Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN vs Michelin Primacy 4+
- TR Score
- 8.6/10
- Owners say
- 88% · 11
- TR Score
- 8.8/10
- Owners say
- 79% · 40
In the 3 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Michelin Primacy 4+ finished ahead 2 times and the Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN once. The Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN resisted straight aquaplaning at a 6.2% higher speed; the Primacy 4+ had 3.4% lower rolling resistance.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN if you often drive in heavy rain or standing water and want strong wet confidence at a sharper purchase price. Choose Michelin Primacy 4 Plus if you value quiet comfort, shorter dry stops, lower energy use, and far longer tread life-especially for high-mileage and EV/hybrid use.
Where the Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN is stronger
- Class-leading aquaplaning resistance (e.g., 80.1 km/h straight; +21.7% vs Michelin in EV test)
- Consistently strong wet handling and wet circle performance
- Competitive rolling resistance in some sizes (best on test in the 225/50 R17 review)
Where the Primacy 4+ is stronger
- Dry 6/7 Stopped 2% shorter in the dry (3 tests)
- Comfort 4/5 Was 1.4 dB quieter (3 tests)
- Value 4/5 Had 3.4% lower rolling resistance (3 tests)
The measured tallies (wins out of measurements in the shared tests) come straight from the tables below. The written verdict and bullet points are analysis of those tests and of owner reviews; where they and the figures disagree, the figures are right.
Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN vs Primacy 4+ at a glance
| Category | Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN | Gap | Primacy 4+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won3 shared tests | 1 | 2 | |
| Dry7 measurements | 1 | The Primacy 4+ stopped 2% shorter in the dry (3 tests) | 6 |
| Wet14 measurements | 11 | The Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN resisted straight aquaplaning at a 6.2% higher speed (3 tests) | 3 |
| Comfort5 measurements | 0 | The Primacy 4+ was 1.4 dB quieter (3 tests) | 4 |
| Value5 measurements | 1 | The Primacy 4+ had 3.4% lower rolling resistance (3 tests) | 4 |
| Tyre Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.6/10 | The Primacy 4+ by 0.2 | 8.8/10 |
| Owner rating11 and 40 reviews | 88% | The Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN by 9 points | 79% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 100% | The Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN by 32 points | 68% |
| Pricein the 2 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The Primacy 4+ was dearer in 2 of 2 | +34.8% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 110 | 52 sizes made in both | 66 |
Wins count every measurement the shared tests recorded for both tyres; a tick marks the tyre ahead on that line. Subjective driver scores count as wins but are never averaged, because each test uses its own scale.
Head to head in 3 tests, 2024 to 2025
Each row is one published test in which both tyres ran on the same car, in the same size, on the same day. The line is the whole field, winner on the left.
| Test | Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN | Field | Primacy 4+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 EV Tyre Test | P6 of 8 | P4 of 8 | |
| The Best Touring Tyres for 2025 Tested | P6 of 7 | P5 of 7 | |
| 2024 AZ Summer Tyre Test | P5 of 9 | P7 of 9 |
Performance profile
10 measurements from the 3 shared tests, each tyre shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN
Primacy 4+
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
In each test the better of the two figures counts as 100% and the other as its share of it, so a 36 m stop against 34.2 m is 95%; each spoke averages the shared tests that recorded it. 6 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN
Primacy 4+
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Category scores are percentiles among tyres of the same season and class: 90 means this tyre out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
Where owners rate each higher
Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN
Primacy 4+
Not ahead in any category
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Owners rate the Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN 88% from 11 reviews and the Primacy 4+ 79% from 40. Each spoke is one question owners answer out of 10; reviews are vetted by hand before publication.
Every measurement, side by side
Averages of the figures both tyres posted in the same tests. The gap is the average of each test's own gap, so figures from different cars and years are never mixed. Open a discipline for its measurements, and a measurement for every test's figure.
| Measurement | Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN | Gap | Primacy 4+ | Wins | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35.36 | 2% | 34.64 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||
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| 81.41 | = | 81.42 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 90.4 | 0.4% | 90.8 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 17.6% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 37.49 | 1.7% | 38.32 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 93.43 | 2.1% | 95.36 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 72 | 2% | 70.6 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 14.3% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 12.25 | 3% | 12.63 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 85.47 | 6.2% | 81.8 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 2.75 | 5.9% | 2.59 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 8.8% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 72.2 | 1.4 dB | 70.77 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||
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| 28,510 | 57.6% | 44,920 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 7.48 | 3.4% | 7.23 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||
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| 352.6 | 7% | 377.2 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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Braking distances and lap times are better when lower; speeds, wear and grip figures when higher. A test's figures are its own: sizes, cars, surfaces and temperatures differ from one to the next, which is why the averages here are only ever of tests the two tyres shared. "Scored" rows are subjective driver ratings: each test uses its own scale, so only the wins are counted.
Scores beyond the shared tests
On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN scores 8.6 and the Primacy 4+ 8.8 out of 10.
| Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN | Category | Primacy 4+ | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 74 | Dry | 77 | ||
| 83 | Wet | 74 | ||
| 15 | Comfort | 81 | ||
| 60 | Value | 84 | ||
Category scores are percentiles among tyres of the same season and class: 90 means this tyre out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
What owners say
| Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN | Category | Primacy 4+ | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.9 | Dry Grip | 8.5 | ||
| 8.7 | Wet Grip | 8.1 | ||
| 8.3 | Road Feedback | 7.3 | ||
| 8.5 | Handling | 7.2 | ||
| 9.2 | Wear | 8 | ||
| 8.9 | Comfort | 8.1 | ||
Owners rate the Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN 88% from 11 reviews and the Primacy 4+ 79% from 40. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN
- 88%from 11 reviews
- 100%would buy again
- 82,200 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers rate the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN very highly overall, describing it as a premium-feeling touring tyre at a mid-range price with strong safety and predictability. The most consistent praise is for confident wet-weather grip (including heavy rain/highway use), stable dry handling, and a comfortable ride, with many also highlighting excellent rim protection. Noise is the main recurring drawback, often described as surface-dependent and sometimes more noticeable around 50-60 km/h, though several users still find it quiet.
- Strong wet grip and confidence in heavy rain
- Comfortable ride and good touring manners
- Stable, predictable handling and braking in dry and wet
- Excellent rim protection
- Road noise can be surface-dependent and noticeable at some speeds
Summarised by AI from 10 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 11 Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN reviewsVery satisfied.
Very nice grip (dry and wet)
Has significantly lowered consumption compared to previous tyres(latitude cross), and dramatically more quiet
Michelin Primacy 4+
- 79%from 40 reviews
- 68%would buy again
- 365,700 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners generally describe the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus as a comfortable, confidence-inspiring touring tyre with strong grip, particularly in the dry and usually in the wet. Around two in five mention low road noise and good refinement, though noise is split and a noticeable minority find it loud or droning on rough surfaces. Where criticisms cluster, it's most often about a less sporty, slower steering response (around one in five owners), with a smaller group also disappointed by cold/damp performance and the tyre's price.
- Comfortable, compliant ride quality
- Strong dry grip
- Reassuring wet grip
- Generally quiet and refined for a touring tyre
- Dull or slow steering response (not very sporty)
- Can be noisy/drone on certain road surfaces
- Cold or damp-weather grip can feel weak
Summarised by AI from 34 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 40 Primacy 4+ reviewsAverage dry grip , super wet grip....very low wear.Good comfort, but quite noisy on rough asphalt...basicly my only complain.I have never drived more noisy tyres in my life.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tyre: 110 sizes of the Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN and 66 of the Primacy 4+, 52 of them made in both.
| Category | Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN | Primacy 4+ |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer | Summer |
| Sizes made | 110 sizes, 16 to 22 inch | 66 sizes, 16 to 21 inch |
| Made in both | 52 sizes 185/55 R16195/50 R16195/55 R16195/60 R16205/45 R16205/55 R16205/60 R16215/55 R16215/60 R16215/65 R16215/70 R16225/55 R16and 40 more | |
| EU label wet grip | A100% | A100% |
| EU label rolling resistance | B73%C25%A2% | C63%B37% |
| EU label noise | 70-73 dB B100% | 68-72 dB B100% |
| On the market since | 2022 | 2022 |
| Replaced | Firestone RoadHawk (2017) | Michelin Primacy 4 (2017) |
| Replaced by | - | Michelin Primacy 5 |
| Awards | - | Highly Recommended: Best Tyres for Family Cars (DriverReviews, 2024/25) Highly Recommended: Best Tyres for Large Family Cars (DriverReviews, 2024/25) |
| Price in the shared tests | The Primacy 4+ was the dearer tyre in 2 of the 2 tests that listed prices, by 34.8% on average. Each test priced the tyres in its own market at the time; only the gap is comparable. | |
Label grades are shown as the share of registered sizes carrying each grade, so "B (88%), C (12%)" means most sizes are B. Grades vary by size; check the label for yours.
Reading the results
Written from the test results and owner reviews above. It is analysis, not a measurement: where it and the tables disagree, the tables are right.
This head-to-head pits two premium-touring summer tyres with different priorities: Firestone's Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN focuses on wet confidence and value, while Michelin's Primacy 4 Plus leans into comfort, efficiency, and longevity. Across three recent tests (including EV-relevant metrics), both delivered safe, predictable behaviour but diverged in meaningful ways that affect everyday driving.
In dry conditions Michelin consistently stopped shorter, while Firestone repeatedly edged the French tyre in wet handling and aquaplaning resistance. Efficiency and wear tell a different story: Michelin ran farther per charge/tank and lasted markedly longer, whereas Firestone typically bought its performance for less money up front.
Conclusion
If you prioritise safety in heavy rain, the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN is the more confidence-inspiring choice: it led wet handling in all shared tests and posted standout aquaplaning resistance, including a 22% advantage in straight aquaplaning in the EV test. However, its shorter tread life and higher rolling resistance reduce long-term value for high-mileage or EV drivers.
The Michelin Primacy 4 Plus is the better long-term and comfort-focused option. It consistently braked shorter in the dry, was quieter and more comfortable, and delivered lower rolling resistance with significantly longer wear life (≈44,920 km vs 28,510 km in the EV test). While its wet performance shows its age versus newer rivals, it remains balanced and efficient. For motorway commuters and EV owners seeking range and durability, Michelin makes the stronger case; for wet-grip reassurance at a keener purchase price, Firestone is compelling.
Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN vs Primacy 4+: your questions
Is the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN or the Michelin Primacy 4+ the better tyre?
In the 3 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Michelin Primacy 4+ finished ahead 2 times and the Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN once. On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN scores 8.6 and the Primacy 4+ 8.8 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN or the Primacy 4+?
The Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN led 11 of the 14 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it resisted straight aquaplaning at a 6.2% higher speed across 3 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Primacy 4+ led 6 of the 7 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2% shorter in the dry across 3 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Primacy 4+ had 3.4% lower rolling resistance (3 tests). Owners rate wear 9.2/10 for the Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN and 8/10 for the Primacy 4+.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The Primacy 4+ was 1.4 dB quieter (3 tests). Owners rate comfort 8.9/10 for the Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN and 8.1/10 for the Primacy 4+.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN 88% from 11 reviews and the Primacy 4+ 79% from 40. 100% of Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN owners would buy it again, against 68% for the Primacy 4+.
Which is more expensive?
In the 2 tests that listed prices, the Primacy 4+ was the dearer tyre in 2 of them, by 34.8% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN is made in 110 sizes (16 to 22 inch) and the Primacy 4+ in 66 (16 to 21 inch). 52 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN is graded A for wet grip and B for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Primacy 4+ A and C.
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Your review is the part of this page no test can supply: how the tyre wore, how it aged, what it was like in the rain in year three. It takes about five minutes.
Where this data comes from
Finishing positions and measurements are transcribed from each published test. A test only counts here when both tyres ran in it, so every figure was recorded on the same car, size and day as the one it is compared to.
About the TR Score
The Tyre Reviews Score rates each tyre out of 10 from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold, so two tyres can be compared even before a test has run them together.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tyre Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tyres independently since 2007.
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