A high-poly 3D model of a Michelin Road 6 tire, slightly worn from use, would appear very detailed and realistic. You'd see clearly sculpted treads, small cracks, worn edges, embedded debris, and even the sidewall branding modeled in 3D. The damage would be part of the actual geometry, making it look perfect for close-up shots in films or product renders, but the model would be heavy and slow to use in real-time.
In contrast, a low-poly version would have a much simpler shape. The tread pattern and wear would be created using textures like normal maps and bump maps, not actual geometry. The small cracks or dirt would be painted into these maps to give the impression of damage. It wouldn’t look as sharp up close, but it would be light and fast enough for games or VR.