Continental IceContact 3 vs. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV: When the harshness of winter descends and roads transform into icy battlegrounds, two giants emerge from the horizon, promising unparalleled grip and unmatched confidence. Welcome to the face-off between the Continental IceContact 3 and the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV!
On one corner, we have the Continental IceContact 3. Hailing from the storied legacy of Continental, this tire boasts advanced stud technology, ensuring that every twist and turn on the iciest of roads feels like a glide on dry asphalt. Precision is the name of the game here, with its revolutionary tread design, offering optimal snow and slush performance, making every winter drive an exhilarating experience.
And on the opposite corner stands the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV. A name synonymous with Nordic winter excellence, Nokian has outdone themselves with this iteration. Designed specifically for SUVs, the Hakkapeliitta 10 ensures that no blizzard is too intense and no hill too steep. With a multi-layered structure that expertly dispels water and slush, combined with its state-of-the-art studded grip, you can trust this tire to keep your SUV grounded when the world around is frozen.
This is not just a comparison; it’s a spectacle. Two titans of the tire world, showcasing their mastery in winter performance. Whether you prioritize precision or rugged reliability, this match-up is sure to leave you in awe. The Continental IceContact 3 vs. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV – a winter tire battle for the ages. Strap in, because when these two clash, sparks (and studs) will fly!
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Results : Continental IceContact 3 vs Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV
The graph below shows the comparison between Continental IceContact 3 vs Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV based on the relevant performance category. The IceContact 3 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
When delving into the world of studded tires, one element stands at the pinnacle of performance metrics: ice. Ice is everything. It’s the terrain where these tires prove their mettle and where drivers seek the utmost confidence. Thus, a keen comparison of ice braking performance between the Continental IceContact 3 and the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV is not just a matter of numbers, but a testament to the tire’s core capabilities.
Ice Braking (25 – 5 km/h):
Comparing the ice braking prowess of the Continental IceContact 3 and the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV showcases stark differences. The Continental IceContact 3 halts your vehicle at 14.4 meters, a testament to its precise control and advanced stud technology, ensuring safety on slippery roads. In contrast, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV impressively stops at just 11.62 meters, reflecting its superior grip and providing an added safety buffer in icy conditions.
Ice Traction (5 – 15 km/h):
For ice traction, the Continental achieves acceleration from 5 to 15 km/h in 2.79 seconds, indicating commendable grip. Meanwhile, the Nokian outperforms with a swift 2.36 seconds, emphasizing its superior thrust on slick surfaces.
Ice Handling (Lap time):
In terms of handling on an icy track, the Continental completes a lap in 45.53 seconds, showcasing its adeptness. Yet, the Nokian steals the show with a faster lap time of 42.49 seconds, underscoring its unrivaled agility on ice.
Overall, while both tires are exceptional in their domain, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV appears to have a big edge in these icy conditions.
Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV :
- +24% in ice braking
- +18% in ice traction
- +7% in ice handling
Snow
Snow, with its unique challenges, is a critical testing ground for winter tires. Here’s how the Continental IceContact 3 and the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV stack up in snowy conditions:
Snow Braking (35 – 5 km/h):
In the crucial aspect of snow braking, the Continental IceContact 3 brings vehicles to a complete stop at 11.73 meters. This performance speaks to the tire’s effectiveness in snowy terrains, ensuring that vehicles can decelerate safely even in challenging conditions. On the other hand, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV marginally outperforms with a stop at 11.15 meters, hinting at its slightly enhanced grip and control on snowy surfaces.
Snow Traction (5 – 25 km/h):
Traction is incredibly close between the two. The Continental IceContact 3 accomplishes the acceleration in 5.62 seconds, showcasing its reliable grip when gaining speed. In contrast, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV is nearly neck-and-neck, completing the acceleration in 5.63 seconds. This tight competition reveals that both tires offer stellar performance when it comes to propelling vehicles on snow-covered roads.
Snow Handling (Lap time):
Handling on snowy tracks is another pivotal aspect. The Continental IceContact 3 takes 78.53 seconds for the lap, highlighting its proficiency in navigating snowy twists and turns. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV, however, edges out with a lap time of 77.65 seconds, indicating a slight advantage in snow handling and agility.
In summation, both tires exhibit top-tier snow performance, with the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV showing a hairline advantage in some metrics. Yet, both remain excellent choices for winter enthusiasts, with the decision resting on specific preferences and brand loyalties.
Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV :
- +5% in snow braking
- -0.2% in snow traction
- +1% in snow handling
Wet
When it comes to driving in wet conditions, tire performance can make a significant difference in safety and control. Delving into the wet performance metrics of the Continental IceContact 3 and the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV provides insight into their capabilities.
Wet Braking:
Stopping distances in wet conditions can be the difference between safety and calamity. The Continental IceContact 3 shines in this aspect, requiring 37.32 meters to come to a full stop. In comparison, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV needs a slightly longer distance of 39.22 meters, indicating that the Continental may offer slightly more effective wet braking.
Wet Handling (Lap time):
In terms of handling on a wet track, the competition is almost too close to call. The Continental IceContact 3 completes its lap in 41.52 seconds, just a hair faster than the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV which clocks in at 41.53 seconds. This near-identical performance showcases that both tires are exceptional in navigating wet courses with precision.
Straight Aquaplaning (Slipping speed):
Aquaplaning resistance is a crucial measure of a tire’s ability to maintain contact and control on waterlogged roads. The Continental IceContact 3 demonstrates superiority in this metric, maintaining grip up to a speed of 58.7 Km/H before succumbing to slipping. On the other hand, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV starts to slip at a lower speed of 54.6 Km/H, highlighting that the Continental might provide a tad more resistance against aquaplaning.
Conclusively, while both tires exhibit commendable wet performance, the Continental IceContact 3 has a slight edge in the metrics provided. Nonetheless, each tire stands as a testament to engineering prowess, ensuring drivers can feel confident on rain-soaked roads.
Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV :
- -5% in wet braking
- 0% in wet handling
- -7% in aquaplaning
Dry
While studded winter tires are primarily designed for icy and snowy terrains, their performance on dry roads is still crucial for those transitional winter days. Let’s see how the Continental IceContact 3 and Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV measure up under dry conditions.
Dry Braking:
In dry conditions, the ability to come to a swift halt remains imperative. The Continental IceContact 3 records a stopping distance of 36.71 meters. Though commendable, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV slightly outperforms it with a stop at 35.95 meters. This suggests that the Nokian tire might offer a marginally better grip during dry braking situations.
Subjective Dry Handling:
When it comes to dry handling, both tires score a modest 3 out of 10 points. This implies that while both are capable of basic handling tasks on dry surfaces, they may not be the top choice for those seeking exceptional dry-road agility. Remember, these are winter tires, and their primary design focus is not on maximizing dry-road performance.
To sum up, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV and the Continental IceContact 3 both offer satisfactory dry performance, with the Nokian having a slight edge in braking. However, it’s worth noting that these scores, especially in handling, reflect the tires’ winter-focused design rather than an emphasis on dry performance. As always, it’s essential to choose the right tire for the predominant driving conditions you’ll encounter.
Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV :
- +2% in dry braking
- 0% in subjective dry handling
Noise
Studded tires, by design, tend to generate more noise due to the presence of studs, which can be especially noticeable in the vehicle’s interior. Comparing the Continental IceContact 3 and Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV:
The Continental IceContact 3 registers an interior noise level of 75.6 dB, while the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV is slightly louder at 77.1 dB. While both tires exhibit elevated noise levels inherent to studded designs, the Continental is marginally quieter in comparison to the Nokian model.
Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV :
- -2% in interior noise (+1.5 dB)
Fuel Consumption
When comparing the fuel efficiency of the Continental IceContact 3 and the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV, Continental IceContact 3 registers a fuel consumption of 5.92 l/100km. On the other hand, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV is slightly more fuel-efficient with a consumption rate of 5.73 l/100km. Thus, the Nokian tire offers a minor advantage in terms of fuel economy.
Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV :
- +3% in fuel consumption
Price
The Continental IceContact 3 and Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV, both for the tire size 235/55 R18, come with distinct price points that potential buyers should consider, especially when weighing performance against cost. The IceContact 3 is priced at 3079 kr or €259, making it a competitively priced option for those seeking studded tire capabilities without stretching their budget too far.
Tire size: 235/55 R18
- IceContact 3 : 3079 kr // €259
- Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV : 3299 kr // € 277
Difference: +7% more expensive for Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV.
On the flip side, the Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV, with a tag of 3299 kr or €277, is approximately 7% more expensive than its Continental counterpart. While this price premium might be a consideration for budget-conscious consumers, it’s essential to remember that tire choices should also factor in performance, longevity, and brand reputation. Some might view the higher price of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV as a reflection of its perceived value or specific features it offers over the Continental.
In Conclusion: Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV Takes the Crown!
Throughout our meticulous comparison between the Continental IceContact 3 and the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV, the results consistently highlighted Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV’s superior performance, especially in critical areas of ice and snow traction. This clear distinction underscores the prowess and expertise of Nokian in crafting a tire that meets, and in many instances, exceeds the rigorous demands of winter driving.
However, it’s important to note that this comparison has a limitation: the evaluation of road wear was conspicuously absent. Road wear is not just a minor aspect; from a legal standpoint, tires that wear out prematurely could be seen as a risk, potentially compromising safety over time. Furthermore, from an environmental and sustainability perspective, a tire’s longevity directly correlates to its ecological footprint. The longer a tire lasts, the fewer replacements are needed, leading to reduced waste and resource consumption.
While the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV emerges as the victor in this showdown, future assessments should certainly include road wear data. This would offer a comprehensive view, ensuring that drivers can make an informed decision that balances performance, safety, and sustainability.