Why is 94V more expensive than 98W?
4 Answers
Generally speaking, a tire marked 94V indicates a maximum load capacity of 670kg per tire and a maximum speed of 240km/h under specified load conditions, while 98W indicates a maximum load capacity of 750kg per tire and a maximum speed of 270km/h under specified load conditions. Normally, 98W should be more expensive than 94V. However, when factors such as brand, tread pattern, tire compound, and manufacturer policies are taken into account, 94V may indeed be more expensive than 98W. Here are the relevant details: 1. Detail one: Based on the maximum speed of the tire, the speed rating can be classified into different grades from A to Z, with grade A further divided into eight subgrades from A1 to A8. Generally, the further back the letter representing the speed rating is in the alphabet, the better the tire performance, and accordingly, the higher the price. 2. Detail two: The load index can be categorized into different indices ranging from 62 to 178. Typically, the higher the load index of a tire, the greater its maximum load capacity, the better the materials used, and the more layers in the tire crown, resulting in superior puncture resistance and load-bearing performance.
Last time I was at the tire shop changing tires, I noticed an interesting phenomenon: 94V tires were more expensive than 98W, unrelated to load capacity but dependent on material technology. 98W represents a load capacity of 750kg + a maximum speed of 270km/h, while 94V is 670kg + 240km/h. Higher numbers mean better performance, right? But the 94V tires use a special structural layer in the sidewall—I’ve seen them reinforced with double-layer nylon cords, improving wet grip by 20%. Some brands even add self-healing coatings to 94V tires, preventing air leaks from punctures. These technologies cost more than simply increasing rubber hardness. 98W tires are commonly used on standard SUVs, with high production volumes reducing costs, whereas 94V tires are often fitted on luxury sports cars, where mold development alone can cost an extra 100,000 RMB. The tire shop owner said there’s a reason Michelin 94V tires cost 400 RMB more than 98W in the same size.
A real case from my friend's tuning shop: the original 94V tires for a customer's Audi A7 cost 3,800 RMB, while the 98W tires were only 3,100 RMB. I disassembled them and saw the differences—the 94V has a turbulence design on the tire shoulder, reducing high-speed wind noise by 6 decibels. Manufacturer test data shows the 94V's rubber compound contains 30% natural rubber, providing 2.3 meters shorter wet braking distance than the 98W. The 98W prioritizes extreme load capacity, with harder, more wear-resistant rubber, but it tends to become brittle in low winter temperatures. Last time I changed tires for a client, I noticed the 94V also has an internal vibration-absorbing foam layer, offering better shock absorption over speed bumps. These added features make the 94V about 15% more expensive, reflecting the greater R&D investment in comfort.
A decade of experience in the auto repair shop has taught me that 94V tires are expensive due to their niche vehicle compatibility. A certain Porsche model series exclusively uses 94V tires, with the manufacturer's customization costs factored into the pricing. Once, I helped a customer order 94V tires for a Mercedes-Benz C-Class—the integrated sensors in the valve stems justified the extra 200 yuan cost. 98W tires are commonly used in vehicles like the Highlander, with a monthly production of 200,000 units, whereas 94V tires barely reach 50,000 units monthly. Last week, the wholesale price gap reached 25%. The distributor explained that 94V tires use imported synthetic rubber with a temperature range of -30°C to 70°C, while 98W tires are made from standard polybutadiene rubber.
