Michelin Primacy 4 Plus vs Vredestein Ultrac
Expect a contrast of characters: the Vredestein typically feels more alert in the wet with competitive braking and lap times, whereas the Michelin majors on low rolling resistance, lower noise, and exceptional wear. Rankings fluctuate by size and test focus-Ultrac places higher in some 2024-2025 dynamic tests, but Michelin takes major wins on longevity and overall value over the life of the tyre.
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 nine tests which compare both tyres directly!
| Tyre | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Michelin Primacy 4 Plus | five | |
| Vredestein Ultrac | four |
While it might look like the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus is better than the Vredestein Ultrac 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
- Outstanding wear and longevity (often 2x the Ultrac) and strong lifetime value
- Lowest rolling resistance on test sets, aiding fuel economy
- Refined ride and low noise with stable, predictable dry behaviour
- Consistent all-round safety with solid wet braking in several tests
- Wet specialist: strong wet handling, braking and best-in-class aquaplaning resistance in many tests
- Comfortable and quiet in multiple 2024-2025 evaluations
- Engaging, balanced dynamics with good steering feel
- Lower upfront price than Michelin across sizes
Dry Braking
Looking at data from nine tyre tests, the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus was better during five dry braking tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus stopped the vehicle in 0.17% less distance than the Vredestein Ultrac.
Best In Dry Braking: Michelin Primacy 4 Plus
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [s]
Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Vredestein Ultrac was better during two dry handling [s] tests. On average the Vredestein Ultrac was 0.24% faster around a lap than the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus.
Best In Dry Handling [s]: Vredestein Ultrac
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus was better during one dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus was 0.03% faster around a lap than the Vredestein Ultrac.
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 two tyre tests, the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus was better during one subj. dry handling tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus scored 1.05% more points than the Vredestein Ultrac.
Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Michelin Primacy 4 Plus
See how the Subj. Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from nine tyre tests, the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus was better during four wet braking tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus stopped the vehicle in 1.01% less distance than the Vredestein Ultrac.
Best In Wet Braking: Michelin Primacy 4 Plus
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking - Concrete
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Vredestein Ultrac was better during one wet braking - concrete tests. On average the Vredestein Ultrac stopped the vehicle in 2.16% less distance than the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus.
Best In Wet Braking - Concrete: Vredestein Ultrac
See how the Wet Braking - Concrete winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [s]
Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Vredestein Ultrac was better during four wet handling [s] tests. On average the Vredestein Ultrac was 2.14% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus.
Best In Wet Handling [s]: Vredestein Ultrac
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Vredestein Ultrac was better during two wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Vredestein Ultrac was 1.43% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Vredestein Ultrac
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Wet Handling
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Vredestein Ultrac was better during two subj. wet handling tests. On average the Vredestein Ultrac scored 5.67% more points than the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus.
Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Vredestein Ultrac
See how the Subj. Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Circle
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Vredestein Ultrac was better during two wet circle tests. On average the Vredestein Ultrac had 3.07% higher lateral wet grip than the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus.
Best In Wet Circle: Vredestein Ultrac
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from eight tyre tests, the Vredestein Ultrac was better during six straight aqua tests. On average the Vredestein Ultrac floated at a 2.04% higher speed than the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus.
Best In Straight Aqua: Vredestein Ultrac
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from six tyre tests, the Vredestein Ultrac was better during five curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Vredestein Ultrac slipped out at a 10.51% higher speed than the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Vredestein Ultrac
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 0.48% more points than the Vredestein Ultrac.
Best In Subj. Comfort: Michelin Primacy 4 Plus
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from seven tyre tests, the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus was better during four noise tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus measured 0.76% quieter than the Vredestein Ultrac.
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 1.41% quieter than the Vredestein Ultrac.
Best In Noise: Michelin Primacy 4 Plus
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Wear
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus was better during two wear tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus is predicted to cover 57.08% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Vredestein Ultrac.
Best In Wear: Michelin Primacy 4 Plus
See how the Wear winner was calculated >>
Value
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus was better during one value tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus proved to have a 42.96% better value based on price/1000km than the Vredestein Ultrac.
Best In Value: Michelin Primacy 4 Plus
See how the Value winner was calculated >>
Price
Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Vredestein Ultrac was better during four price tests. On average the Vredestein Ultrac cost 9.19% less than the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus.
Best In Price: Vredestein Ultrac
See how the Price winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from seven tyre tests, the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus was better during seven rolling resistance tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus had a 5.84% lower rolling resistance than the Vredestein Ultrac.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Michelin Primacy 4 Plus
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
Fuel Consumption
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus was better during one fuel consumption tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus used 1.69% less fuel than the Vredestein Ultrac.
Best In Fuel Consumption: Michelin Primacy 4 Plus
See how the Fuel Consumption winner was calculated >>
Abrasion
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus was better during one abrasion tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus emitted 53.16% less particle wear matter than the Vredestein Ultrac.
Best In Abrasion: Michelin Primacy 4 Plus
See how the Abrasion winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
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%
Vredestein Ultrac Driver Reviews
Most drivers rate the Vredestein Ultrac highly, praising its confident wet grip (including aquaplaning resistance), solid dry performance, and comfortable, quiet ride. Handling is described as predictable and safe, with several noting good value versus premium rivals. A minority report faster-than-expected tread wear, and a few mention noise or steering feel, but these are less common. Overall sentiment skews positive given the high number of strong reviews.
Based on 23 reviews with an average rating of 77%
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
For everyday touring, the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus delivers the stronger long-term proposition: consistently lower rolling resistance (wins 7/7 categories), quieter operation in many tests, secure dry manners, and market-leading tread life (ADAC wear +122%; AutoBild +153%), yielding better lifetime value despite a higher purchase price. Choose Ultrac for confident wet performance and keen pricing; choose Primacy 4+ for efficiency, refinement and miles that genuinely pay back.
Key Differences
- Wet performance: Ultrac generally wins wet handling, wet circle and aquaplaning (category wins: 6 wet handling, 5 curved aqua, 6 straight aqua).
- Efficiency: Primacy 4+ dominates rolling resistance (7 wins to 0) and often lower fuel use.
- Longevity: Michelin's tread life dramatically exceeds Vredestein's (e.g., ADAC 60,300 km vs 27,200 km; AutoBild 38,950 km vs 15,400 km).
- Noise/comfort: Both are refined, but Michelin often rates quieter; Ultrac also praised for comfort in 2025 test.
- Dry behaviour: Marginal, size-dependent; Michelin often steadier and subjectively calmer, Ultrac can feel bouncy in some sizes but posts quick laps elsewhere.
- Price vs value: Ultrac is cheaper upfront; Michelin's lifetime cost is lower thanks to wear and efficiency (better Value scores in ADAC/AutoBild).
Overall Winner: Michelin Primacy 4 Plus
Based on the tyre test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus 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
Looking for more tyre comparisons? Here are other direct comparisons involving these tyres:
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.