Hankook Ventus Prime 4 vs Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun: Ladies and gentlemen, auto aficionados, and rubber buffs, strap in for the tire face-off of the year! This contest is not about the metal beasts these wheels are attached to, but the tires that kiss the tarmac. Two heavyweights from the tire realm go sidewall-to-sidewall, testing their mettle in the domains of performance and sustainability. In the blue corner, we have a seasoned challenger, launched in 2017, that has refused to fade into obscurity – the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun. And in the red corner, the fresh and daring aspirant from 2022 – the Hankook Ventus Prime 4.
Hot off the press, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 has burst onto the scene with an audacious roar, keen on securing its place as the unrivaled titan of durability and handling. Hankook’s indefatigable drive for progress and superiority is encapsulated in every millimeter of this tire. It’s not merely a new release; it’s a rebellion on rubber, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, ready to engage any adversary, be they of yesteryear or today. But don’t be hasty in dismissing the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun. Introduced back in 2017, this tire has withstood the invasion of fresher models. As a tribute to Falken’s unmatchable expertise and dedication to quality, this tire offers outstanding fuel efficiency and a remarkable grip, obstinately maintaining its position in the performance tire segment. The ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun stands as a potent reminder: seasoned experience is not to be overlooked.
So, fasten your seatbelts and brace for this thrilling clash. Will the youthful dexterity and daring advancement of the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 clinch the victory? Or will the time-tested reliability and verified performance of the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun persist in its dominance? Only the highway can be the judge. This is the confrontation of the century, a face-off set to shift our perception of tires. It’s Hankook versus Falken, new versus old, advancement versus experience, and it promises to be a breathtaking journey. Welcome to the tire melee of the millennium!
Table of Contents
New Feature Highlights:
Hankook Ventus Prime 4: Exceptional cross-directional water drainage
This enhances safety when driving on damp roadways through improved water dispersal characteristics on the road surface.
Hankook Ventus Prime 4: 3D Zigzag Tread Pattern Technology
This boosts dry road performance by raising the traction of the tire block in response to deformation.
Results : Hankook Ventus Prime 4 vs Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
Results below were taken from the 2023 Tyre Reviews Best Summer Tyres Test which includes 13 top tires in the market. The graph below shows the comparison between Hankook Ventus Prime 4 vs Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun based on the relevant performance category. The Hankook Ventus Prime 4 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%.
The tire size of interest is 205/55R16 which is a common tire size for Volkswagen Golf (2018) and the Toyota Corolla Altis (2018). You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a standard VW Golf.
Wet
When it comes to wet performance, both the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 and the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun offer impressive attributes that meet the demands of challenging weather conditions. However, in certain areas, one tire manages to eke out a slight advantage over the other. Focusing first on wet braking, the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun narrowly outperforms the Hankook Ventus Prime 4, halting at 33.88 meters compared to the latter’s 34.12 meters. This minor difference, albeit small, can translate to improved safety during unexpected braking scenarios on wet surfaces.
As for wet handling, the times are almost identical. The Hankook Ventus Prime 4 completes the course in 86.47 seconds, just marginally quicker than the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun’s 86.58 seconds. This shows that both tires perform admirably in controlling a vehicle’s direction on slippery terrains, providing a balanced driving experience. In terms of subjective wet handling, it’s a perfect tie with both tires achieving an equally commendable score of 9.5 points. This underscores the fact that these tires offer not just statistical performance but also a high level of subjective confidence and comfort while driving in the wet.
For the wet circle test, the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun again barely edges out the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 with a timing of 11.65 seconds as compared to Hankook’s 11.71 seconds. The shorter time represents a slightly better grip and control in conditions of continuous wet cornering. However, when we turn our attention to straight aquaplaning, the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun truly shines, clocking in at 78.92 km/h, notably faster than the Hankook Ventus Prime 4’s 73.6 km/h. This suggests superior resistance to aquaplaning, maintaining better control and stability at higher speeds on water-logged surfaces.
In conclusion, while the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 provides robust wet performance, the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun seems to possess a slight edge in most tests. The margins are small, but for a driver, these minor differences could impact overall wet weather driving experience.
ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun :
- +0.7% in wet braking
- -0.1% in wet handling (lap time)
- 0% in wet handling (subj)
- +0.5% in wet circle
- +7.2% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
Analyzing dry performance, both the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 and the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun demonstrate strong capabilities that ensure driver safety and vehicle control under dry conditions. A close comparison reveals slight differences that could sway a driver’s preference between these two tire options. Starting with dry braking, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 gains a slight advantage, requiring only 36.09 meters to stop compared to the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun’s 36.7 meters. While the difference is minimal, this superior braking distance might provide added safety in scenarios requiring abrupt braking.
For dry handling, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 again comes out on top, albeit narrowly, finishing the course in 51.78 seconds versus the 52.04 seconds clocked by the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun. This shorter time indicates a marginally superior grip and responsiveness under dry conditions, translating into a more controlled and agile driving experience. In terms of subjective dry handling, both tires are tied, each earning an impressive score of 9 points. This clearly signifies that both these tires not only provide great statistical performance but also a high level of subjective driving satisfaction and confidence in dry conditions.
To summarize, both the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 and the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun perform admirably under dry conditions. However, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 just manages to sneak ahead in the categories of dry braking and handling. While these differences are minimal, they could be deciding factors for drivers who prioritize dry performance above all.
ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun :
- -1.7% in dry braking
- -0.5% in dry handling (lap time)
- 0% in dry handling (subj)
Noise & Comfort
When it comes to noise and comfort, the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun and the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 offer different performances, each showcasing their unique strengths and weaknesses.The Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun excels in subjective comfort, scoring a perfect 10 points, taking the top honours in our recent “Best Tires in Noise & Comfort for Europe” article. This tire’s superior comfort is apparent in the way it absorbs road imperfections and provides a smoother ride, offering a delightful driving experience that is second to none. On the other hand, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 achieves an admirable 9.5 points in subjective comfort. Although this score is impressive, it falls just short of Falken’s benchmark-setting performance, suggesting a slightly less smooth and cushioned ride under similar conditions.
In terms of noise levels, the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun again leads the pack with a lower noise output of 71.6 dB compared to the Hankook Ventus Prime 4’s 72.8 dB. This difference might seem minor on paper, but in practice, it can result in a noticeably quieter and more pleasant cabin environment in the Falken-equipped vehicle. It’s worth noting that the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 has been flagged for its less-than-optimal exterior noise level, a potential downside for drivers sensitive to auditory distractions.
In conclusion, for drivers prioritizing a quieter, smoother ride, the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun, with its award-winning comfort and lower noise, would be the preferred choice.
ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun :
- +1.7% in exterior noise (-1.2 dB)
- +2.5% in subjective comfort
Rolling Resistance
When it comes to rolling resistance, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 and the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun show somewhat similar results, but with a discernible edge going to the former. The Hankook Ventus Prime 4 exhibits a lower rolling resistance of 8.36 kg / t compared to the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun’s 8.72 kg / t.
Lower rolling resistance is a highly desirable feature in a tire. Why, you may ask? Because it directly affects your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and carbon emissions, and it plays a crucial role in the sustainability and the fight against climate change. A tire with lower rolling resistance means the vehicle needs less energy to keep the tire rolling. This, in turn, can reduce fuel consumption in a combustion engine vehicle or extend the battery range in electric vehicles.
In the context of net-zero carbon and sustainability, lower rolling resistance can contribute significantly to these goals. By reducing the amount of fuel consumed or electricity used, we can minimize CO2 emissions, aiding in the global effort to combat climate change. Furthermore, with fuel prices continuously on the rise and an increased societal focus on environmental sustainability, a tire with low rolling resistance like the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 could prove to be both an economical and an environmentally conscious choice. However, it’s important to remember that while rolling resistance is an important factor, it’s only one aspect of a tire’s overall performance. Other factors such as grip, tread life, noise, and comfort should also be taken into consideration when choosing the best tire for your vehicle and driving conditions.
In summary, while both the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 and the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun offer commendable performances in terms of rolling resistance, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 nudges slightly ahead. For those prioritizing fuel efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and contributing to sustainability efforts, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 might be the better choice.
ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun :
- -4.1% in rolling resistance
Price
When it comes to cost, both the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 and the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun offer competitive pricing for the tire size of 205/55 R16. The Ventus Prime 4 is priced at £68, whereas the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun comes in slightly cheaper at £66.
Tire size: 205/55 R16
- Ventus Prime 4 : £68
- ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun : £66
Difference: -3% more cheaper for ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun.
This indicates that the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun is approximately 3% less expensive than the Hankook Ventus Prime 4. While this might seem a minor difference, it could add up to a meaningful saving, especially for those purchasing a full set of four tires. Price can often be a significant factor in tire selection, especially for budget-conscious drivers. In this case, if all other aspects such as performance, comfort, and noise are considered equal or are not the primary deciding factors, the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun could be a more attractive choice due to its slightly lower price point.
However, it’s important to note that while cost is a crucial consideration, it should not be the only deciding factor. Tires are a significant investment, and their performance and safety features, such as grip, tread life, rolling resistance, and braking distances, should also be taken into account to ensure the best overall value for money.
Summary
In the epic duel between the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 and the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun, it’s clear that both tires showcase commendable performances, each presenting a unique set of strengths and offering exceptional value for their price. From a performance standpoint, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 demonstrates superior abilities in dry conditions, edging out the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun in both dry braking and handling. However, when the road turns wet, the Falken tire slightly outperforms the Hankook option in most tests, indicating a superior wet weather driving experience.
In terms of comfort and noise, the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun shines, providing a quieter, smoother ride, as evidenced by its top honors in our “Best Tires in Noise & Comfort for Europe” article. Nevertheless, it’s important to acknowledge the Ventus Prime 4’s solid performance in these areas, despite some concerns regarding its exterior noise level.
The Hankook Ventus Prime 4 comes out on top in the rolling resistance comparison, which is a key factor for those prioritizing fuel efficiency and carbon footprint reduction. This lower rolling resistance could potentially lead to cost savings over the tire’s lifespan and contribute to environmental sustainability efforts. However, when it comes to price, the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun has a slight edge, being around 3% cheaper than its Hankook counterpart for the same size, potentially offering a more economical upfront purchase for budget-conscious drivers.
In conclusion, both the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 and the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun offer impressive performances in their respective areas. The ideal choice ultimately depends on the specific preferences and requirements of the driver. If you prioritize dry performance and lower rolling resistance, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 might be the better choice. On the other hand, if wet performance, comfort, noise, and price are your top considerations, the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun may be the way to go. Regardless of the decision, both tires are solid contenders, promising to deliver a high-quality, reliable performance.