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A Wintry Duel on Wheels
General AltiMAX Arctic 12 vs. Firestone Winterforce 2: When the chill of winter descends, the demand for reliable snow tires heats up. Enter the battleground of the Studdable Winter / Snow tire segment, where the competition is fierce and only the best tread forward. Two contenders stand out in this icy arena: General’s AltiMAX Arctic 12 and Firestone’s Winterforce 2.
Launched in 2016, the General AltiMAX Arctic 12 came storming into the market, showcasing innovative tread patterns designed for optimal ice and snow traction. This tire boasted impressive flexibility in low temperatures, ensuring road grip when you need it most. Its multi-angle sipes and extended tread life set it apart as a robust choice for winter drivers.
But hot on its icy trail was the Firestone Winterforce 2, unveiled in 2016. This tire was no mere follow-up. It was a statement. With its unique tread design aimed at superior wet and dry performance, and special cold-weather compounds, the Winterforce 2 provided unmatched stability and control in winter’s harshest conditions.
The face-off between the General AltiMAX Arctic 12 and the Firestone Winterforce 2 is not just a comparison; it’s a testament to human ingenuity in combating nature’s most challenging season. As the snow falls and the mercury drops, one question lingers: Which tire will reign supreme in the battle of the Studdable Winter / Snow segment? The road ahead promises to be thrilling!
Results: General AltiMAX Arctic 12 vs Firestone Winterforce 2
Results below were taken from the Tire Rack’s “Testing Studdable Winter / Snow Tires 2022” test. A total of 3 tires were tested this time around in Tire Rack’s own proving ground. The graph below shows the comparison between General AltiMAX Arctic 12 vs Firestone Winterforce 2 based on the relevant performance category. The AltiMAX Arctic 12 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark. Note that for subjective evaluation, we equate 1 point as 5%. Hence for example if tire A is graded 7 while tire B is graded 6, A is better than B by 5%.
As we are evaluating the Studdable Winter / Snow segments, Tire Rack has tested winter performances with ice & snow results made available. Besides that, a detailed testing on summer performances such as wet & dry braking/handling were conducted. The tire size of interest is a 225/45R17 which is a common tire size for Audi A3 and Hyundai Elantra. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a powerful 2022 Subaru BRZ Limited.
Ice
When it comes to the Studdable Winter / Snow tire segment, the primary performance metric that most users and experts focus on is traction on ice. After all, icy conditions pose one of the greatest challenges for any vehicle, and having the right tire can mean the difference between a safe ride and a potentially dangerous situation.
- Ice Braking:
A pivotal factor in assessing winter tire performance is the ability to brake efficiently on ice. In this category, the General AltiMAX Arctic 12 takes the lead. Its ice braking capabilities are evident, requiring only 40.00 feet to come to a complete stop. In contrast, the Firestone Winterforce 2, though still delivering commendable performance, demands a slightly longer stopping distance of 43.30 feet. This difference, though it might seem small, can be crucial in preventing accidents or collisions on icy terrains.
- Ice Acceleration:
Acceleration on icy surfaces is another key performance indicator, determining how quickly a vehicle can pick up speed without skidding or losing control. Here too, the General AltiMAX Arctic 12 showcases its prowess, clocking in at just 4.94 seconds to reach 60 feet. The Firestone Winterforce 2, while still offering reliable acceleration, lags a bit with a time of 5.47 seconds to cover the same distance.
In summary, while both tires are designed to tackle the challenges of icy terrains, the General AltiMAX Arctic 12 emerges with a slight edge in both braking and acceleration metrics. However, it’s crucial to understand that a myriad of factors, including driving style, vehicle type, and tire maintenance, can also influence real-world performance.
Winterforce 2:
- -7.6% in ice braking
- -9.7% in ice acceleration
Snow
Snow performance is undeniably the second most vital criteria for the Nordic/snow tire segment. While ice can present the slickest challenges, snow—with its varying depths, densities, and characteristics—tests the mettle of every winter tire. Let’s delve into how the General AltiMAX Arctic 12 and the Firestone Winterforce 2 fare when faced with snowy terrains.
- Snow Braking:
In the domain of snow braking, there’s a tie. Both the General AltiMAX Arctic 12 and the Firestone Winterforce 2 demonstrate equivalent capabilities, requiring a stopping distance of 48.60 feet. This suggests that both tires provide drivers with a similar level of confidence when needing to halt on snow-laden roads.
- Snow Acceleration:
When it’s about gaining momentum on snowy paths, the differences between the two contenders become more discernible. The General AltiMAX Arctic 12 emerges as the more agile choice, needing only 24.10 feet to accelerate from 0-12 mph. In contrast, the Firestone Winterforce 2 takes a bit longer, covering 26.20 feet to reach the same speed. This indicates that the AltiMAX Arctic 12 provides slightly better traction and control during snowbound accelerations.
- Snow Handling (Subjective):
Handling is where the human experience, feel, and intuition come into play. On a scale of 1 to 10, the General AltiMAX Arctic 12 scores an impressive 7.54, reflecting positive feedback from drivers regarding its maneuverability and stability on snowy tracks. The Firestone Winterforce 2, while not far behind, garners a slightly lower rating of 6.63/10. This suggests that users might feel a bit more at ease with the handling characteristics of the Arctic 12 in snowy conditions.
In conclusion, while both tires exhibit commendable snow performance, the General AltiMAX Arctic 12 appears to have a slight advantage in acceleration and handling. It’s essential, however, to keep in mind that individual preferences, driving habits, and vehicle specifics can influence the overall experience with each tire.
Winterforce 2:
- 0% in snow braking
- -8% in snow acceleration
- -4.6% in snow handling (subj)
Wet
Navigating wet terrains is a challenge that even the most seasoned drivers can find daunting. A tire’s performance on wet surfaces can significantly affect safety and handling, making it a crucial aspect to evaluate. Here’s how the General AltiMAX Arctic 12 and the Firestone Winterforce 2 stack up in wet conditions:
- Wet Braking:
Braking distances on wet roads can make all the difference in avoiding a potential collision. In this regard, the General AltiMAX Arctic 12 stands out with a commendable performance, requiring a stopping distance of 142.70 feet. The Firestone Winterforce 2, while still performing respectably, demands a longer distance of 159.50 feet. The shorter braking distance of the Arctic 12 suggests a superior grip and control in wet braking scenarios.
- Wet Handling (Subjective):
Wet handling evaluates the feel and responsiveness of a tire when navigating wet terrains. Subjectively rated on a scale of 1 to 10, the General AltiMAX Arctic 12 attains a score of 6.19, indicating a reasonably good driver feedback and confidence on wet roads. In comparison, the Firestone Winterforce 2 receives a slightly lower score of 5.31/10. This difference highlights that drivers might find the Arctic 12 a touch more assuring when handling wet conditions.
- Wet Handling (Lap Time):
Objective performance on wet tracks can be assessed using lap times. Here, a lower time indicates better efficiency and control. The General AltiMAX Arctic 12 completes its lap in 39.17 seconds, outpacing the Firestone Winterforce 2, which clocks in at 41.75 seconds. The faster lap time for the Arctic 12 signifies its better handling and agility on wet tracks.
Drawing it all together, the General AltiMAX Arctic 12 emerges as the stronger performer in wet conditions, showcasing better braking and handling metrics. While the Firestone Winterforce 2 remains a competitive option, drivers prioritizing wet performance might lean towards the Arctic 12 for that added assurance.
Winterforce 2:
- -10.5% in wet braking
- -4.4% in wet handling (subj)
- -6.2% in wet handling (lap time)
Dry
When considering winter tires, while the focus primarily rests on snow and ice performance, dry performance remains a vital criterion. After all, winter roads aren’t always covered in snow or ice, and a tire’s ability to function optimally on dry tarmac can be just as important. Here’s a comparative analysis of the General AltiMAX Arctic 12 and the Firestone Winterforce 2 in dry conditions:
- Dry Braking:
Braking on dry surfaces is often taken for granted, but the differences in performance can be critical. The Firestone Winterforce 2 takes a slight edge in this category, requiring a distance of 97.80 feet to come to a complete halt. The General AltiMAX Arctic 12 trails just behind with a stopping distance of 99.60 feet. While both tires perform closely, the Winterforce 2 demonstrates a marginally superior grip in dry braking scenarios.
- Dry Handling (Subjective):
When it comes to the feel and confidence inspired by these tires on dry roads, the ratings are neck-and-neck. The General AltiMAX Arctic 12 scores a 6.22 out of 10, suggesting that drivers appreciate its handling characteristics in dry conditions. The Firestone Winterforce 2 is not far behind with a score of 6.06/10, indicating almost equivalent handling satisfaction among users.
- Dry Handling (Lap Time):
A tangible measurement of dry handling can be assessed through lap times. Here, the competition is incredibly tight. The General AltiMAX Arctic 12 completes its lap in 31.79 seconds, barely edging out the Firestone Winterforce 2, which records a lap time of 31.85 seconds. This minuscule difference highlights the near-identical performance capabilities of both tires on dry tracks.
In summation, the competition is fierce when it comes to dry performance. The Firestone Winterforce 2 has a slight advantage in braking, while the AltiMAX Arctic 12 marginally outpaces in handling. However, these differences are so subtle that individual driving styles, vehicle specifics, and personal preferences could tip the scales either way. Both tires have proven to be reliable choices for dry conditions.
Winterforce 2:
- +1.8% in dry braking
- -0.8% in dry handling (subj)
- -0.2% in dry handling (lap time)
Noise/Comfort/Ride Quality
NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) performance is integral for driver comfort and overall ride experience. Here’s a concise comparison of the NVH metrics for the General AltiMAX Arctic 12 and the Firestone Winterforce 2:
- Ride Quality:
Firestone’s Winterforce 2 slightly edges out with a score of 7.25, suggesting a marginally smoother ride, compared to the AltiMAX Arctic 12’s 7.13.
- Noise:
In terms of noise levels, the General AltiMAX Arctic 12 stands out as the quieter option with a rating of 5.75, while the Firestone Winterforce 2 lags with a score of 4.5, indicating a noisier experience.
- Steering and Road Handling:
Both tires perform closely in this aspect, with the AltiMAX Arctic 12 scoring 6.63 and the Winterforce 2 slightly trailing at 6.5, reflecting nearly similar road feedback and control.
- Overall NVH Performance (Average):
Combining the metrics for noise, comfort, and ride quality, the General AltiMAX Arctic 12 has an average score of 6.50, outperforming the Firestone Winterforce 2, which averages at 6.08/10.
In summary, while both tires offer competitive NVH performances, the General AltiMAX Arctic 12 generally provides a better balance, especially in noise and overall comfort, compared to the Firestone Winterforce 2.
Winterforce 2:
- –2.1% in average of Noise, Comfort & Ride Quality.
Price
In the realm of quality segment tire brands, both the General AltiMAX Arctic 12 and the Firestone Winterforce 2 stand out as noteworthy choices. However, even when quality is a given, price can play a determining role for many consumers.
Tire size: 225/45R17
- AltiMAX Arctic 12 : $170
- Winterforce 2: $162
Difference: -5% more cheaper for Winterforce 2.
For the tire size 225/45R17, the AltiMAX Arctic 12 is priced at $170, while the Winterforce 2 comes in slightly more affordable at $162. This makes the Winterforce 2 approximately 5% cheaper than its counterpart, providing a modest saving for those cost-conscious buyers. In conclusion, while both tires represent the quality segment, the Firestone Winterforce 2 offers a slight advantage in terms of pricing, making it a slightly more economical choice without compromising on the brand’s reputation for quality.
Summary
In the highly competitive realm of winter tires, both the General AltiMAX Arctic 12 and the Firestone Winterforce 2 have showcased commendable attributes across various metrics. However, when the tarmac becomes treacherous with the adversities of ice and snow—arguably the most critical conditions for a winter tire—the General AltiMAX Arctic 12 shines brighter. With its undeniably superior performance on ice and snow terrains, the AltiMAX Arctic 12 clearly establishes itself as the winner in this head-to-head comparison. For those prioritizing the utmost safety and performance in the harshest of winter conditions, the General AltiMAX Arctic 12 stands out as the preferred choice.