Comparison: Continental UltraContact vs. Michelin Primacy 4+ vs. GoodYear UltraGrip Performance 3 vs. Dunlop Winter

The wet picture flips the advantage decisively toward the Michelin — in one specific dimension at least. Aquaplaning resistance is the UltraContact's clearest weakness: a score of 64.5 against the Primacy 4+'s 76.9 is a meaningful gap that will matter to drivers on motorways in heavy rain. On wet braking, the UltraContact actually scores higher (85 versus 80), and ADAC flagged only mild wet weakness for Continental — but that aquaplaning deficit is hard to ignore. The Primacy 4+ carries its own caveats: more recent testing has noted that its wet handling and stopping distances are beginning to show the tyre's age against newer designs, and some owners have reported aquaplaning episodes despite the tyre's stronger average score. Neither tyre is a wet-weather star, but the Michelin is the safer all-round choice when the road gets seriously wet.

On dry roads, the UltraContact is genuinely impressive. Its dry braking score of 91 is one of the highest in the premium summer segment, and ADAC testing underlined a balanced, safe dry handling character with good environmental credentials. Continental has built a tyre that stops short and inspires confidence in the majority of everyday dry conditions. The Primacy 4+ is no slouch — Autobild praised its short dry braking distances and direct steering response — but with a dry braking score of 86.2, it sits a clear step below the UltraContact in outright stopping power. Where the Michelin pulls ahead is at higher pace: testers noted a natural, easy-to-place steering feel that rewards smooth driving, whereas the UltraContact's character is more measured and neutral.

This is where the Primacy 4+ makes its clearest case. A comfort score of 86.6 against the UltraContact's 75, and a noise score of 84.1 versus 75, reflect a tyre that is noticeably more refined on road. Tyre Reviews 2025 ranked it best-in-test for comfort and second quietest in its test group. Real owners back this up — Continental UltraContact users frequently highlight low noise and smooth ride, but Mercedes E-Class owners who switched to the UltraContact called it quieter and more comfortable than their previous rubber, suggesting it is refined enough in isolation. The Michelin simply raises that bar higher. On rolling resistance and projected mileage, the gap is closer: Continental scores 88 for mileage versus Michelin's 83.8, giving it a slight long-term economy edge despite the Michelin's strong rolling resistance credentials.