Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 vs Continental WinterContact TS 870

Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 vs Continental WinterContact TS 870: As the first frost settles and winter emerges in full force, the roads of Middle Europe become the ultimate battleground for tire performance. This season, two giants in the industry prepare to face off, promising unparalleled safety and efficiency for drivers. Let’s introduce the contenders.

In one corner, we have the Hankook Winter i*cept RS3. A product of Hankook’s relentless innovation, this tire is known for its optimized tread pattern, designed to tackle snowy and icy roads with unparalleled grace. Its unique compound ensures flexibility even in sub-zero temperatures, allowing for consistent grip and reducing the risk of aquaplaning. Driving enthusiasts often rave about its balance between comfort and performance, a testament to Hankook’s dedication to delivering a product that not only safeguards your journey but also enhances the driving experience.

Opposing it is the Continental WinterContact TS 870. Continental, a name synonymous with German engineering precision, brings its latest weapon to the winter tire war. The WinterContact TS 870 is engineered with an innovative groove pattern, maximizing water drainage and providing superior snow traction. Furthermore, its cutting-edge compound reduces rolling resistance, ensuring fuel efficiency without compromising safety. Those who prioritize eco-friendliness without sacrificing performance will find the TS 870 a compelling choice.

The stage is set. Two formidable adversaries, each with their own unique strengths, are ready to prove their mettle. Hankook’s legacy of balance meets Continental’s promise of precision. As the winter intensifies in Middle Europe, the real question remains: which tire will emerge as the champion of the season? Drivers, prepare for a showdown that’s bound to redefine winter driving standards. The Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 vs the Continental WinterContact TS 870 battle has just begun!

Results: Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 vs Continental WinterContact TS 870

Results below were taken from 2022/23 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test with a total of 10 tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 vs Continental WinterContact TS 870 based on the relevant performance category. The Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 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 objective & subjective snow performance was tested. The tire size of interest is a 225/45 R17 which is a common tire size for Volvo S60 & BMW 3 Series. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a Volkswagen Golf.

Wet

Wet performance is essential in middle European regions, characterized by their frequent rainy conditions. In such environments, the capability to brake and navigate effectively on drenched roads can greatly improve safety and foster driving assurance. Pitting the Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 against the Continental WinterContact TS 870, let’s delve into their wet performance showdown:

• Wet Braking:
  Braking distance stands paramount when confronted with wet terrains. The WinterContact TS 870 showcases its prowess, halting at a slightly shorter distance of 27.6 meters compared to the i*cept RS3’s 28.2 meters. This minor reduction in braking distance by the TS 870 could prove pivotal in evading potential accidents during abrupt halts.

• Wet Handling:
  When maneuvering on wet terrains, both tires demonstrate commendable capabilities. The i*cept RS3 registers a time of 98.8 seconds, while the WinterContact TS 870 marginally surpasses it with a time of 97.7 seconds. This suggests that both contenders offer drivers optimal control and adaptability on slippery roads.

• Subjective Wet Handling:
  This score mirrors the driver’s holistic assessment of the tire’s wet road performance. The WinterContact TS 870 excels in this domain, attaining a score of 9/10, underlining an exemplary wet handling experience from the motorist’s viewpoint. Conversely, the i*cept RS3, securing 8.5 points, offers a notable performance, albeit slightly trailing its competition.

• Straight Aquaplaning:
  Aquaplaning emerges when tires lose contact with the road due to intervening water, jeopardizing traction. In the face-off for straight aquaplaning resistance, both tires exhibit strong performances. However, the i*cept RS3 maintains grip till 81.8 Km/H, being slightly overshadowed by the WinterContact TS 870 which slips at 82.4 Km/H.

Conclusively, both these tires are formidable in terms of wet performance, aptly fitting the demands of middle European weather. Nevertheless, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 slightly outperforms in wet braking and subjective wet handling, marking its dominance in this winter tire segment.

WinterContact TS 870:

• +2% in wet braking
• +1% in wet handling (lap time)
• +2.5% in wet handling (subjective)
• +1% in straight aquaplaning

Snow

Snow

In the frosty terrains of middle European countries, snow performance is as pivotal as wet braking. With snow being a consistent challenge, the effectiveness with which tires brake and maneuver in snowy conditions becomes imperative for safety and driving confidence. Diving into the snowy battleground, let’s evaluate how the Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 stacks up against the Continental WinterContact TS 870:

• Snow Braking:
  On snowy roads, a tire’s ability to halt promptly can be lifesaving. Here, the WinterContact TS 870 makes a strong statement, stopping at a more concise distance of 27.8 meters in contrast to the i*cept RS3’s 29.4 meters. This marked reduction by the TS 870 underscores its superior braking prowess on snow-laden paths.

• Snow Traction:
  Traction, especially during acceleration on snow-covered roads, is crucial for smooth drives. Analyzing their snow acceleration times from 5 to 40 km/h, the icept RS3 shines, clocking a slightly quicker time of 4.9 seconds. In comparison, the WinterContact TS 870 takes 5.1 seconds, indicating the icept RS3’s marginally better grip during snow takeoffs.

• Snow Handling:
  For confident navigation on snowy roads, handling becomes paramount. Both contenders put up a robust show; however, the icept RS3 has the upper hand with a lap time of 113.6 seconds, outperforming the WinterContact TS 870 which lags a bit at 116.5 seconds. This difference affirms the icept RS3’s enhanced agility on snow-blanketed terrains.

• Subjective Snow Handling: Reflecting the driver’s comprehensive feel and assessment of the tire on snowy terrains, the i*cept RS3 steals the show with a perfect score of 10/10. It suggests an unparalleled snowy driving experience. On the other hand, the WinterContact TS 870, though commendable at 8.5 points, doesn’t quite match the stellar feedback of its counterpart.

In conclusion, while both tires demonstrate solid credentials on snow, making them apt choices for middle European winters, the Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 slightly edges out in snow traction, handling, and subjective feedback. The Continental WinterContact TS 870, though, excels in snow braking, presenting drivers with a close call between two winter tire giants.

WinterContact TS 870:

• +6% in snow braking
• -4% in snow traction
• -2% in snow handling (lap time)
• -7.5% in snow handling (subjective)

Dry

Dry performance, even for winter tires, holds significance as drivers seek assuredness and grip regardless of the conditions. In the contrasting terrains of middle European countries, while wet and snow performance often takes the limelight, the competence of a tire on dry roads remains equally critical. Delving into this often-understated domain, let’s contrast the dry prowess of the Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 with the Continental WinterContact TS 870:

• Dry Braking:
  In conditions devoid of wet or snowy challenges, the ability to brake promptly remains paramount. The icept RS3 makes its mark in this department, stopping at a more concise distance of 37.8 meters, as opposed to the WinterContact TS 870’s 39.2 meters. This difference underscores the icept RS3’s slightly superior braking capabilities on dry tarmac.

• Dry Handling: A tire’s nimbleness and responsiveness on dry roads dictate a significant portion of the driving experience. In this face-off, it’s a neck-and-neck contest. The WinterContact TS 870 clocks a lap time of 80.2 seconds, marginally outpacing the i*cept RS3, which registers a time of 80.3 seconds. This razor-thin gap showcases the intense competition between these two titans in dry handling.

• Subjective Dry Handling: Drawing upon the driver’s holistic assessment of the tire’s comportment on dry roads, the WinterContact TS 870 clinches the upper hand with a score of 9/10. This signifies an excellent dry driving feel from the motorist’s vantage point. Meanwhile, the i*cept RS3 holds its own with a commendable score of 8.5, though falling slightly short of its competitor’s benchmark.

Summarizing, the dry performance evaluation presents a balanced match-up. While the Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 nudges ahead in dry braking, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 exhibits a slight edge in handling, both objective and subjective. For drivers prioritizing dry road performance in their winter tire selection, this comparison offers valuable insights, underscoring the close competition between these industry stalwarts.

WinterContact TS 870:

• -4% in dry braking
• 0% in dry handling (lap time)
• +2.5% in dry handling (subjective)

Rolling Resistance

Rolling Resistance

As environmental concerns take center stage in today’s automotive landscape, rolling resistance emerges as an essential facet of tire performance. Not merely a parameter influencing fuel efficiency, rolling resistance also stands as a testament to a tire’s sustainability profile. Lower rolling resistance translates to reduced fuel consumption and, consequently, diminished CO2 emissions, underscoring its importance in the grander scheme of sustainability. Pitting the Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 against the Continental WinterContact TS 870, let’s dissect their performances in this crucial category:

Rolling Resistance: This metric quantifies the force resisting the tire’s roll on a surface. A lower value indicates better energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact. In our evaluation:

• The Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 registers a rolling resistance of 8.8 kN/N.
• The Continental WinterContact TS 870, showcasing its sustainability edge, clocks in a slightly better figure at 8.4 kN/N.

This disparity, though marginal, underlines the WinterContact TS 870’s enhanced contribution towards fuel efficiency and environmental stewardship.

In summation, while both tires display commendable performances in the context of rolling resistance, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 marginally outshines its counterpart. For eco-conscious drivers and those seeking to optimize fuel economy, such nuances can inform their tire choices. As the automotive world gravitates towards sustainability, these differences emphasize the evolving priorities in tire technology and its role in a greener future.

WinterContact TS 870:

• +5% in rolling resistance

Comfort & Noise

In today’s automotive world, the quest for an enhanced driving experience extends beyond mere performance metrics. NVH, encapsulating Noise, Vibration, and Harshness, plays a pivotal role in ensuring a serene and comfortable ride. A tire’s ability to minimize noise while providing optimal comfort is central to delivering an elevated driving experience, especially during extended journeys. Evaluating the Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 and the Continental WinterContact TS 870, let’s discern their performances in the NVH spectrum:

Subjective Comfort: This measure captures the driver’s overall perception of the tire’s comfort level, considering aspects such as the absorption of road imperfections and the general plushness of the ride.

• Both the Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 and the Continental WinterContact TS 870 excel equally in this category, each garnering a remarkable 90 Points. This parity underscores the dedication both brands have invested in prioritizing driver and passenger comfort.

Noise: A salient factor influencing the tranquility of a ride, the noise level emanated by a tire can make or break the driving experience. Here, the differences are razor-thin:

• The Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 registers a noise level of 69.6 dB.
• The Continental WinterContact TS 870, slightly quieter, comes in at 69.5 dB.

Though the distinction is minimal, the WinterContact TS 870 showcases a marginal advantage in providing a quieter environment inside the cabin.

Concluding, both tires display exemplary prowess in the NVH domain, underlining their commitment to offer a peaceful and comfortable journey. The Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 and the Continental WinterContact TS 870 essentially stand neck-to-neck in these parameters, with the latter having the slightest of edges in noise attenuation. For those who value a hushed and serene driving atmosphere, these nuances emphasize the relentless pursuit of perfection both tire giants are engaged in.

WinterContact TS 870:

• 0% in comfort
• ~0% in noise (-0.1 dB)

Price

The Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 is priced at £ 95. On the other hand, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 comes in slightly higher at £ 108. This makes the WinterContact TS 870 approximately +14% more expensive than its Hankook counterpart. Potential buyers will need to weigh the performance attributes and brand preferences against this price difference when making their selection.

Tire size: 205/55 R16

• Winter i*cept RS3: £ 95

• WinterContact TS 870: £ 108

Difference: +14% more expensive for WinterContact TS 870

Summary

In the intense rivalry between the Hankook Winter icept RS3 and the Continental WinterContact TS 870, it’s a competition too close to call. The WinterContact TS 870 shines with its superior wet performance, particularly evident in its efficient braking capabilities under rainy conditions. Conversely, the Winter icept RS3 emerges as a formidable force on snowy terrains, showcasing its edge in traction, handling, and driver feedback.

With both tires excelling in distinct terrains and demonstrating commitment in various performance parameters, choosing between them becomes a matter of individual priorities and specific driving conditions. While the price point slightly favors the i*cept RS3, the WinterContact TS 870’s marginally higher cost is a testament to its strong wet performance attributes. Ultimately, the choice boils down to the discerning driver, as both contenders make compelling cases in this tire showdown.