Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Hankook Winter i cept evo 3 X

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Hankook Winter i cept evo 3 X: The Ultimate Middle-European Winter SUV Tires Showdown –> As the cold wind sweeps across Middle-European terrains, signaling the onset of winter, the battle of supremacy among SUV winter tires heats up. At the forefront of this epic contest are two relatively recent giants in the tire industry: Continental’s WinterContact TS 870 P and Hankook’s Winter i*cept evo 3 X.

Introduced in 2021, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P arrives with a roar, bringing forth the legendary prowess and technological advancements that Continental is renowned for. Tailored for premium performance in extreme winter conditions, the WinterContact TS 870 P boasts exceptional grip on snow and wet roads. Its optimized tread design ensures both safety and comfort, promising drivers a serene yet exhilarating ride, no matter how frosty the road gets.

On the other corner, the Hankook Winter i*cept evo 3 X, launched just a year earlier in 2020, stands as a testament to Hankook’s unwavering commitment to innovation. This tire isn’t just a product; it’s a statement. Designed with a sophisticated pattern to reduce aquaplaning and provide outstanding traction on icy roads, the i*cept evo 3 X is all about performance without compromise. Hankook, with its years of expertise, guarantees that every journey on these tires is both safe and spirited.

Both contenders come armed with their unique strengths, making the choice between them all the more thrilling. Who will emerge as the ultimate Middle-European winter SUV tire champion? The stage is set, the players are ready, and the icy battleground awaits. Fasten your seatbelts, for this winter, the roads will witness a battle like no other.

Results: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Hankook Winter i cept evo 3 X

Results below were taken from 2023 Tyre Reviews SUV Winter Tyre Test with a total of 9 tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Hankook Winter i cept evo 3 X based on the relevant performance category. The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.

Since we are talking about winter segment with both tires having the converted 3 peak mountain logo, the objective & subjective snow performance was tested. Note that for subjective ratings, 1 point is equivalent to 5%. So if tire A has a 7 point rating & tire B has a 6 point rating, tire A is better than tire B by 5%. The tire size of interest is a 235/60 R18 which is a common tire size for Audi Q5. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a Volkswagen Tiguarn SUV.

Wet Performance Face-off :

Navigating wet terrains with precision, safety, and confidence requires a tire with exceptional wet performance characteristics. Delving into the heart of this matter, we find ourselves examining two formidable contenders: the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P and the Hankook Winter i*cept evo 3 X.

Upon assessing the wet braking capabilities, the Continental shows a marginal edge, coming to a stop at 33.06 meters while the Hankook follows closely, halting at 33.32 meters. The difference might seem subtle, but in dire situations, every fraction of a meter counts. Transitioning to wet handling, a dance of agility and control on slippery tarmac, both contenders display their prowess. The Continental WinterContact completes its lap in 73.45 seconds, barely nudging ahead of the Hankook, which registers a lap time of 73.9 seconds. Intriguingly, both tires received an identical subjective wet handling score of 9.5 out of 10, highlighting their comparable excellence in this domain.

But the dance isn’t over yet. Venturing into the realm of aquaplaning, the Hankook i*cept evo 3 X emerges slightly superior in resisting straight aquaplaning, maintaining control until 86.6 Km/H, whereas the Continental slips at 84.9 Km/H. Furthermore, when evaluating curved aquaplaning, the Hankook reaches a commendable max centripetal acceleration of 4 m/sec2, surpassing the Continental’s 3.73 m/sec2.

In essence, while the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P and the Hankook Winter i*cept evo 3 X both manifest top-tier wet performance, they each shine in distinct facets, painting a tableau of excellence, balance, and refined engineering.

Winter i cept evo 3 X :

• -1% in wet braking
• -1% in wet handling (lap time)
• 0% in wet handling (subjective)
• +2% in straight aquaplaning
• +7% in curved aquaplaning

Snow Performance Analysis:

Amidst the hush of falling snowflakes and the pristine embrace of winter’s white blanket, the importance of stellar snow performance in tires becomes paramount. Enter the duel between the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P and the Hankook Winter i*cept evo 3 X, two titans vying for supremacy in snowy terrains.

Braking on snow is no trivial feat, and in this delicate ballet, the Hankook showcases its artistry by coming to a standstill in just 15.92 meters, while the Continental, although admirable, halts at 16.21 meters. Every millimeter can be the difference between tranquility and catastrophe on snow-draped roads. For the spirited souls yearning for acceleration amidst wintry landscapes, both contenders offer a thrilling performance. The Hankook i*cept evo 3 X demonstrates a touch of swiftness, accelerating from 5 to 40 km/h in a brisk 3.62 seconds, marginally outpacing the Continental’s 3.68 seconds.

In the grand waltz of snow handling, the Continental regains its poetic stride, completing the lap in 90.85 seconds, slightly ahead of the Hankook’s 92.35 seconds. And as for the drivers’ subjective experience of this snowy dance, the Continental is deemed almost impeccable with 9.5 points, while the Hankook, with a commendable 9.2 points, is not far behind.

In the serene theatre of snow, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P and the Hankook Winter i*cept evo 3 X both exemplify excellence, each narrating a tale of control, grace, and engineering marvel, ensuring that winter’s poetry remains uninterrupted.

Winter i cept evo 3 X :

• +2% in snow braking
• +2% in snow traction
• -2% in snow handling (lap time)
• -1.5% in snow handling (subjective)

Dry Performance Duel:

In the radiant embrace of clear skies and sunlit roads, dry performance in tires becomes an orchestra of precision, responsiveness, and grace. Taking center stage in this symphony are the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P and the Hankook Winter i*cept evo 3 X.

Beginning with the crescendo of dry braking, both contenders exhibit near-perfect synchrony. The Hankook, with a whisper-thin advantage, pulls to a graceful stop at 42.93 meters, while the Continental, in its own moment of elegance, concludes its deceleration at 43.02 meters. It’s a breathtaking ballet, where every fraction of a meter reveals the meticulous artistry beneath the rubber. Moving into the sonata of dry handling, it’s a tango of split-second differences. The Hankook flits through the track, clocking in at 66.27 seconds, while the Continental, in a mesmerizing mirror performance, trails by a mere one-hundredth of a second at 66.28 seconds.

Yet, the magnum opus is revealed in the subjective dry handling experience. Here, the Hankook reaches a perfect crescendo, garnering a flawless score of 10 points. The Continental, though sublime with its 9.5 points, subtly acknowledges the maestro of the day.

In this radiant ballet of dry terrains, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P and the Hankook Winter i*cept evo 3 X offer a masterclass in performance, each tire echoing tales of engineering brilliance, while reminding us of the sheer poetry that can be found in motion.

Winter i cept evo 3 X :

• 0% in dry braking
• 0%  in dry handling (lap time)
• +2.5% in dry handling (subjective)

Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH)

In the symphonic world of tires, the nuances of Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) become the harmonies that define a ride’s serenity. The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P and the Hankook Winter i*cept evo 3 X step onto this orchestral stage, each vying to weave a more tranquil melody than the other.

On the canvas of comfort, both tires paint identical masterpieces, with each securing a splendid 9.5 points. Their ability to cushion and cradle suggests rides characterized by a serene embrace, where the world outside seems just a gentle whisper away.

However, as the crescendo of noise takes center stage, a startling dissonance emerges. The Continental, akin to a softly played violin, registers a muted 71.1 dB. The Hankook, on the other hand, strikes a noticeably louder chord at 74.6 dB. This difference of 3.5 dB is not just a subtle variation in notes; it is a powerful forte in the tire industry’s symphony, an unheard-of discrepancy that raises eyebrows and poses profound questions. This divergence, combined with the subjective noise ratings—9.5 points for the Continental and 9.0 for the Hankook—solidifies the Continental’s place as the maestro of muted melodies.

In the concerto of NVH, while both tires have their moments of brilliance, the resounding gap in noise between them becomes a powerful refrain, highlighting that, in the quest for quietude, every decibel makes a world of difference.

Winter i cept evo 3 X :

• 0% in subjective comfort
• -2.5% in subjective noise
•  -5% in exterior noise (+3.5 dB)

Rolling Resistance Evaluation:

In the intricate dance of tire performance, rolling resistance emerges as a delicate waltz of efficiency and economy. Two leading dancers, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P and the Hankook Winter i*cept evo 3 X, glide onto this stage, each showcasing their unique choreography in minimizing energy loss.

With the grace of a seasoned performer, the Continental spins a tale of exquisite finesse, registering a rolling resistance of 6.49 N/kN. This is akin to a feather-light pirouette, where each rotation is a testament to its commitment to fuel efficiency and reduced carbon footprints. In contrast, the Hankook, while undeniably skilled, tells a slightly heavier story with its 7.46N/kN. This is a more grounded performance, revealing the nuances of its design and priorities.

The dance is subtle, but the distinction is clear. In this ballet of rolling resistance, the Continental glides effortlessly, leading the dance with an elegance that promises longer journeys and gentler sips of fuel. The Hankook, although poised, leaves the audience pondering the depth of its dance and the essence of its stride. In the end, as the curtains draw, it’s evident that in the realm of rolling resistance, even the slightest difference can be the most eloquent step in the dance of efficiency.

Winter i cept evo 3 X :

• -13% in rolling resistance

Price

In the realm of 235/60 R18 tires, the Hankook Winter i*cept evo 3 X and the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P stand out. Priced at €117, Hankook offers value and promises both quality and affordability. On the other hand, the Continental, priced at €158, positions itself as a premium option, 26% pricier than its rival. In this pricing dance, Hankook appeals to the budget-conscious, while Continental caters to those seeking luxury and exclusivity. Choices reflect individual priorities and desired driving experiences.

Tire size: 235/60 R18

• WinterContact TS 870 P : € 158

• Winter i cept evo 3 X : € 117

Difference: -35% more cheaper for Winter i cept evo 3 X

Conclusion from a Tire Expert’s Perspective:

Having meticulously evaluated both contenders in a variety of terrains and conditions, I can confidently assert that the competition between the Hankook Winter i*cept evo 3 X and the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was fiercely neck and neck. Whether skimming the glistening wet roads, carving tracks in pristine snow, or elegantly navigating dry terrains, both tires showcased a mastery that could only result from advanced engineering and careful design.

Yet, every competition has its turning points. In this duel, the pivot was undeniably on the environmental front. The pronounced deficit in exterior noise from the Hankook was not just a minor discrepancy; it was a crescendo of concern. The vastness of this acoustic difference was nothing short of astonishing, and when combined with its higher rolling resistance, posed significant questions about its ecological impact.

Considering the entire spectrum of performance, if one were to strike a balance between efficiency, environmental impact, and driving experience, the scales tip towards the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P. It stands out not merely as a tire, but as a statement of eco-friendly engineering, marrying performance with a conscientious touch. In this duel, the Continental emerges as the winner, securing its place as a tire that speaks the language of both the road and the world beyond.

Dr Edwin Pang