Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV vs Nokian Nordman 8 SUV (Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV) : In the world of winter studded tires, few names resonate as strongly as Nokian’s flagship series, the Hakkapeliitta. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV represents the zenith of the company’s tire technology, embodying the latest advancements to grip the iciest and snowiest roads with unparalleled mastery. But the stage isn’t solely owned by the Hakkapeliitta 10.
Enter the Nokian Nordman 8 SUV, which, in an interesting twist, is none other than the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV in disguise. While it might be two generations behind its flagship sibling, it’s no underdog. The Nordman 8, a stalwart of winters past, is reborn under the Nordman brand after its reign in the Hakkapeliitta lineup. This rebranding strategy showcases Nokian’s commitment to providing value and high quality even in their second-tier products.
But what happens when the sophisticated flair of the Hakkapeliitta 10 meets the seasoned reliability of the Nordman 8? It’s more than just a clash of generations; it’s an internal sibling rivalry that could shape the future of winter road grip and performance. The frozen tundra is the battlefield, and the tires are the gladiators. The question remains: will experience or innovation take the crown?
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Results : Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV vs Nokian Nordman 8 SUV (Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV)
The graph below shows the comparison between Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV vs Nokian Nordman 8 SUV (Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV) based on the relevant performance category. The Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark. The handling criteria shown in the test are evaluated objectively through lap times except for dry handling. Note that for subjective evaluation, we equate 1 point as 5%. Hence for example if tire A is graded 5 while tire B is graded 4, A is better than B by 5%.
The tire size of interest is 235/55 R18 which is a common tire size for Volkswagen Tiguan and the Audi Q3. The test vehicle of choice is a Volkswagen Tiguan. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice is a Volvo XC40 SUV.
Ice
Ice. The ultimate challenge for studded tires. The slippery, treacherous glacial canvas where champions emerge and contenders fade. And when discussing champions in the ice arena, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta series is a name that echoes with reverence. Let’s examine the ice performance metrics of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV in comparison to its predecessor, reborn as the Nokian Nordman 8 SUV.
Ice Braking (25 – 5 km/h):
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV showcases its contemporary advancements, stopping vehicles at a commendable 11.62 meters. This mirrors its premium stud configuration, ensuring motorists have that crucial edge when every centimeter counts. On the other side, the Nokian Nordman 8 SUV, with its seasoned pedigree, marks its braking distance at 12.74 meters. While commendable in its own right, it trails the younger sibling.
Ice Traction (5 – 15 km/h):
Traction is where the rubber grips or slips. When accelerating from 5 to 15 km/h on icy terrains, the Nordman 8 SUV clocks in at 2.47 seconds, portraying its time-tested prowess. However, the Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV emerges dominant with a nimbler 2.36 seconds, emphasizing its heightened bite on the iciest of roads.
Ice Handling (Lap time):
Rounding the icy circuit, the Nordman 8 SUV registers a lap time of 46.31 seconds, reflecting its consistent and reliable maneuverability. Yet, not to be outdone, the Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV magnifies its stature, gliding around the track with an assertive lap time of 42.49 seconds. This not only indicates superior control but an unmatched dexterity even on the slickest of turns.
In conclusion, while the Nokian Nordman 8 SUV remains a formidable choice for those icy challenges, it’s the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV that takes a commanding lead, asserting its place at the forefront of ice performance. The generational leap is evident, and the crown firmly rests on the younger contender.
Nordman 8 SUV (Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV) :
- -8.8% in ice braking
- -4.4% in ice traction
- -8.3% in ice handling
Snow
Snow, with its fluffy allure and treacherous grip challenges, is the winter tire’s most unpredictable adversary. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta series is celebrated for its snow-taming prowess. Here, we cast a discerning eye on the snowy bout between the advanced Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV and its legendary precursor, the Nokian Nordman 8 SUV.
Snow Braking (35 – 5 km/h):
On a snow-clad stretch, brakes become the defining line between control and chaos. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV, with its modernized tread pattern, decelerates your journey from 35 to 5 km/h within an impressive 11.15 meters, reiterating the brand’s commitment to optimum safety. Its senior counterpart, the Nordman 8 SUV, achieves this feat in 11.99 meters. While respectable and showcasing its enduring capabilities, it cedes a few crucial inches to its more advanced sibling.
Snow Traction (5 – 25 km/h):
Traction on snow encapsulates the delicate dance between tire and terrain. The Nordman 8 SUV propels from 5 to 25 km/h in a commendable 5.69 seconds, reminding us of its storied legacy in winter warfare. But youth has its advantages; the Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV nudges ahead with a fractionally quicker acceleration time of 5.63 seconds. While the difference may seem minuscule, it epitomizes the continuous refinement in the Hakkapeliitta lineage.
Snow Handling (Lap time):
Winding through snow-laden tracks, tire agility and consistency come to the fore. The Nordman 8 SUV, with its deep-rooted experience, charts a lap time of 80.86 seconds. It’s a performance that speaks of steadfastness. However, the Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV flaunts its evolved engineering, completing the lap with a swifter 77.65 seconds, thereby highlighting its advanced snow-adaptability.
To encapsulate, both tires exhibit exceptional snow performance, worthy of the Nokian brand’s acclaim. But the continuous evolution is clear: the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV carves a discernible lead on snow against its esteemed predecessor, redefining snow performance benchmarks for the future.
Nordman 8 SUV (Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV) :
- -7% in snow braking
- -1.1% in snow traction
- -4% in snow handling
Wet
Rain-soaked roads, with their glossy sheen, represent a different kind of challenge, one of aqua-dynamics and hydro-resistance. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta series, while renowned for icy grips, is also engineered for these slick terrains. As water blankets the road, let’s delve into the aquatic face-off between the cutting-edge Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV and the tried-and-tested Nokian Nordman 8 SUV.
Wet Braking (80 – 5 km/h):
In drenched conditions, braking efficiency becomes paramount. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV, armed with its innovative tread patterns, manages to bring your journey from 80 to 5 km/h within an efficient 39.22 meters. A statement of control, indeed. Meanwhile, the Nokian Nordman 8 SUV, showcasing its resilient design, halts its momentum at 39.51 meters. It’s a commendable distance, but those fractional meters can sometimes make all the difference.
Wet Handling (Lap time):
Navigating wet tracks requires a tire’s finesse and poise. The Nordman 8 SUV, with its legacy design, accomplishes a lap in 42.05 seconds, exuding confidence in its watery waltz. Yet, the Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV emerges with a subtle advantage, clocking a slightly quicker time of 41.53 seconds. This speaks to the refinements made in its handling on wet terrains.
Straight Aqua (Slipping speed):
Aquaplaning is the bane of wet roads, and the slipping speed gives us a glimpse into a tire’s resistance to this peril. The Nordman 8 SUV holds its ground up to 55.5 km/h before surrendering to the slip. In juxtaposition, the Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV showcases a marginally better resistance, maintaining its composure until 54.6 km/h.
Drawing the curtains on this wet comparison, both tires validate their esteemed pedigree, offering formidable performance on rain-soaked roads. Yet, as with all technological progressions, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV slightly nudges ahead, embodying the advancements in wet road dynamics and setting a new standard in hydro-performance.
Nordman 8 SUV (Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV) :
- -0.7% in wet braking
- -1.2% in wet handling
- +1.6% in aquaplaning
Dry
Studded tires, heralded as ice-conquerors, enter the realm of dry terrains with an inherent disadvantage. It’s a known fact that while these tires dominate in winter landscapes, they are not optimized for the parched asphalt of summer roads. With that said, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta series, in its continuous quest for holistic performance, presents its dry capabilities. Here’s a comparison between the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV and its predecessor, the Nokian Nordman 8 SUV.
Dry Braking:
When it comes to dry halts, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV manages to decelerate from high speeds to a standstill within 35.95 meters. This is a commendable figure, given the inherent challenges studded tires face on dry terrain. The Nokian Nordman 8 SUV, holding its ground, stops in 36.87 meters. While both performances are respectable for studded tire standards, the Hakkapeliitta 10 nudges forward with its marginally shorter braking distance.
Subjective Dry Handling (Out of 10):
Handling on dry terrains, gauged subjectively, often reflects a tire’s adaptability and overall driving feel. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV scores a 3 out of 10, indicating noticeable improvements in dry-road adaptability compared to its icy roots. In comparison, the Nokian Nordman 8 SUV fetches a score of 2 out of 10. This lower score is a testament to the classic design’s primary focus on icy terrains, with a somewhat reduced affinity for parched roads.
In summation, while studded tires like the Nokian Hakkapeliitta series aren’t traditionally the go-to for dry road performance, the 10th iteration showcases Nokian’s endeavors to provide an improved dry-road experience. Yet, it’s crucial to remember the core essence of these tires: they are ice champions, and their true might unfurls in the harshest of winters. On dry roads, they perform valiantly, given their primary design focus, but inevitably fall short of their non-studded counterparts.
Nordman 8 SUV (Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV) :
- -2.5% in dry braking
- -5% in subjective dry handling
Noise
In the tire realm, studded varieties come with a cacophony of their own, a signature song of metal meeting road. Given that there’s no R117 noise requirement for studded tires, gauging their interior noise becomes pivotal for users seeking a quieter ride. Notably, these tire variants can frequently register noise levels about 10 decibels higher than their summer counterparts. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta series, ever in the quest for refining comfort, gives us two contenders for this auditory assessment.
Interior Noise:
Noise intrusion, especially in the cabin, can significantly impact driving comfort. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV records an interior noise level of 77.1 dB. Given its studded nature, this is a fairly standard noise level, but it’s evident that Nokian has made strides in managing and potentially dampening the noise to some extent. On the other side, the Nokian Nordman 8 SUV, a classic iteration in the series, produces a slightly higher 77.8 dB. The marginal difference, while minor, speaks to the advancements made in subsequent models in terms of noise control and overall driving experience.
In wrapping up, while studded tires inherently produce more noise than their summer peers, the latest Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV showcases Nokian’s efforts in refining this aspect. It’s a gentle reminder that, while these tires are engineered for supreme icy grips, there’s also a dedicated focus on the holistic driving experience, with noise control being a key facet in this journey.
Nordman 8 SUV (Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV) :
- -0.9% in interior noise (+0.7 dB)
Fuel Consumption
Fuel efficiency isn’t just about the engine’s prowess or the aerodynamics of the vehicle; the tires play a crucial role too. Particularly with studded tires, where the interaction of the studs with the road surface can introduce additional rolling resistance, impacting fuel consumption. With the planet edging towards greener solutions, even the icy maestros of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta series come under scrutiny for their fuel consumption metrics. Let’s dive into this vital comparison.
Fuel Consumption:
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV, a testament to Nokian’s continuous innovation, registers a fuel consumption of 5.73 l/100km. This figure not only underscores the tire’s advanced design but also its optimized rolling resistance, allowing for better fuel economy. In contrast, the older Nokian Nordman 8 SUV, while still efficient given its studded nature, clocks in at 5.96 l/100km. This difference, though appearing slight on paper, can add up over extended journeys and the lifetime of the tire, leading to noticeable savings for the user with the Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV.
In summary, both tires from the Nokian Hakkapeliitta series highlight the brand’s commitment to not just icy road performance but also to sustainability and efficiency. The Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV edges ahead with its marginally superior fuel efficiency, mirroring Nokian’s pursuit of refining every aspect of their product, from grip to green.
Nordman 8 SUV (Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV) :
- -3.9% in fuel consumption
Price
Amidst the array of tests and metrics, from ice grip to fuel efficiency, there’s one factor that always remains top-of-mind for consumers: price. It’s a delicate balance of value, performance, and innovation. In the case of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta series, with its stellar lineage, the generational gap between the models translates into a noteworthy difference in pricing. Let’s dissect this financial facet.
Price for Tire Size 255/55 R18:
The Nokian Nordman 8 SUV, also known as the Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV, with its tried-and-tested design and performance, is priced at an accessible €249. Given that it’s two generations behind, it presents a value proposition, especially for budget-conscious consumers looking for reliable winter performance.
Tire size: 255/55 R18
- Nordman 8 SUV (Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV) : € 249
- Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV : € 391
Difference: +36% more expensive for Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV.
On the other side of the spectrum, the state-of-the-art Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV carries a heftier price tag of €391. This is a premium of 36% over its predecessor. The price underscores the latest advancements, research, and technology that have been incorporated into this tire, ensuring it stands at the pinnacle of icy road performance.
In a nutshell, while the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV demands a higher investment, it’s a reflection of the cutting-edge technology and innovation that Nokian has poured into its latest offering. Conversely, for those seeking a more budget-friendly option without compromising too much on performance, the Nokian Nordman 8 SUV provides a compelling, cost-effective alternative, offering significant savings at nearly 35% less than the latest iteration. The choice ultimately boils down to the balance between budget constraints and the desire for the latest in tire technology.
In Conclusion: State of the art vs Value
In the frosty world of winter tires, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta series has continually stood as a beacon of reliability and performance. The comparative analysis between the latest Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV and the Nokian Nordman 8 SUV, which is essentially the Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV in another guise, has been illuminating in various facets.
There’s no denying the prowess of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV. From its impeccable grip on icy roads to its optimized fuel efficiency and reduced noise levels, it is the embodiment of tire innovation at its peak. Every test and metric underscored its advanced capabilities, asserting that if you’re seeking the absolute best, the Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV is the answer. However, this superior performance does come with a premium price tag.
On the other hand, the Nokian Nordman 8 SUV does not lag far behind. It’s a reminder of a time when it too was the flag-bearer of the Hakkapeliitta series, and while it may not match the 10th iteration in every aspect, it offers a commendable performance. Its biggest allure? The significant cost savings. At nearly 35% cheaper, it provides an alternative for those who yearn for premium quality but are willing to trade off the cutting-edge advancements for a more budget-friendly option.
In the end, while the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV undoubtedly sits atop the winter tire throne, the Nokian Nordman 8 SUV emerges as a worthy contender for those seeking a blend of quality and value. The choice between them is a testament to one’s priorities – the very latest in tire technology or a blend of performance and savings. Both options, in their own right, stand as symbols of Nokian’s commitment to excellence in the world of winter tires.