Hankook Winter I cept RS3 vs Dunlop Winter Sport 5: The Hankook Winter I cept RS3 and Dunlop Winter Sport 5 are set to shake up the middle European winter tire segment, presenting a formidable challenge to the longstanding dominance of industry giants Continental and Michelin. These two tire models are entering the arena with cutting-edge technology, exceptional grip, and unparalleled performance in icy and snowy conditions.
As they go head-to-head, the duel between Hankook’s latest innovation and Dunlop’s renowned Winter Sport series is not just a comparison of specs—it’s a battle for supremacy in safety, durability, and winter performance. This clash of titans promises to redefine expectations and set new benchmarks in the winter tire market. Get ready for an epic showdown that puts the spotlight on innovation, reliability, and the quest for the ultimate winter driving experience.
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Results: Hankook Winter I cept RS3 vs Dunlop Winter Sport 5
Results below were taken from 2023 ADAC winter tire test with a total of 16 tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between Hankook Winter I cept RS3 vs Dunlop Winter Sport 5 based on the relevant performance category. The Winter Sport was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Since we are talking about winter segment with both tires having the converted 3 peak mountain logo, the snow & ice performance was tested. The tire size of interest is a 205/60 R16 which is a common tire size for Mazda 3 & Volkswagen Jetta. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a Volkswagen T-Roc.
Wet Performance Showdown
In the critical category of wet performance, a key factor for the middle European winter tire segment alongside snow capabilities, the Hankook Winter icept RS3 and Dunlop Winter Sport 5 showcase their prowess, but with some distinct differences. Wet braking, the top priority for safety, sees the Hankook Winter icept RS3 taking a slight lead. It stops the vehicle at 36.9 meters from a speed of 80 to 0 km/h, outperforming the Dunlop Winter Sport 5, which requires 37.2 meters to come to a halt under the same conditions. This 0.3 meter difference in wet braking distance may seem minor, but it is crucial in emergency situations, providing that extra margin of safety.
When it comes to aquaplaning resistance in straight-line conditions—a scenario where water accumulation on the road surface can lead to a loss of traction—the Hankook tire again demonstrates superior performance. It achieves a slipping speed of 85.5 km/h, indicating a better ability to maintain grip and control in wet conditions compared to the Dunlop tire, which slips at 82.3 km/h. This difference highlights the Hankook Winter I cept RS3’s enhanced capability to handle wet roads, reducing the risk of aquaplaning and ensuring a safer driving experience in challenging weather conditions.
Winter Sport 5:
- -1% in wet braking
- -4% in straight aquaplaning
Snow Performance Duel
In the middle European winter tire segment, where snow performance is equally as critical as wet braking, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 and Dunlop Winter Sport 5 both deliver impressive results, albeit with slight variations that set them apart. On snow-covered roads, where braking efficiency is paramount, the Hankook tire slightly edges out its competitor. It brings a vehicle to a complete stop from 30 km/h in just 9.5 meters, compared to the Dunlop Winter Sport 5, which takes a marginally longer distance of 9.6 meters. This 0.1 meter difference in snow braking, while seemingly minimal, can be the deciding factor in preventing a collision under snowy conditions.
Turning our attention to snow traction, which measures the tire’s ability to pull or move on snow, the roles are reversed. The Dunlop Winter Sport 5 demonstrates a marginally better pulling force, generating 260.1 Newtons, against the 258.1 Newtons produced by the Hankook tire. This difference of 2 Newtons, though slight, signifies the Dunlop’s superior ability to initiate movement and maintain momentum on snow, ensuring reliable performance in starting or climbing snowy inclines.
These nuanced differences underline the competitive nature of both tires in mastering the snowy roads of middle Europe, each with its strengths in the paramount areas of snow braking and traction.
Winter Sport 5:
- -1% in snow braking
- +1% in snow traction
Mileage & Abrasion
The ADAC wear test holds significant importance in evaluating winter tires, particularly because it reveals the often-hidden conflict between wet performance and tire wear. This aspect is crucial, as a tire that excels in wet conditions may sometimes wear down faster, a detail that only thorough testing can uncover. With the upcoming EURO 7 regulation, the focus on abrasion—how much material a tire loses over distance—is becoming increasingly critical. This regulation aims to reduce particulate emissions from tires, making the abrasion performance a key factor in environmental sustainability and health.
In the comparison between the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 and the Dunlop Winter Sport 5, there’s a notable difference in their mileage and abrasion performances. The Dunlop Winter Sport 5 stands out for its longer-lasting wear, offering up to 47,700 KM before needing replacement, compared to the Hankook which shows wear at 38,700 KM. This substantial difference of 9,000 KM means that the Dunlop tire could potentially offer more value over its lifespan, requiring fewer replacements and thus being more cost-effective and environmentally friendly in the long run.
When we look at abrasion, the performance of both tires is closely matched, indicating their efficiency in material usage and impact on particulate emissions. The Hankook tire exhibits an abrasion rate of 70 mg/km/t, whereas the Dunlop tire is slightly better at 69 mg/km/t. This minimal difference suggests that both tires are almost equally engineered to minimize environmental impact through reduced tire wear particles, aligning with the goals of EURO 7 regulation for a greener and healthier environment.
This comparison underscores the importance of considering both longevity and environmental impact when choosing winter tires, especially in the context of stringent regulations and the need for sustainable driving solutions.
Winter Sport 5:
- +23% in mileage
- +1% in abrasion
Dominance on Dry
In dry conditions, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 slightly outperforms the Hankook Winter I cept RS3, needing 44.4 meters to stop from 100 km/h, compared to Hankook’s 44.8 meters. This 0.4 meter difference shows Dunlop’s marginally better dry braking efficiency.
Winter Sport 5:
- +1% in dry braking
Efficiency in Motion
When it comes to fuel consumption, both the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 and the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 show identical performance, each resulting in a fuel consumption rate of 5.7 liters per 100 kilometers. This means there is no difference between the two tires in terms of their impact on fuel efficiency; both are equally optimized to minimize fuel consumption under the same driving conditions.
Winter Sport 5:
- 0% in fuel consumption
Quiet Comfort: Exterior Noise
Regarding exterior noise, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 produces slightly less noise at 71.8 dB, compared to the Dunlop Winter Sport 5, which registers at 72.4 dB. This difference of 0.6 dB indicates that the Hankook tire is marginally quieter, contributing to a slightly more peaceful driving experience.
Winter Sport 5:
- -1% in exterior noise (-0.6 dB)
Price
The Hankook Winter I cept RS3 is priced at €120, while the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 comes in at €132 for the size 225/45 R18. This makes the Dunlop tire about 10% more expensive than the Hankook tire, indicating a higher cost for the additional benefits it may offer.
Tire size: 225/45 R18
- Winter I cept RS3: € 120
- Winter Sport 5: € 132
Difference: +10% more expensive for Winter Sport 5
Expert Conclusion
As a tire expert, I’ve closely examined the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 and Dunlop Winter Sport 5 across various performance categories. In my analysis, the Hankook tire impressively matches the Dunlop in almost all areas, including wet and dry braking, snow handling, fuel consumption, and exterior noise. However, when it comes to wear, there’s a significant difference. The Dunlop Winter Sport 5 outlasts the Hankook by a substantial 9,000 km, a critical factor for longevity and value. Given this considerable advantage in wear, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 emerges as the winner in this duel.
Dr Edwin Pang