Continental PremiumContact 7 vs Michelin Primacy 4+
- TR Score
- 9.5/10
- Owners say
- 82% · 71
- TR Score
- 8.8/10
- Owners say
- 79% · 40
In the 10 independent tests that ran both tires, the Continental PremiumContact 7 finished ahead 9 times and the Primacy 4+ once. The PremiumContact 7 stopped 7.8% shorter in the wet; the Primacy 4+ lasted 12.2% longer in the wear tests.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Continental PremiumContact 7 for maximum safety and control in mixed weather, spirited driving, and family duty where braking distance matters. Choose Michelin Primacy 4 Plus for quiet, comfortable long-distance cruising, lower energy use (ICE or EV), and strong longevity if you prioritize refinement and running costs.
Where the PremiumContact 7 is stronger
- Class-leading wet and dry braking across sizes (often 6-11% shorter wet stops)
- Precise, stable handling with high grip on wet and dry circuits
- Strong straight-line aquaplaning resistance and overall safety margins
Where the Primacy 4+ is stronger
- Comfort 11/12 Was 1.4 dB quieter (9 tests)
- Value 11/14 Lasted 12.2% longer in the wear tests (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.
PremiumContact 7 vs Primacy 4+ at a glance
| Category | PremiumContact 7 | Gap | Primacy 4+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won10 shared tests | 9 | 1 | |
| Dry20 measurements | 19 | The PremiumContact 7 stopped 2.9% shorter in the dry (10 tests) | 1 |
| Wet42 measurements | 33 | The PremiumContact 7 stopped 7.8% shorter in the wet (10 tests) | 9 |
| Comfort12 measurements | 0 | The Primacy 4+ was 1.4 dB quieter (9 tests) | 11 |
| Value14 measurements | 2 | The Primacy 4+ lasted 12.2% longer in the wear tests (3 tests) | 11 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.5/10 | The PremiumContact 7 by 0.7 | 8.8/10 |
| Owner rating71 and 40 reviews | 82% | The PremiumContact 7 by 3 points | 79% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 74% | The PremiumContact 7 by 6 points | 68% |
| Pricein the 6 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The Primacy 4+ was dearer in 4 of 6 | +5.9% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 56 | 30 sizes made in both | 66 |
Wins count every measurement the shared tests recorded for both tires; a tick marks the tire 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 10 tests, 2023 to 2025
Each row is one published test in which both tires ran on the same car, in the same size, on the same day. The line is the whole field, winner on the left.
| Test | PremiumContact 7 | Field | Primacy 4+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 EV Tire Test | P2 of 8 | P4 of 8 | |
| The Best Touring Tires for 2025 Tested | P1 of 7 | P5 of 7 | |
| 2024 Motorhome Summer Tire Test | P1 of 10 | P3 of 10 | |
| 2024 AMS Summer SUV Tire Test | P1 of 8 | P8 of 8 | |
| 2024 AZ Summer Tire Test | P1 of 9 | P7 of 9 | |
| 2024 AutoBild Summer Tire Test | P2 of 20 | P1 of 20 | |
| 2024 ADAC Summer Tire Test | P1 of 16 | P2 of 16 | |
| 2024 Summer Tire Market Overview | P1 of 55 | P5 of 55 | |
| 2023 Motor Summer Tire Test | P1 of 8 | P2 of 8 | |
| Tire Reviews Best Summer Touring Tires | P1 of 13 | P5 of 13 |
Performance profile
16 measurements from the 10 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
PremiumContact 7
Primacy 4+
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
In each test the better of the two figures counts as 100% and the other as its share of it, so a 118 ft stop against 112 ft is 95%; each spoke averages the shared tests that recorded it. 4 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
PremiumContact 7
Primacy 4+
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
Where owners rate each higher
PremiumContact 7
Primacy 4+
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the PremiumContact 7 82% from 71 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 tires 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 | PremiumContact 7 | Gap | Primacy 4+ | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 115 | 2.9% | 118 | 10-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 66.99 | 1.6% | 68.03 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 59.1 | 0.8% | 58.6 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 6.2% | scored | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 114 | 7.8% | 124 | 10-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 105 | 13.7% | 122 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 88.37 | 2.4% | 90.51 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 45.6 | 2.5% | 44.5 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 5.5% | scored | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 16.9 | 4.4% | 16.2 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 11.93 | 3.7% | 12.38 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 50 | 0.3% | 49.9 | 5-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 17.1 | 2.6% | 16.5 | 2-5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 2.8% | scored | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 71.67 | 1.4 dB | 70.29 | 0-9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 27,328 | 12.2% | 29,861 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 7.1 | 5% | 6.74 | 2-6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.9 | 1.7% | 5.8 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 214 | 9.5% | 234 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 60.1 | 20% | 48.1 | 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 tires 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 Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the PremiumContact 7 scores 9.5 and the Primacy 4+ 8.8 out of 10.
| PremiumContact 7 | Category | Primacy 4+ | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94 | Dry | 77 | ||
| 97 | Wet | 74 | ||
| 36 | Comfort | 81 | ||
| 67 | Value | 84 | ||
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
What owners say
| PremiumContact 7 | Category | Primacy 4+ | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.2 | Dry Grip | 8.5 | ||
| 9.2 | Wet Grip | 8.1 | ||
| 8.3 | Road Feedback | 7.3 | ||
| 8.4 | Handling | 7.2 | ||
| 7.3 | Wear | 8 | ||
| 7.5 | Comfort | 8.1 | ||
Owners rate the PremiumContact 7 82% from 71 reviews and the Primacy 4+ 79% from 40. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Continental PremiumContact 7
- 82%from 71 reviews
- 74%would buy again
- 704,882 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners are largely impressed with the Continental PremiumContact 7, rating it 82.9% on average with no outright negative reviews, and the standout theme is strong, confidence-inspiring grip in both dry and wet conditions. Nearly half of owners mention excellent dry and wet grip, often backed up by praise for secure handling and stability. The main drawback is refinement: around a quarter to a third of owners report notable road noise, and a similar share are disappointed by tread life, with wear sometimes described as quicker than expected. Comfort is generally viewed positively overall, though opinions vary, and steering feel is more mixed than the outright grip levels suggest.
- Strong dry grip and traction
- Very confident wet grip
- Secure, planted handling in the dry
- Comfortable ride over bumps and on longer runs
- Noticeable road noise, especially on coarse surfaces
- Tread life can be disappointing for a premium tire
- Steering feel/precision can be inconsistent (some find it vague)
Summarised by AI from 58 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 71 PremiumContact 7 reviewsThe PremiumContact 7 offers a great balance of touring longevity, comfort, and sufficiently precise handling to keep you safe at higher speeds and in unexpected situations. These tires provide near-perfect grip across various conditions, performing exceptionally well on both dry and wet roads. On the other hand, they can get a bit noisy on rough surfaces.
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 tire 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 tire's price.
- Comfortable, compliant ride quality
- Strong dry grip
- Reassuring wet grip
- Generally quiet and refined for a touring tire
- 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 tire 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 tires in my life.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 56 sizes of the PremiumContact 7 and 66 of the Primacy 4+, 30 of them made in both.
| Category | PremiumContact 7 | Primacy 4+ |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer | Summer |
| Sizes made | 56 sizes, 16 to 21 inch | 66 sizes, 16 to 21 inch |
| Made in both | 30 sizes 205/55 R16205/60 R16215/60 R16215/65 R16225/55 R16205/45 R17205/55 R17215/45 R17215/50 R17215/55 R17215/60 R17215/65 R17and 18 more | |
| EU label wet grip | A100% | A100% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C74%B26% | C63%B37% |
| EU label noise | 71-73 dB B100% | 68-72 dB B100% |
| On the market since | 2022 | 2022 |
| Replaced | Continental Premium Contact 6 | Michelin Primacy 4 (2017) |
| Replaced by | - | Michelin Primacy 5 |
| Awards | Recommended: Best Tires for Family Cars (DriverReviews, 2026/27) Winner: Summer Tire of the Year (WhatTire, 2024) | Highly Recommended: Best Tires for Family Cars (DriverReviews, 2024/25) Highly Recommended: Best Tires for Large Family Cars (DriverReviews, 2024/25) |
| Price in the shared tests | The Primacy 4+ was the dearer tire in 4 of the 6 tests that listed prices, by 5.9% on average. Each test priced the tires 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 staples against each other: Continental's newer PremiumContact 7 and Michelin's comfort-focused Primacy 4 Plus. Across 10 shared tests spanning compact to SUV fitments and even an EV-focused assessment, the Conti repeatedly set the benchmark for grip and safety, while the Michelin leaned into efficiency, quietness, and longevity.
Expect a clear split in philosophy: the PremiumContact 7 dominates objective grip in both wet and dry, often by meaningful margins (frequently 6-11% shorter wet stops), whereas the Primacy 4 Plus counters with lower rolling resistance, longer projected mileage, and notably lower noise. The question becomes whether you value maximum safety margins and precision, or quieter, more efficient, longer-running motoring.
Conclusion
Across the test battery, the PremiumContact 7 is the stronger all-round performer where road holding and stopping power matter most. It won 9 of 10 shared tests, consistently topping wet and dry braking and handling, and often leading aquaplaning straight-line performance. If you drive in variable weather, value emergency stopping distance, or enjoy a precise, confidence-inspiring feel, Continental is the safer, more dynamic choice.
The Primacy 4 Plus remains compelling for comfort-led, cost-of-ownership focused drivers. It is usually quieter, rolls more efficiently (benefiting fuel economy and EV range), and often wears longer-advantages that add up over high mileage. Its main compromise is wet grip versus the newest rivals, where it can trail by significant margins. If serenity, efficiency, and longevity top your list, Michelin still delivers a refined, economical package.
PremiumContact 7 vs Primacy 4+: your questions
Is the Continental PremiumContact 7 or the Michelin Primacy 4+ the better tire?
In the 10 independent tests that ran both tires, the Continental PremiumContact 7 finished ahead 9 times and the Primacy 4+ once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the PremiumContact 7 scores 9.5 and the Primacy 4+ 8.8 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the PremiumContact 7 or the Primacy 4+?
The PremiumContact 7 led 33 of the 42 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 7.8% shorter in the wet across 10 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The PremiumContact 7 led 19 of the 20 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2.9% shorter in the dry across 10 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Primacy 4+ lasted 12.2% longer in the wear tests (3 tests) and had 5% lower rolling resistance (8 tests). Owners rate wear 7.3/10 for the PremiumContact 7 and 8/10 for the Primacy 4+.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The Primacy 4+ was 1.4 dB quieter (9 tests). Owners rate comfort 7.5/10 for the PremiumContact 7 and 8.1/10 for the Primacy 4+.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the PremiumContact 7 82% from 71 reviews and the Primacy 4+ 79% from 40. 74% of PremiumContact 7 owners would buy it again, against 68% for the Primacy 4+.
Which is more expensive?
In the 6 tests that listed prices, the Primacy 4+ was the dearer tire in 4 of them, by 5.9% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The PremiumContact 7 is made in 56 sizes (16 to 21 inch) and the Primacy 4+ in 66 (16 to 21 inch). 30 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the PremiumContact 7 is graded A for wet grip and C 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 tire 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 tires 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 Tire Reviews Score rates each tire out of 10 from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold, so two tires can be compared even before a test has run them together.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tire Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tires independently since 2007.
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