Continental PremiumContact 7 vs Michelin Primacy 5
Across the dataset, the Continental repeatedly delivers shorter dry and wet stopping distances and keener wet handling, while the Michelin counters with class-leading straight-line aquaplaning stability, noticeably lower rolling resistance, and quieter road manners. The result is a clear performance-versus-efficiency split, with both tyres remaining easy, predictable daily drivers.
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 three tests which compare both tyres directly!
| Tyre | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Continental PremiumContact 7 | two | |
| Michelin Primacy 5 | one |
While it might look like the Continental PremiumContact 7 is better than the Michelin Primacy 5 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
- Consistently shortest dry braking across all tests
- Stronger wet braking and quicker wet handling laps
- Engaging steering and high subjective control in the wet
- Predictable at the limit with high overall grip
- Best straight-line aquaplaning in all shared tests
- Lower rolling resistance for better fuel economy
- Quieter ride and higher comfort scores
- Balanced, easy-to-drive character with strong overall safety
Dry Braking
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during three dry braking tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 stopped the vehicle in 3.97% less distance than the Michelin Primacy 5.
Best In Dry Braking: Continental PremiumContact 7
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Subj. Dry Handling
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Michelin Primacy 5 was better during one subj. dry handling tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 5 scored 1.19% more points than the Continental PremiumContact 7.
Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Michelin Primacy 5
See how the Subj. Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during two wet braking tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 stopped the vehicle in 2.25% less distance than the Michelin Primacy 5.
Best In Wet Braking: Continental PremiumContact 7
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [s]
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during two wet handling [s] tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 was 1.85% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin Primacy 5.
Best In Wet Handling [s]: Continental PremiumContact 7
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Wet Handling
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during one subj. wet handling tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 scored 3.49% more points than the Michelin Primacy 5.
Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Continental PremiumContact 7
See how the Subj. Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Michelin Primacy 5 was better during three straight aqua tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 5 floated at a 1.78% higher speed than the Continental PremiumContact 7.
Best In Straight Aqua: Michelin Primacy 5
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Michelin Primacy 5 was better during one curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 5 slipped out at a 0.34% higher speed than the Continental PremiumContact 7.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Michelin Primacy 5
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
Subj. Comfort
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Michelin Primacy 5 was better during one subj. comfort tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 5 scored 5% more points than the Continental PremiumContact 7.
Best In Subj. Comfort: Michelin Primacy 5
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
Subj. Noise
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during one subj. noise tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 scored 2.27% more points than the Michelin Primacy 5.
Best In Subj. Noise: Continental PremiumContact 7
See how the Subj. Noise winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Michelin Primacy 5 was better during one noise tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 5 measured 1.94% quieter than the Continental PremiumContact 7.
Best In Noise: Michelin Primacy 5
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Michelin Primacy 5 was better during two rolling resistance tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 5 had a 7.53% lower rolling resistance than the Continental PremiumContact 7.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Michelin Primacy 5
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
Continental PremiumContact 7 Driver Reviews
Drivers of the Continental PremiumContact 7 overwhelmingly praise its outstanding wet and dry grip, strong braking, and confidence-inspiring handling, often noting clear improvements over the PC6. Many also report solid comfort and better aquaplaning resistance, though experiences vary by car. The most frequent drawbacks are higher road noise on coarse asphalt and, for a subset of users, faster tread wear; a few enthusiasts note soft sidewalls that reduce steering precision. Overall sentiment is strongly positive given the high number of top-scoring reviews.
Based on 48 reviews with an average rating of 83%
Michelin Primacy 5 Driver Reviews
Drivers overwhelmingly praise the Michelin Primacy 5 for its exceptionally quiet, comfortable ride, strong wet grip with excellent aquaplaning resistance, and low rolling resistance that can aid fuel economy. Many also note secure, predictable handling and promising durability/wear. While daily-driving dry grip is generally rated very good, the tyre's isolated road feel means it's not ideal for sporty cornering or high-feedback driving, with only rare reports of poor dry traction. Overall, it excels as a refined, safe touring tyre.
Based on 29 reviews with an average rating of 87%
Conclusion
If you want a calmer, quieter long-haul companion with better fuel economy and aquaplaning security, the Primacy 5 fits the brief. It tops straight-line aquaplaning in all shared tests, is consistently quieter, and posts lower rolling resistance in two of two measured trials, while remaining safe and predictable-good enough to win one overall test on balance. In short: Continental for peak stopping and wet grip; Michelin for comfort, efficiency, and stability in heavy rain.
Key Differences
- Dry braking: Continental leads in all three tests (e.g., 34.2 m vs 36.0 m)
- Wet handling pace: Continental faster (e.g., 75.5 s vs 77.4 s)
- Wet braking: Continental ahead in 2/3; Michelin narrowly wins one (33.0 m vs 33.4 m)
- Aquaplaning: Michelin wins straight aquaplaning in 3/3 and curved once
- Noise/comfort: Michelin quieter and more comfortable in multiple tests
- Efficiency: Michelin shows lower rolling resistance in both measured results (e.g., 7.74 vs 8.04 kg/t)
Overall Winner: Michelin Primacy 5
Based on the tyre test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Michelin Primacy 5 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
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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.