Continental VikingContact 7 vs Hankook Winter i*Cept iZ2: The showdown between the Continental VikingContact 7 and the Hankook Winter iCept iZ2 is heating up the nordic and snow tire segment. These two studless warriors are designed to conquer the harshest winter conditions, offering unparalleled grip and performance on icy and snowy roads. On one side, the Continental VikingContact 7 boasts cutting-edge technology for superior traction and control, making it a trusted ally in the battle against winter’s worst.
On the other, the Hankook Winter iCept iZ2 steps into the arena with its innovative tread design and compound, promising exceptional handling and braking in cold weather. This face-off is not just about tires; it’s about mastering the elements. Get ready for a clash of titans where only the best will emerge victorious in the quest for winter domination.
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Results: Continental VikingContact 7 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 Continental VikingContact 7 vs Hankook Winter i*Cept iZ2 based on the relevant performance category. The Continental VikingContact 7 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 :
When it comes to ice performance, the Continental VikingContact 7 slightly outshines the Hankook Winter iCept iZ2. In the crucial test of ice braking, where every meter counts for safety, the VikingContact 7 requires only 46.1 meters to come to a stop from 50 to 0 km/h, compared to the iCept iZ2, which takes 48 meters. This means the Continental tire can stop almost 2 meters shorter than the Hankook tire, offering a bit more safety margin in slippery conditions.
Acceleration on ice is another battlefield, and here too, the Continental tire takes the lead. It accelerates from 5 to 20 km/h in just 5.8 seconds, marginally quicker than the i*Cept iZ2, which completes the same acceleration in 6 seconds. While the difference might seem small, in icy conditions, every fraction of a second counts towards achieving better control and safety.
Handling on ice, evaluated both subjectively and through lap times, further emphasizes the Continental’s superiority. Drivers rate the VikingContact 7 higher, with a score of 9 out of 10, compared to the i*Cept iZ2’s 8 out of 10. This suggests that the VikingContact 7 offers a more responsive and confident driving experience. Lap times confirm this, with the Continental completing an icy circuit in 54.1 seconds, significantly faster than the Hankook tire, which takes 55.8 seconds. This not only shows the Continental’s better grip and handling but also its ability to maintain higher speeds safely on ice.
In summary, across braking, acceleration, and handling tests on ice, the Continental VikingContact 7 consistently outperforms the Hankook Winter i*Cept iZ2, offering drivers shorter stopping distances, quicker acceleration, and more agile handling in winter conditions.
Winter I*Cept iZ2 :
- -4% in ice braking
- -3% in ice acceleration
- -5% in ice handling (subj)
- -3% in ice handling (lap time)
Snow Performance Analysis:
In the realm of snow performance, the Continental VikingContact 7 and the Hankook Winter iCept iZ2 are closely matched, but the Continental edges out its competitor in key areas. Starting with snow braking, an essential factor for safety, the VikingContact 7 requires 49.4 meters to come to a stop from 80 to 0 km/h, which is slightly better than the iCept iZ2’s braking distance of 50.2 meters. This means the Continental tire can stop 0.8 meters shorter on snow, providing a small but potentially crucial advantage in preventing collisions.
Acceleration on snow further differentiates the two, with the VikingContact 7 pulling ahead from 5 to 35 km/h in 5.8 seconds, a bit quicker than the i*Cept iZ2, which takes 6.1 seconds for the same acceleration. This 0.3-second difference highlights the Continental’s superior traction and ability to deliver power to the ground more effectively in snowy conditions.
Handling on snow, as rated by drivers, shows both tires as excellent performers with each scoring 9 out of 10. This indicates that both the Continental and Hankook tires provide a satisfying driving experience on snow, offering good control and responsiveness.
However, when it comes to lap times on a snow-covered circuit, the VikingContact 7 completes the course in 52.4 seconds, outpacing the i*Cept iZ2, which takes 53.5 seconds. This 1.1 seconds difference in lap time underscores the VikingContact 7’s better overall snow handling and agility, allowing it to navigate snowy courses faster while maintaining stability and grip.
Overall, on snow, the Continental VikingContact 7 demonstrates a slight but consistent advantage over the Hankook Winter i*Cept iZ2 in braking, acceleration, and handling, making it a formidable choice for drivers seeking top performance in winter conditions.
Winter I*Cept iZ2 :
- -2% in snow braking
- -5% in snow acceleration
- 0% in snow handling (subjective)
- -2% in snow handling (lap time)
Wet Face-off :
In wet conditions, the Hankook Winter i*Cept iZ2 narrowly outperforms the Continental VikingContact 7 in braking, stopping just 0.8 meters shorter from 80 to 5 km/h. Both tires are rated differently in handling, with the Continental scoring 7 out of 10, slightly ahead of the Hankook’s 6 out of 10, indicating better driver satisfaction. Surprisingly, their wet lap times are identical at 42.8 seconds, showing no difference in their ability to navigate wet courses at speed.
Winter I*Cept iZ2 :
- +2% in wet braking
- -5% in wet handling (subjective)
- ~0% in wet handling (lap time)
Dry Performance Duel:
In dry conditions, the Continental VikingContact 7 has a slight edge over the Hankook Winter iCept iZ2. It stops from 80 to 0 km/h in 29.2 meters, which is 0.5 meters shorter than the iCept iZ2’s 29.7 meters, indicating a marginally better braking performance. For handling, drivers rate the VikingContact 7 higher at 8 out of 10, compared to the i*Cept iZ2’s 6 out of 10, suggesting the Continental offers a more satisfying and controlled driving experience on dry roads.
Winter I*Cept IZ2 :
- -2% in dry braking
- –10% in dry handling (subjective)
Subjective noise
In terms of subjective noise, both the Continental VikingContact 7 and the Hankook Winter i*Cept iZ2 are rated equally by drivers, with each tire scoring 9 out of 10. This indicates that users find both tires to produce a similarly low level of noise, offering a quiet and comfortable driving experience without one being noticeably quieter than the other.
Winter I*Cept iZ2 :
- 0% in subjective noise
Fuel consumption evaluation:
In terms of fuel consumption, the Continental VikingContact 7 is slightly more efficient than the Hankook Winter iCept iZ2. With the VikingContact 7 set as the baseline at 100%, the iCept iZ2 shows a 2% higher fuel consumption rate. This means that driving with the Hankook tires could lead to slightly higher fuel use compared to driving with the Continental tires, making the Continental the more fuel-efficient choice between the two.
Winter I*Cept iZ2 :
- +2% in fuel consumption
Price
The Continental VikingContact 7 is priced at €133, making it significantly more expensive than the Hankook Winter i*Cept iZ2, which costs €93 for the same tire size (205/55 R16). This shows a price difference of €40, with the VikingContact 7 being the higher-priced option between the two.
Tire size: 205/55 R16
- VikingContact 7 : € 133
- Winter i*cept iZ2 : € 93
Difference: -43% more cheaper for Winter i*cept iZ2
Conclusion from a Tire Expert’s Perspective:
As a tire expert, my analysis concludes that the winner of this duel is the Continental VikingContact 7. Despite its higher price, the VikingContact 7 consistently outperforms the Hankook Winter i*Cept iZ2 across key performance categories, including ice, snow, and dry conditions. It offers shorter braking distances, faster acceleration, and better handling, providing a safer and more responsive driving experience in winter conditions. Additionally, its equal performance in noise levels and slightly better fuel efficiency further solidifies its position as the top choice. While the Hankook tire presents a good value proposition, the superior performance of the Continental VikingContact 7 makes it the clear winner in this comparison.
Dr Edwin Pang