Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 vs Hankook Winter i cept evo3: In the heart of Europe’s frosty winters, a gripping contest unfolds on the icy roads, capturing the attention of drivers and winter tire enthusiasts alike. It’s the showdown between the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 and the Hankook Winter i cept evo3, two giants in the winter tire segment. As they battle for supremacy in providing unmatched grip, durability, and performance in the coldest conditions, the excitement builds. Who will emerge as the champion of the European winter roads? This duel between Pirelli and Hankook is not just a test of technology and innovation, but a thrilling chapter in the quest for winter driving excellence. Get ready for a confrontation that sets the standard for winter tires in Europe.
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Results: Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 vs Hankook Winter i cept evo3
Results below were taken from 2023 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test with a total of 22 tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 vs Hankook Winter i cept evo3 based on the relevant performance category. The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Since we are talking about the middle European winter segment with both tires having the converted 3 peak mountain logo, snow performances was tested. The tire size of interest is 225/45 R18 which is a common tire size for Mercedes-Benz C 200 and Kia Stinger. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a BMW 3 series.
Wet
When it comes to navigating the treacherous wet roads of winter, both the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 and the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 have put up a commendable fight. In the crucial test of wet braking, from a speed of 100 km/h to a complete stop, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 edges out the Hankook by a slight margin, stopping 0.4 meters shorter with a distance of 54.6 meters compared to Hankook’s 55 meters. This difference, although seemingly small, can be critical in real-world emergency braking situations.
In wet handling, which measures how well the tires can maintain grip and control at speed on wet roads, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 slightly outperforms the Pirelli, achieving an average speed of 84.3 km/h against the Pirelli’s 83.3 km/h. This suggests that the Hankook tire offers slightly better agility and confidence in wet conditions.
The wet circle test, aiming to evaluate the tire’s grip in constant circular motion on wet pavement, sees the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 completing the circuit faster, in 12.47 seconds, outpacing the Hankook by a notable margin of 0.39 seconds. This indicates a superior lateral grip under wet conditions for the Pirelli tire.
Lastly, in the straight aquaplaning test, which measures the tire’s ability to maintain contact and speed on a surface covered with water, both tires perform closely. However, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 has a slight advantage, achieving a slipping speed of 94.9 km/h compared to the Pirelli’s 94.5 km/h, suggesting better resistance against aquaplaning.
Overall, while both tires offer commendable performances in wet conditions, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 shows strengths in braking and lateral grip, whereas the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 excels in handling and aquaplaning resistance, making the choice between them dependent on what aspects of performance you value most in wet winter driving conditions.
Winter i cept evo3:
- -1% in wet braking
- +2% in wet handling (average lap speed)
- -3% in wet circle
- ~0% in straight aquaplaning
Snow
When the roads are blanketed in snow, choosing the right tire can make all the difference. In the snowy conditions showdown, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 and the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 again put forth a close competition, each showing areas of strength.
For snow braking, where stopping power on snow from 50 km/h to a halt is measured, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 slightly outperforms the Pirelli, stopping at 30.3 meters, just 0.4 meters shorter than the Pirelli’s 30.7 meters. This small difference could be crucial in preventing collisions in snowy conditions.
When it comes to snow traction, which assesses the tire’s ability to pull or start moving on snow, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 demonstrates a stronger grip with a pulling force of 2848 Newtons, surpassing the Hankook by 83 Newtons. This indicates that the Pirelli tire might offer better acceleration and uphill performance in the snow.
In the domain of snow handling, which evaluates the tire’s capability to navigate through a snow-covered course with precision and speed, the Pirelli again takes the lead with an average speed of 59 km/h, compared to Hankook’s 57.7 km/h. This suggests that the Pirelli provides a more confident and controlled driving experience in snowy conditions.
However, in the snow slalom test, measuring the tire’s agility and response in quick, consecutive turns on snow, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 slightly edges out with a performance of 3.25 m/sec² against the Pirelli’s 3.19 m/sec². This marginal advantage suggests that the Hankook tire might offer slightly better maneuverability in dynamic snow driving situations.
Overall, while the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 demonstrates superior braking and slalom agility in snow, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 stands out for its traction and handling capabilities. The choice between these tires in snowy conditions would depend on whether you prioritize stopping distance and agility or traction and control on snow-covered roads.
Winter i cept evo3:
- +1% in snow braking
- -3% in snow traction
- -2% in snow handling (average lap speed)
- +2% in snow slalom
Mileage
When considering the longevity and durability of winter tires, the wear performance becomes a critical factor for users. In this aspect, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 demonstrates a significant advantage over the Hankook Winter i cept evo3. The Pirelli tire offers a wear life of 38,266 kilometers, outlasting the Hankook tire, which shows wear life at 34,407 kilometers. This difference of 3,859 kilometers means that users of the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 can expect their tires to last longer, potentially offering an extra season of use depending on driving habits and conditions.
This extended wear performance not only suggests a better return on investment due to the longer service life but also implies fewer tire changes over time. For users, this translates to less frequent purchases and potentially lower long-term costs associated with tire replacement. Moreover, longer-lasting tires contribute to reduced environmental impact due to less frequent tire disposal. Therefore, choosing a tire with superior wear performance like the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 could offer tangible benefits in terms of cost savings, convenience, and environmental responsibility.
Winter i cept evo3:
- -10% in mileage
Dry
In dry conditions, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 slightly outperforms the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2. It stops 0.6 meters shorter in dry braking tests, requiring only 43.8 meters to come to a halt from 100 km/h, compared to Pirelli’s 44.4 meters. Additionally, the Hankook tire exhibits better dry handling, with an average speed of 112 km/h, 1.6 km/h faster than the Pirelli’s 110.4 km/h. These differences suggest that the Hankook tire offers a bit more responsiveness and agility on dry roads, which could be crucial for drivers prioritizing performance in dry conditions.
Winter i cept evo3:
- +1% in dry braking
- +1% in dry handling (average lap speed)
Noise
In terms of exterior noise, a key factor for driving comfort, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 is quieter than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3. The Pirelli tire generates 72.8 decibels (dB) of noise, which is 1 dB lower than the Hankook’s 73.8 dB. This difference means the Pirelli tire is slightly less noisy, potentially offering a quieter and more comfortable driving experience, especially on long journeys where tire noise can become more noticeable and potentially fatiguing over time.
Winter i cept evo3:
- -1% in noise (+1 dB)
Rolling Resistance
When it comes to rolling resistance, which impacts fuel efficiency and the environmental footprint of driving, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 shows a slight advantage over the Hankook Winter i cept evo3. The Pirelli tire has a rolling resistance of 8.57 N/kN, which is marginally lower than the Hankook’s 8.79 N/kN. This difference suggests that the Pirelli tire requires slightly less energy to maintain motion, potentially leading to better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions over time. For drivers concerned with maximizing efficiency and minimizing environmental impact, the small advantage in rolling resistance offered by the Pirelli could be a deciding factor.
Winter i cept evo3:
- -3% in rolling resistance
Price
The Hankook Winter i cept evo3, priced at €132, is 25% more affordable than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2, which costs €165 for the size 225/45 R18. This price difference makes the Hankook tire a more budget-friendly option for drivers looking to save on their winter tire purchase while still obtaining quality performance.
Tire size: 225/45 R18
- Cinturato Winter 2: € 165
- Winter i cept evo3: € 132
Difference: -25% more cheaper for Winter i cept evo3
Summary
As a tire expert, I’ve meticulously compared the performances of the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 and the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 across various critical aspects for winter driving in Middle Europe, notably wet and snow conditions. In these key elements, both tires are remarkably competitive, each showcasing strengths that make them exceptional choices for tackling the icy and wet challenges of European winters. They stand toe to toe, with slight advantages in specific tests, but overall, they demonstrate high levels of performance that drivers would appreciate.
However, when considering the long-term value and durability, a decisive factor emerged: wear performance. The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 distinctly excels in this area, offering a longer lifespan with its higher mileage capability. This significant advantage means fewer tire changes over time, leading to savings and a reduced environmental impact due to less frequent tire disposal.
Given this comprehensive analysis, while acknowledging the strengths of both tires, my preferred winner in this duel is the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2. Its superior wear performance, combined with its strong showings in wet and snow conditions, make it an outstanding choice for those seeking the best balance of safety, durability, and value in the challenging winter conditions of Middle Europe.
Dr Edwin Pang