Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun vs Michelin Primacy 4+
- TR Score
- 8.4/10
- Owners say
- 80% · 119
- TR Score
- 8.8/10
- Owners say
- 79% · 40
In the 7 independent tests that ran both tires, the Michelin Primacy 4+ finished ahead 6 times and the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun once. The ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun held 3.9% more grip in curved aquaplaning; the Primacy 4+ lasted 43.8% longer in the wear tests.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Michelin Primacy 4 Plus for year-round safety emphasis, quietness, fuel economy, and long life; choose Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun if you want strong rain security (aquaplaning), good everyday comfort, and a lower upfront price.
Where the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun is stronger
- Excellent aquaplaning resistance (straight and curved) across multiple tests
- Comfortable ride with strong subjective comfort scores
- Occasional wins in wet handling and subjective dry handling
Where the Primacy 4+ is stronger
- Dry 8/12 Stopped 1.1% shorter in the dry (7 tests)
- Wet 14/28 Stopped 1% shorter in the wet (7 tests)
- Comfort 6/8 Was 0.9 dB quieter (6 tests)
- Value 10/11 Lasted 43.8% 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.
ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun vs Primacy 4+ at a glance
| Category | ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun | Gap | Primacy 4+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won7 shared tests | 1 | 6 | |
| Dry12 measurements | 3 | The Primacy 4+ stopped 1.1% shorter in the dry (7 tests) | 8 |
| Wet28 measurements | 12 | The Primacy 4+ stopped 1% shorter in the wet (7 tests) | 14 |
| Comfort8 measurements | 2 | The Primacy 4+ was 0.9 dB quieter (6 tests) | 6 |
| Value11 measurements | 1 | The Primacy 4+ lasted 43.8% longer in the wear tests (3 tests) | 10 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.4/10 | The Primacy 4+ by 0.4 | 8.8/10 |
| Owner rating119 and 40 reviews | 80% | Too close to call | 79% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 78% | The ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun by 10 points | 68% |
| Pricein the 4 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The Primacy 4+ was dearer in 4 of 4 | +22.5% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 86 | 44 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 7 tests, 2023 to 2024
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 | ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun | Field | Primacy 4+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Motorhome Summer Tire Test | P8 of 10 | P3 of 10 | |
| 2024 AZ Summer Tire Test | P6 of 9 | P7 of 9 | |
| 2024 AutoBild Summer Tire Test | P7 of 20 | P1 of 20 | |
| 2024 ADAC Summer Tire Test | P10 of 16 | P2 of 16 | |
| 2024 Summer Tire Market Overview | P7 of 55 | P5 of 55 | |
| 2023 ADAC Summer Tire Test | P6 of 50 | P3 of 50 | |
| Tire Reviews Best Summer Touring Tires | P6 of 13 | P5 of 13 |
Performance profile
15 measurements from the 7 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
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. The scale stops at 95%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 5 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
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
ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
Primacy 4+
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun 80% from 119 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 | ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun | Gap | Primacy 4+ | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 121 | 1.1% | 120 | 0-7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 64.22 | 0.5% | 64.5 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 60.4 | 0.2% | 60.2 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 5.9% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 122 | 1% | 121 | 1-6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 118 | 3.6% | 123 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 82.89 | 0.5% | 83.26 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 44 | 0.7% | 44.3 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | = | scored | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 13.7 | 1.8% | 14 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 11.78 | 3% | 12.15 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 50.9 | 1% | 51.4 | 3-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 18.6 | 3.9% | 17.9 | 3-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 5.3% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 71.85 | 0.9 dB | 71 | 1-5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 19.8 | 4.4% | 19 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 23,384 | 43.8% | 33,254 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.46 | 4% | 8.11 | 1-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.95 | 2.5% | 5.8 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 73.85 | 31.1% | 50.9 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun scores 8.4 and the Primacy 4+ 8.8 out of 10.
| ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun | Category | Primacy 4+ | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70 | Dry | 77 | ||
| 79 | Wet | 74 | ||
| 62 | Comfort | 81 | ||
| 42 | 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
| ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun | Category | Primacy 4+ | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.6 | Dry Grip | 8.5 | ||
| 8.2 | Wet Grip | 8.1 | ||
| 8.1 | Road Feedback | 7.3 | ||
| 8 | Handling | 7.2 | ||
| 7.7 | Wear | 8 | ||
| 7.9 | Comfort | 8.1 | ||
Owners rate the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun 80% from 119 reviews and the Primacy 4+ 79% from 40. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
- 80%from 119 reviews
- 78%would buy again
- 1,000,122 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers generally describe the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun as an excellent value summer touring tire with strong wet-weather safety (including aquaplaning resistance) and confident dry grip, often punching above its price class. A very common highlight is low cabin noise and an overall smooth, secure feel, with many users also reporting good wear life over high mileage. The most recurring drawbacks are higher rolling resistance (fuel consumption increase for some cars) and a softer/less precise steering feel that can disappoint more performance-focused drivers, with a subset also finding the ride firmer on rough roads.
- Strong wet grip and reassuring aquaplaning resistance
- Good dry grip and braking
- Low road noise / quiet cabin
- Good value for money
- Higher rolling resistance leading to increased fuel consumption for some drivers
- Soft sidewalls or less precise steering/feedback (not ideal for hard sporty driving)
- Firm/harsh ride on rough roads for some vehicles/setups
Summarised by AI from 107 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 119 ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun reviewsA quiet tire, very predictable/forgiving at the limit, especially in the rain, with a soft sidewall.These miles were covered with spirited driving on winding roads.
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: 86 sizes of the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun and 66 of the Primacy 4+, 44 of them made in both.
| Category | ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun | Primacy 4+ |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer | Summer |
| Sizes made | 86 sizes, 14 to 19 inch | 66 sizes, 16 to 21 inch |
| Made in both | 44 sizes 185/50 R16185/55 R16195/50 R16195/55 R16195/60 R16195/65 R16205/45 R16205/55 R16205/60 R16215/55 R16215/60 R16215/70 R16and 32 more | |
| EU label wet grip | A100% | A100% |
| EU label rolling resistance | D50%C47%B2%A1% | C63%B37% |
| EU label noise | 67-72 dB A74%B26% | 68-72 dB B100% |
| On the market since | 2017 | 2022 |
| Replaced | Falken ZIEX ZE914 EcoRun (2012) | Michelin Primacy 4 (2017) |
| Replaced by | Falken ZIEX ZE320 | Michelin Primacy 5 |
| Awards | - | 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 4 tests that listed prices, by 22.5% 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 summer premium-touring staples against each other: Falken's ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun and Michelin's Primacy 4 Plus. Across seven shared professional tests from 2023-2024 in common family-car sizes, the Michelin consistently scores higher overall (6 overall wins vs. 1), underpinned by strong wet and dry braking, low noise, excellent efficiency, and standout longevity.
The Falken counters with notably strong aquaplaning resistance, competitive wet handling in some tests, reassuring comfort, and a far lower purchase price. Rolling resistance swings between tests, but long-term wear and fuel use clearly favor the Michelin. If you value outright safety margins and total cost of ownership, the Primacy 4 Plus sets a high bar; if upfront cost and aquaplaning security matter most, the ZE310 EcoRun makes a compelling, budget-friendlier case.
Conclusion
Across multiple independent tests, Michelin Primacy 4 Plus establishes a clear pattern: reliably shorter braking on wet and dry roads, lower noise, better fuel efficiency, and dramatically longer tread life (often ~30-50% more mileage). That combination yields higher overall rankings and a stronger safety and value story over the full life of the tire despite the higher purchase price.
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun impresses with very good straight and curved aquaplaning resistance, occasional wins in wet handling and subjective comfort, and a significantly lower price. However, it trails the Michelin in critical stop-distance metrics and durability. For most drivers prioritizing all-weather safety feel, quietness, economy, and longevity, choose the Michelin. If you drive mainly in heavy rain, value aquaplaning security, and want to minimize upfront spend, the Falken is the savvy pick.
ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun vs Primacy 4+: your questions
Is the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun or the Michelin Primacy 4+ the better tire?
In the 7 independent tests that ran both tires, the Michelin Primacy 4+ finished ahead 6 times and the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun scores 8.4 and the Primacy 4+ 8.8 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun or the Primacy 4+?
The Primacy 4+ led 14 of the 28 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1% shorter in the wet across 7 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Primacy 4+ led 8 of the 12 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.1% shorter in the dry across 7 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Primacy 4+ lasted 43.8% longer in the wear tests (3 tests), had 4% lower rolling resistance (4 tests), used 2.5% less fuel (2 tests) and shed 31.1% less rubber in the abrasion test (2 tests). Owners rate wear 7.7/10 for the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun and 8/10 for the Primacy 4+.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The Primacy 4+ was 0.9 dB quieter (6 tests). Owners rate comfort 7.9/10 for the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun and 8.1/10 for the Primacy 4+.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun 80% from 119 reviews and the Primacy 4+ 79% from 40. 78% of ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun owners would buy it again, against 68% for the Primacy 4+.
Which is more expensive?
In the 4 tests that listed prices, the Primacy 4+ was the dearer tire in 4 of them, by 22.5% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun is made in 86 sizes (14 to 19 inch) and the Primacy 4+ in 66 (16 to 21 inch). 44 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun is graded A for wet grip and D for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Primacy 4+ A and C.
Which is the newer tire?
The Primacy 4+ is the newer design: it reached the market in 2022, the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun in 2017. The ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun replaced the Falken ZIEX ZE914 EcoRun. The Primacy 4+ replaced the Michelin Primacy 4.
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Run either of these?
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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