Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun vs Michelin Primacy 4 Plus
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.
Test Results
Independent comparison tire tests are the best source of data to get tire information from, and the good news is there have been seven tests which compare both tires directly!
| Tire | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun | one | |
| Michelin Primacy 4 Plus | six |
While it might look like the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus is better than the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun purely based on the higher number of test wins, tires are very complicated objects which means where one tire is better than the other can be more important in real world use.
Let's look at how the two tires compare across multiple tire test categories.
Key Strengths
- 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
- Significantly lower purchase price
- Consistently shorter wet and dry braking distances
- Very high mileage and low wear rates
- Low noise and good rolling efficiency/fuel consumption
- Balanced, secure handling with strong overall test results
Dry Braking
Looking at data from seven tire tests, the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus was better during seven dry braking tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus stopped the vehicle in 1.11% less distance than the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun.
Best In Dry Braking: Michelin Primacy 4 Plus
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [s]
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun was better during one dry handling [s] tests. On average the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun was 0.43% faster around a lap than the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus.
Best In Dry Handling [s]: Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun was better during one dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun was 0.31% faster around a lap than the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Dry Handling
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun was better during one subj. dry handling tests. On average the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun scored 5.56% more points than the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus.
Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
See how the Subj. Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from seven tire tests, the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus was better during six wet braking tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus stopped the vehicle in 0.75% less distance than the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun.
Best In Wet Braking: Michelin Primacy 4 Plus
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking - Concrete
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun was better during two wet braking - concrete tests. On average the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun stopped the vehicle in 3.61% less distance than the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus.
Best In Wet Braking - Concrete: Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
See how the Wet Braking - Concrete winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [s]
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun was better during one wet handling [s] tests. On average the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun was 0.44% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus.
Best In Wet Handling [s]: Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus was better during one wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus was 0.7% faster around a wet lap than the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Michelin Primacy 4 Plus
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Wet Handling
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun and Michelin Primacy 4 Plus performed equally well in subj. wet handling tests.
Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Both tires performed equally well
See how the Subj. Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Circle
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus was better during one wet circle tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus had 1.76% higher lateral wet grip than the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun.
Best In Wet Circle: Michelin Primacy 4 Plus
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from six tire tests, the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus was better during three straight aqua tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus floated at a 0.94% higher speed than the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun.
Best In Straight Aqua: Michelin Primacy 4 Plus
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun was better during three curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun slipped out at a 3.7% higher speed than the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
Subj. Comfort
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun was better during one subj. comfort tests. On average the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun scored 5% more points than the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus.
Best In Subj. Comfort: Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus was better during four noise tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus measured 1.14% quieter than the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun.
Best In Noise: Michelin Primacy 4 Plus
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from one tire 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 Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun.
Best In Noise: Michelin Primacy 4 Plus
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Tire Weight
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus was better during one tire weight tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus weighed 4.44% less than the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun.
Best In Tire Weight: Michelin Primacy 4 Plus
See how the Tire Weight winner was calculated >>
Wear
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus was better during three wear tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus is predicted to cover 29.68% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun.
Best In Wear: Michelin Primacy 4 Plus
See how the Wear winner was calculated >>
Value
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun was better during one value tests. On average the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun has a 5.63% better value based on dollars per 1000 warranted miles than the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus.
Best In Value: Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
See how the Value winner was calculated >>
Price
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun was better during four price tests. On average the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun cost 26.98% less than the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus.
Best In Price: Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
See how the Price winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus was better during three rolling resistance tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus had a 4.14% lower rolling resistance than the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Michelin Primacy 4 Plus
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
Fuel Consumption
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus was better during two fuel consumption tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus used 2.52% less fuel than the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun.
Best In Fuel Consumption: Michelin Primacy 4 Plus
See how the Fuel Consumption winner was calculated >>
Abrasion
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus was better during two abrasion tests. On average the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus emitted 31.08% less particle wear matter than the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun.
Best In Abrasion: Michelin Primacy 4 Plus
See how the Abrasion winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun Driver Reviews
Across 104 reviews, the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun is most often described as a strong value summer tire with confident wet and dry grip (including good aquaplaning resistance) and notably low road noise. Many drivers also praise its predictable, safe handling and generally good wear for the money, with a high rate of repeat purchases. The main recurring downside is higher rolling resistance leading to increased fuel consumption, and some users note a softer sidewall/less sharp steering response that makes it feel less sporty or a bit vague when pushed.
Based on 113 reviews with an average rating of 80%
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 tires. 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 tires, and occasional wet/cold grip criticism. Overall, the Primacy 4 Plus is a well-liked premium touring tire with comfort and wet safety as standouts.
Based on 34 reviews with an average rating of 80%
Very silent. Most silent tires I had the last 20 years.
Nice handling.
Cheaper than most other brands.
(30euro cheaper than dunlop and 50 euro cheaper than michelin)
Euro label - C A A 67db for 195 65 15
So with not a lot of info on the new Primacy 4Plus and needing 4tires 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
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.
Key Differences
- Braking performance: Michelin repeatedly stops shorter in both wet and dry; Falken is average to good but usually behind.
- Aquaplaning: Falken often resists aquaplaning better (straight and curved), giving higher rain-margin confidence.
- Longevity: Michelin delivers substantially longer tread life (often 30-50%+ advantage).
- Noise/comfort: Both are comfortable; Michelin measures quieter more often, while Falken scores high in subjective comfort.
- Efficiency: Michelin generally has lower rolling resistance and fuel use; Falken shows higher RR in several tests.
- Price/value framing: Falken is markedly cheaper to buy; Michelin's higher price is offset by better wear and lower fuel use over time.
Overall Winner: Michelin Primacy 4 Plus
Based on the tire 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 tire has its own strengths which should be considered in your final tire buying choice.Similar Comparisons
Looking for more tire comparisons? Here are other direct comparisons involving these tires:
Footnote
This page has been developed using tire industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tires in the same test.
Why is this important? Tire 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 tire test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tire tests performed on different days or at different locations.
As a result you will see other tests on Tire 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 tire comparison, Tire Reviews doesn't.