlike my previous car the Ford Focus which comes in odd sized tyres 205 60/R16.

https://toptirereview.com/

https://www.tyrereviews.com/

In this case, forget about the P4 and just get the latest iteration the P5 (Primacy 5). Got this in early June and have been very satisfied with it ever since. Have chalked up 5k km mileage so far.

It lives up to its advertised promises of being fuel efficient, silent and supple ride etc. It is noticeably (albeit not significantly) quieter than VP4 it replaced. And VP4 itself is very quiet to begin with and P5 trumps it hands down. P5 also seems to have "padded" feel when going over those rumble strips, and it is significantly better than VP4.

On handling front, it seems to have a harder sidewall than VP4. Both P5 and VP4 are/were pumped to 240kPa cold. On my usual corners, P5 feels slightly more confident going through. Braking feels the same on both P5/VP4. Wet condition? Haven't been raining much lately due to dry season, so can't comment yet.

Finally, issue of dollars&cents. P5 is obscenely more expensive than VP4; 410 vs 240. Prices from same dealer. The only reason I was willing to give a go was I could offset (mostly) the cost difference thru 4% more fuel efficiency and longer thread life promises. The car using P5 piles up mileage very fast, so these 2 factors matter a lot. So now keeping fingers crossed for P5 to deliver on its promises.

Thanks for the information. Nothing beats first-hand experience having compared both tyres on the same car. Surely useful and appreciated.

It looks like there is no substitute or short cut to good tyres as the more expensive Michelin Primacy 5 appears to have the upper hand when compared to the cheaper Hankook Ventus Prime 4. It is useful to note that the P5 is noticeably quieter than the VP4 since noise levels is one of the most important criteria for me when it comes to selection of tyres. I don't expect significant difference as it's all diminishing returns. As long as it's noticeable, it would be good enough.

Primacy 5's strength or main selling point is low noise and it is good to note that it delivers in this aspect. As for handling, as long as it's not too shabby it would be fine. My last experience with the old Primacy 3ST(if my memory didn't fail me) on the Ford Focus, the handling of the car on this tyre is already above average to me, largely due to the excellent chassis and tuning of the Ford Focus. I would expect the current Primacy 5 to be a significant improvement to the very old Primacy 3 or 4, so it would be an upgrade already.

The only issue with Michelin tyres is the higher price. Will decide when the time comes. Thanks.

This post has been edited by SportyHandling: Aug 5 2025, 10:54 AM

For your reference when got good deal.

https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...#entry110457143

just in time to make my decision, all these while my cars are using PS 4 n PS5, recently tested primacy 4, seems ok, I think this round will be using the P5 then

thanks

Understand your needs first, your tire range is too wide from budget, premium touring, UUHP/Max Perfomance tire also got.

What is your priority? If want silent and comfort first aim for Premium Touring category - Example Michelin Primacy 4/5 series

If want better high speed, cornering ability aim for UUHP/Max performance tires - Example Michelin PS4/5

Dont waste time wondering around, know your priority category first from there only search for the 2nd or 3rd priority by refering website like tyrereviews, usually they got a lot of test base on similar category tires under Best Tyre Tests.

1 very important factor when considering the bibendum brand is its infamy of thread rubber chipping off. I did put this into consideration when deliberating between reusing VP4 or try new P5. Was having this thread rubber chip off problem across models I have used previously starting after circa 3yrs, on both low mileage and slightly higher than normal mileage cars; XM2, Primacy LC and P3ST. The only bibendum I had that didn't display this problem was Certis of 20+yrs ago.

My advise is evaluate your use pattern 1st before paying premium for this brand. If you're doing high mileage like my car; around 35-45k /year, then maybe you will most probably wear out the tyres b4 they start throwing tantrums.

If silence aka minimum road noise is of utmost importance to you, then maybe you may have to live with the "character" of bibendum brand.

If you can live with slightly higher road noise level, VP4's value can't be beaten.

***Added.... Do you notice the new P5 seems to be recycling the thread pattern of Primacy LC (PLC)? I love the PLC last time as they were dead quiet which contributed significantly in improving NVH of my Honda, which is known to have poorer sound isolation than its peers.

This post has been edited by speedy3210: Aug 5 2025, 01:04 PM

My usage pattern is opposite from yours, very low mileage, about 2k/year or less. Thread rubber chipping off, I think I experienced this before but have forgotten the brand of the tyres. It only happens when the tyres are close to their lifespan with significant thread wear.

Apart from the best but most expensive Michelin Primacy 5, VP4 and Goodyear Eagle F1 Sport are the ones I am interested to try. Will compare the prices when the time comes. Thanks.

turanza can. just prepare to replace every 2yr or less.
due to swallow tread

local webs are usually paid + bias

do u remember P5 treadwear numbers ?

Not sure about other sizes but for 205/55R16, it is 420 A A