Comparison: Continental UltraContact vs. Michelin Primacy 4+ vs. Goodyear Efficient Grip Performance 2 vs. GoodYear Efficientgrip Performance 2 vs. Michelin Primacy 5

The wet picture is more nuanced — and arguably more consequential for everyday driving. Both tyres carry the EU's top A wet grip label, but the data diverges sharply in one critical area: aquaplaning resistance. The UltraContact scores just 64.5 here, a genuine weakness that independent testers and the brand's own positioning acknowledge. The Primacy 4+ scores 76.9 — substantially better, reflecting Michelin's EverGrip compound technology, which is designed to sustain safety performance as the tread wears. On wet braking itself, the Continental holds a narrower advantage (85 vs 80 in measured scores), though several independent evaluations have flagged the Michelin's wet stopping distances as longer than newer rival designs. Real-world Primacy 4+ owners have noted aquaplaning episodes in standing water too, so neither tyre is complacency territory in heavy rain — but the Continental's aquaplaning deficit is the more pronounced concern of the two.

This is where the Primacy 4+ makes its strongest case. Its comfort score of 86.6 and noise rating of 84.1 comfortably outpace the UltraContact's 75 in both categories, and this gap is backed by real-world experience — Tyre Reviews 2026 awarded the Michelin best-in-test comfort and second quietest overall. Owners consistently describe a smooth, hushed ride that suits long-distance and motorway use particularly well. The UltraContact is no embarrassment here; customers switching from other brands note genuine improvements in cabin quietness, and its EU fuel label skews heavily toward B. But the Michelin's rolling resistance score of 82.4 gives it a consistent efficiency edge that EV and hybrid drivers will feel over time. Tread life slightly favours the Continental (mileage score 88 vs 83.8), meaning both are strong long-haul propositions, but those who run tyres to full wear depth will appreciate the Michelin's EverGrip technology maintaining wet safety as the tread thins.

On dry roads the UltraContact holds a meaningful advantage where it matters most: braking. Its dry-braking performance score of 91 sits clearly ahead of the Primacy 4+'s 86.2, and independent testing consistently confirms Continental's composure on dry tarmac — balanced, predictable, with the kind of progressive character that builds driver confidence. The Michelin is no liability in the dry; AutoBild has praised its direct turn-in and precise steering feel, and its dry handling scores are respectable. But the UltraContact's edge in outright stopping performance is real and consistent, and for a driver whose primary concern is safety margins in an emergency stop on dry asphalt, the Continental is the more reassuring tool.