Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 vs Michelin Primacy 4
Look closer and patterns emerge: Michelin dominates dry and wet braking almost across the board, and tends to resist straight-line aquaplaning better. Goodyear frequently feels more secure in wet handling laps and circles, keeps cabin noise down, and pairs very long tread life with strong value scores. If you're choosing between them, it's a question of immediate stopping security versus day-to-day refinement and running costs.
Test Results
Independent comparison tyre tests are the best source of data to get tyre information from, and the good news is there have been fourteen tests which compare both tyres directly!
| Tyre | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 | five | |
| Michelin Primacy 4 | eight | |
| one draws in one tests | ||
While it might look like the Michelin Primacy 4 is better than the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 purely based on the higher number of test wins, tyres are very complicated objects which means where one tyre is better than the other can be more important in real world use.
Let's look at how the two tyres compare across multiple tyre test categories.
Key Strengths
- Outstanding wear and value (e.g., +14% longer wear vs Michelin in Auto Bild; test wins on cost-per-1000 km)
- Refined ride with low exterior noise; frequent noise wins
- Strong wet handling and wet circle performance; predictable balance
- Low rolling resistance and competitive fuel consumption
- Class-leading dry and wet braking in most tests (11/11 category wins in dry braking summary)
- Good straight-line aquaplaning resistance and balanced handling
- Low rolling resistance with high comfort in some sizes
- Consistently premium safety feel, easy to drive at the limit
Dry Braking
Looking at data from eleven tyre tests, the Michelin Primacy 4 was better during eleven dry braking tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 4 stopped the vehicle in 1.9% less distance than the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2.
Best In Dry Braking: Michelin Primacy 4
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [s]
Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 was better during two dry handling [s] tests. On average the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 was 0.45% faster around a lap than the Michelin Primacy 4.
Best In Dry Handling [s]: Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 was better during two dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 was 0.03% faster around a lap than the Michelin Primacy 4.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Dry Handling
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 was better during one subj. dry handling tests. On average the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 scored 4.44% more points than the Michelin Primacy 4.
Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
See how the Subj. Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from eleven tyre tests, the Michelin Primacy 4 was better during nine wet braking tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 4 stopped the vehicle in 1.77% less distance than the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2.
Best In Wet Braking: Michelin Primacy 4
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [s]
Looking at data from six tyre tests, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 was better during six wet handling [s] tests. On average the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 was 0.76% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin Primacy 4.
Best In Wet Handling [s]: Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 was better during one wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 was 0.1% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin Primacy 4.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Wet Handling
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 was better during one subj. wet handling tests. On average the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 scored 6.52% more points than the Michelin Primacy 4.
Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
See how the Subj. Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Circle
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 was better during one wet circle tests. On average the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 had 6.63% higher lateral wet grip than the Michelin Primacy 4.
Best In Wet Circle: Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from nine tyre tests, the Michelin Primacy 4 was better during seven straight aqua tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 4 floated at a 2.12% higher speed than the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2.
Best In Straight Aqua: Michelin Primacy 4
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Michelin Primacy 4 was better during one curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 4 slipped out at a 0.85% higher speed than the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Michelin Primacy 4
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
Subj. Comfort
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Michelin Primacy 4 was better during two subj. comfort tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 4 scored 6.18% more points than the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2.
Best In Subj. Comfort: Michelin Primacy 4
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
Subj. Noise
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 was better during one subj. noise tests. On average the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 scored 40% more points than the Michelin Primacy 4.
Best In Subj. Noise: Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
See how the Subj. Noise winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from five tyre tests, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 was better during two noise tests. On average the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 measured 0.11% quieter than the Michelin Primacy 4.
Best In Noise: Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 was better during one noise tests. On average the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 measured 0.32% quieter than the Michelin Primacy 4.
Best In Noise: Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Tyre Weight
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 was better during one tyre weight tests. On average the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 weighed 1.71% less than the Michelin Primacy 4.
Best In Tyre Weight: Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
See how the Tyre Weight winner was calculated >>
Wear
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 was better during two wear tests. On average the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 is predicted to cover 10.27% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Michelin Primacy 4.
Best In Wear: Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
See how the Wear winner was calculated >>
Value
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 was better during two value tests. On average the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 proved to have a 18.55% better value based on price/1000km than the Michelin Primacy 4.
Best In Value: Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
See how the Value winner was calculated >>
Price
Looking at data from seven tyre tests, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 was better during seven price tests. On average the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 cost 12.1% less than the Michelin Primacy 4.
Best In Price: Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
See how the Price winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from eight tyre tests, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 was better during five rolling resistance tests. On average the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 had a 2.6% lower rolling resistance than the Michelin Primacy 4.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
Fuel Consumption
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 was better during one fuel consumption tests. On average the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 used 0.75% less fuel than the Michelin Primacy 4.
Best In Fuel Consumption: Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
See how the Fuel Consumption winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 Driver Reviews
Across 101 reviews, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 is most often praised as a premium touring tyre with outstanding longevity, strong day-to-day grip (dry and frequently wet), and a noticeably quiet, comfortable ride with good fuel economy. Many drivers report very high mileages with slow, even wear and stable motorway manners, making it especially popular for high-mileage commuting and taxi/fleet use. A smaller but recurring set of complaints centers on a soft sidewall feel (vague/"spongy" steering, tramlining or less confidence when pushed) and, for some users, increased or unusually high road noise as the tyre ages; a minority also note weaker wet braking/traction than expected.
Based on 112 reviews with an average rating of 85%
Michelin Primacy 4 Driver Reviews
Across 154 reviews, the Michelin Primacy 4 is praised mainly for comfort, low noise, and long tread life, with many noting strong dry braking and stable wet performance even as the tyre wears. High-scoring owners frequently highlight quiet cruising and consistent performance over high mileages. However, a noticeable minority report vague steering/floaty feel (especially in cold/damp or at higher speeds), some aquaplaning or reduced wet cornering confidence, and rising noise as the tyre wears; price is also a common complaint. Overall sentiment is positive, positioning the Primacy 4 as a comfortable, durable touring tyre rather than a sporty choice.
Based on 182 reviews with an average rating of 79%
2014 VW GOLF 205/55/16
After the initial minutes of euphoria having the latest Michelin's on both of our cars I am now more doubtful about these tires.
We have only driven ca 2200 km with the BMW and ca 1800 km with the VW, not much distance but on very various roads in just a few days and enough to have a good impression, it is similar impression with both cars.
It's rather good tires on good roads, good grip in turns wet and dry, acceptable/good comfort on good roads, relatively low noise although there is an unusual, but modest,... Continue reading this review using the link below
Conclusion
The Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 delivers excellent wet handling consistency, notably low noise, very competitive rolling resistance and market-leading wear and value in multiple tests (e.g., Auto Bild and ADAC). For high-mileage drivers or anyone sensitive to refinement and cost-per-kilometer, it's the smarter buy. In short: Michelin for maximum braking-led safety emphasis, Goodyear for all-round comfort, economy and durability without sacrificing wet confidence.
Key Differences
- Braking priority: Michelin typically stops shorter in dry and wet; Goodyear trails by small but recurring margins
- Wet dynamics: Goodyear more often wins wet handling/wet circle; Michelin focuses on stable, safe balance
- Aquaplaning: Michelin usually better in straight aquaplaning; Goodyear sometimes stronger in curved
- Noise/refinement: Goodyear is quieter on average and often more comfortable on varied surfaces
- Economy: Goodyear generally lower rolling resistance in summaries and clearly better value/pricing
- Durability: Goodyear frequently shows longer tread life and lower cost-per-km than Michelin
Overall Winner: Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
Based on the tyre test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 has demonstrated better overall performance in this comparison. However, as you can see from the spider diagram above, each tyre has its own strengths which should be considered in your final tyre buying choice.Similar Comparisons
Looking for more tyre comparisons? Here are other direct comparisons involving these tyres:
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 Top Comparisons
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Michelin Primacy 4 Top Comparisons
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Footnote
This page has been developed using tyre industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tyres in the same test.
Why is this important? Tyre testing is heavily affected by things like surface grip levels and surface temperature, which means you can only compare values from the same day. During a tyre test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tyre tests performed on different days or at different locations.
As a result you will see other tests on Tyre Reviews which feature both the %s and %s, but as they weren't conducted on the same day, the results are not comparable.
Lots of other websites do this sort of tyre comparison, Tyre Reviews doesn't.