Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN vs Michelin Primacy 4 Plus
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN | one | |
| Michelin Primacy 4 Plus | two |
While it might look like the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus is better than the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN 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
- 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)
- Better upfront value pricing
- Shorter dry braking across all shared tests
- Outstanding wear life (≈44,920 km in EV test) and strong overall efficiency
- Lower rolling resistance and longer range (e.g., 377.2 km vs 352.6 km in EV test)
- Higher comfort and lower noise, with stronger subjective dry feel
Dry Braking
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus was better during three dry braking tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus stopped the vehicle in 2.04% less distance than the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN.
Best In Dry Braking: Michelin Primacy 4 Plus
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [s]
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN was better during one dry handling [s] tests. On average the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN was 0.01% faster around a lap than the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus.
Best In Dry Handling [s]: Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus was better during one dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus was 0.44% faster around a lap than the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Michelin Primacy 4 Plus
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Dry Handling
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus was better during one subj. dry handling tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus scored 15% more points than the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN.
Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Michelin Primacy 4 Plus
See how the Subj. Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN was better during two wet braking tests. On average the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN stopped the vehicle in 2.17% less distance than the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus.
Best In Wet Braking: Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [s]
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN was better during two wet handling [s] tests. On average the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN was 2.02% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus.
Best In Wet Handling [s]: Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN was better during one wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN was 1.94% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Wet Handling
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN was better during one subj. wet handling tests. On average the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN scored 12.5% more points than the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus.
Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN
See how the Subj. Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Circle
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN was better during two wet circle tests. On average the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN was 3.01% faster around a wet circle than the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus.
Best In Wet Circle: Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN was better during two straight aqua tests. On average the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN floated at a 4.29% higher speed than the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus.
Best In Straight Aqua: Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN was better during one curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN slipped out at a 5.82% higher speed than the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
Subj. Comfort
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus was better during one subj. comfort tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus scored 8.82% more points than the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN.
Best In Subj. Comfort: Michelin Primacy 4 Plus
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus was better during two noise tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus measured 1.59% quieter than the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN.
Best In Noise: Michelin Primacy 4 Plus
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus was better during one noise tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus measured 2.78% quieter than the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN.
Best In Noise: Michelin Primacy 4 Plus
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Wear
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus was better during one wear tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus is predicted to cover 36.53% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN.
Best In Wear: Michelin Primacy 4 Plus
See how the Wear winner was calculated >>
Value
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN was better during one value tests. On average the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN proved to have a 4.88% better value based on price/1000km than the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus.
Best In Value: Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN
See how the Value winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus was better during two rolling resistance tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus had a 3.34% lower rolling resistance than the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Michelin Primacy 4 Plus
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
Range
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus was better during one range tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus gives the vehicle a range of 6.52% kilometers than the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN.
Best In Range: Michelin Primacy 4 Plus
See how the Range winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN Driver Reviews
Drivers overwhelmingly praise the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN for its confident wet and dry grip, high-speed stability, and standout comfort and low noise for a touring tyre. Many note premium-like refinement, strong safety in heavy rain and emergency braking, and promising wear/longevity, with excellent rim protection. A minority mention average-to-surface-dependent noise and reduced sportiness/road feedback versus performance tyres. Overall, it's regarded as a safe, quiet, and comfortable touring choice with good value.
Based on 9 reviews with an average rating of 88%
Michelin Primacy 4 Plus Driver Reviews
Most drivers rate the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus highly for quiet, comfortable touring manners with strong wet and dry grip and confident braking, often noting improved stability versus previous tyres. High-scoring reviews frequently praise low noise, comfort, and good wear. A minority report issues: noticeable road noise on rough surfaces, weaker steering precision versus sport tyres, and occasional wet/cold grip criticism. Overall, the Primacy 4 Plus is a well-liked premium touring tyre with comfort and wet safety as standouts.
Based on 34 reviews with an average rating of 80%
So with not a lot of info on the new Primacy 4Plus and needing 4tyres I decided to go with these anyway as only £1.oo each dearer than the primacy 4 when I purchased, in for a penny in for a pound, these are the XL reinforced version I went for as they are a whole 1DB quieter than the non XL... Continue reading this review using the link below
Conclusion
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.
Key Differences
- Wet capability: Firestone leads wet handling in all three tests and often wins wet braking; Michelin trails slightly in dynamic wet grip.
- Aquaplaning: Firestone shows notably higher resistance (straight and curved), especially on the EV test.
- Dry braking: Michelin consistently stops shorter (3/3 test wins).
- Efficiency: Michelin has lower rolling resistance in 2/3 tests and delivers more range on EV (377.2 km vs 352.6 km).
- Wear and longevity: Michelin's projected life is vastly higher (≈+58% in EV test).
- Comfort and noise: Michelin is quieter and more comfortable; Firestone scores mid-pack subjectively.
- Value orientation: Firestone's purchase price is lower; Michelin's long-term cost can be lower for high mileage.
- Subjective handling: Michelin stronger in dry feel; Firestone stronger in wet confidence.
Similar Comparisons
Looking for more tyre comparisons? Here are other direct comparisons involving these tyres:
Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN Top Comparisons
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.