Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 vs Hankook Winter I*Cept IZ2: Get ready for a clash of the titans in the world of winter tires! In one corner, we have the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5, a legend from the snowy realms of Finland, known for its unrivaled grip on icy and snowy roads, ensuring that drivers experience superior control and safety in the harshest of winter conditions. Nokian’s cutting-edge technology has created a tire that not only excels in grip but also provides a smooth and quiet ride, making it a top choice for discerning drivers.
In the other corner, the Hankook Winter I*Cept IZ2, a South Korean marvel that has taken the winter tire market by storm. With its innovative tread design and advanced rubber compound, the I*Cept IZ2 provides exceptional traction and braking performance on snow-covered roads. Hankook has managed to create a tire that not only performs well in winter conditions but also offers impressive durability, ensuring that drivers get the most bang for their buck.
This studless/snow/nordic segment battle is heating up, with both tires vying for the top spot. Whether you’re navigating the icy streets of the city or tackling snowy mountain roads, these tires are designed to keep you safe and in control. So, buckle up and get ready for a winter driving experience like no other, with the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 and Hankook Winter I*Cept IZ2 leading the charge!
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Results: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 vs Hankook Winter I*Cept IZ2
Results below were taken from 2023 Tekniikan Maailma Snow Tire Test with a total of 9 tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 vs Hankook Winter I*Cept IZ2 based on the relevant performance category. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
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 205/55R16 which is a common tire size for Volkswagen Golf and Jetta. The testing vehicle is a Volkswagen Golf.
Ice :
As the winter chill sets in, the icy roads demand nothing but the best from your tires. Enter the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 and Hankook Winter I*Cept IZ2, two formidable contenders in the realm of ice performance, ensuring your journey is both safe and smooth.
When it comes to ice braking, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 demonstrates its mastery with a braking distance of 50.8 meters from 50-0 km/h, slightly edging out the Hankook Winter I*Cept IZ2’s impressive 48 meters. This speaks to the Hakkapeliitta R5’s exceptional grip and control, ensuring that when you need to stop, you can do so confidently. Accelerating on ice, a task that can unnerve even the most seasoned drivers, becomes a breeze with these two tire giants. The Hakkapeliitta R5 boasts an acceleration time of 6.2 seconds from 5-20 km/h, while the I*Cept IZ2 is hot on its heels with a time of 6 seconds. Both tires showcase their remarkable traction, providing a reassuring push forward in slippery conditions.
When we delve into ice handling, the subjective ratings paint a clear picture. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 stands tall with a score of 9 out of 10, while the Hankook Winter I*Cept IZ2 holds its own with a commendable 8 out of 10. Both tires provide a steadfast companion as you navigate through the icy twists and turns of winter roads. The ice handling lap times further illustrate the prowess of these tires, with the Hakkapeliitta R5 completing a lap in 55.2 seconds and the I*Cept IZ2 just behind at 55.8 seconds. It’s a close battle, with both tires showcasing their finesse and stability on the slippery surface.
In the tranquil dance over ice, both the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 and Hankook Winter I*Cept IZ2 stand out as exceptional partners, ensuring your journey is not just a ride, but a serene glide over winter’s challenging embrace. So, as the frost sets in, rest assured that with either of these tires, your vehicle is in good hands.
Winter I*Cept IZ2 :
- +6% in ice braking
- +3% in ice acceleration
- -5% in ice handling (subj)
- -1% in ice handling (lap time)
Snow Performance Analysis:
Embark on a serene journey through winter’s snowy embrace with the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 and Hankook Winter I*Cept IZ2, two tire titans that promise unparalleled performance and grace on snowy terrains.
In the delicate art of snow braking, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 showcases its finesse with a braking distance of 50.1 meters from 80-0 km/h, offering a reassuring embrace of control. The Hankook Winter I*Cept IZ2 follows closely, displaying its strength with a distance of 50.2 meters, ensuring your vehicle comes to a safe and steady halt on snowy grounds. As you gently accelerate from 5-35 km/h, the Hakkapeliitta R5 glides forward with a graceful acceleration time of 5.9 seconds, while the I*Cept IZ2 demonstrates its robustness with a time of 6.1 seconds. Both tires, like seasoned dancers on a snowy stage, provide a smooth and steady rhythm, ensuring your journey forward is both secure and tranquil.
In the subjective realm of snow handling, both tires stand tall and proud with a score of 9 out of 10. The Hakkapeliitta R5 and I*Cept IZ2, with their meticulous design and advanced technology, offer a harmonious balance, allowing you to navigate through snowy paths with ease and confidence. The snow handling lap times further paint a picture of their graceful performance, with the Hakkapeliitta R5 completing a lap in 52.7 seconds, and the I*Cept IZ2 just behind at 53.5 seconds. Both tires, in their elegant dance over snow, showcase their exceptional stability and grip, ensuring your winter journey is not just safe, but also a serene experience to remember.
So, as the snowflakes gently fall and cover the roads in a blanket of white, trust in the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 and Hankook Winter I*Cept IZ2 to guide you through with grace, stability, and unmatched performance.
Winter I*Cept IZ2 :
- 0% in snow braking
- -3% in snow traction
- 0% in snow handling (subjective)
- -1% in snow handling (lap time)
Wet Face-off :
On rain-soaked streets, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 and Hankook Winter I*Cept IZ2 ensure safety and performance blend seamlessly. Both tires are steadfast in wet conditions, providing assurance with every turn. The Hakkapeliitta R5 boasts a wet braking distance of 40.4 meters, while the I*Cept IZ2 slightly outperforms at 39.2 meters, offering peace of mind when it matters most.
In terms of wet handling, the Hakkapeliitta R5 garners a subjective rating of 7/10, demonstrating its prowess in delivering a balanced and controlled ride. The I*Cept IZ2 follows closely with a 6/10 rating, ensuring stability throughout. On wet asphalt, their lap times are neck and neck, with the Hakkapeliitta R5 at 43.4 seconds and the I*Cept IZ2 at 42.8 seconds.
In this delicate dance with the rain, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 and Hankook Winter I*Cept IZ2 prove to be trustworthy companions, making every wet journey a tranquil and secure experience.
Winter I*Cept IZ2 :
- +3% in wet braking
- -5% in wet handling (subjective)
- +1% in wet handling (lap time)
Dry Performance Duel:
Under the sun’s warm glow, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 and Hankook Winter I*Cept IZ2 ensure a smooth, controlled journey on dry roads. Both tires perform admirably, offering reliability and a reassuring ride.
The Hakkapeliitta R5 stops gracefully from 80-0 km/h in 29.6 meters, while the I*Cept IZ2 is close behind at 29.7 meters, both providing stability in crucial braking moments. In dry handling, the R5’s 7/10 rating slightly outshines the I*Cept IZ2’s 6/10, ensuring a seamless and comfortable ride.
On dry pavement, the Hakkapeliitta R5 subtly takes the lead, offering a journey that’s not just about the destination, but the enjoyment of the drive, with unparalleled control and serenity.
Winter I*Cept IZ2 :
- 0% in dry braking
- –5% in dry handling (subjective)
Subjective noise
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the road, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 and Hankook Winter I*Cept IZ2 stand as beacons of tranquility, providing a quiet and serene driving experience that is truly a balm for the senses.
Crafted with soft compound materials, both of these tire giants excel in offering a soothing journey, as their plush composition acts as a natural dampener, absorbing vibrations and reducing surrounding noise. The result is a whisper-quiet ride that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the calmness of your journey. With subjective noise ratings that soar high at 9 out of 10 for both the Hakkapeliitta R5 and the I*Cept IZ2, it’s evident that these tires are masters in the art of quietude. They do not just connect you to the road; they provide a sanctuary of silence, allowing you to find peace even as the miles roll away beneath you.
So, as you seek solace on the road, know that with the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 and Hankook Winter I*Cept IZ2, your journey will be enveloped in a cocoon of quietude, crafted by the genius of soft compound technology and a passion for serene travel. In this world of tire magnificence, silence truly is golden.
Winter I*Cept IZ2 :
- 0% in subjective noise
Fuel consumption evaluation:
Embark on a seamless journey with the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 and Hankook Winter I*Cept IZ2, where efficiency meets serenity. Both tires exemplify a perfect balance between low rolling resistance and fuel consumption, ensuring an eco-friendly and smooth ride. The Hakkapeliitta R5 stands out with a 100% fuel consumption rating, highlighting its design excellence and commitment to a mindful and serene driving experience.
On the other hand, the Winter I*Cept IZ2 closely follows with a 1% advantage, proving its efficiency and understanding of economical performance. Together, these tires act as custodians of efficiency, offering a journey that transcends mere travel, immersing you in a harmonious dance of performance and eco-consciousness on the road.
Winter I*Cept IZ2 :
- -1% in fuel consumption
Price
In a concise comparison of prices for the 205/55 R16 tire size, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 stands at €155, reflecting its premium features and performance. On the other hand, the Hankook Winter I*Cept IZ2 offers a budget-friendly choice at €93, making it 67% more affordable and a cost-effective option for winter driving.
Tire size: 205/55 R16
- Winter I*Cept IZ2 : € 93
Difference: -67% more cheaper for Winter I*Cept IZ2
Conclusion from a Tire Expert’s Perspective:
Drawing from years of expertise and countless hours analyzing tire performance, I find myself at a crossroads when comparing the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 and the Hankook Winter I*Cept IZ2. It’s a classic battle between subjective handling experience and objective data metrics, each tire shining in its own realm.
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5, with its exquisite handling and stability, has consistently proven to be a favorite in subjective assessments, particularly when it comes to maneuvering through challenging terrains. On the flip side, the Hankook Winter I*Cept IZ2 impresses with its outstanding performance in objective data metrics, particularly in wet and ice braking.
As a tire expert, I appreciate the nuances of both these models, recognizing that the ultimate decision rests on what you, as the driver, value most. Are you swayed by the subjective feeling of control and stability, or do you place your trust in the hard numbers of braking performance?
Dr Edwin Pang
There is no clear winner in this duel; both tires present compelling cases for being the top choice for winter driving. Whether you lean towards the refined handling of the Nokian or the reliable braking performance of the Hankook, know that you are choosing a tire that has been crafted with care and expertise. The road awaits, and the choice, dear driver, is yours.