QUOTE(speedy3210 @ Aug 5 2025, 10:33 AM)
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¢s. 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