Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 vs Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro: In the middle European winter tire battle, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 and the Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro go head-to-head. The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5, launched in 2014, faces the newer Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro, introduced in 2022. This comparison sets the stage for evaluating the strengths and innovations brought by each tire in challenging winter conditions.
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Results: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 vs Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro
Results below were taken from 2023 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test with a total of 22 tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 vs Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro based on the relevant performance category. The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Since we are talking about the middle European winter segment with both tires having the converted 3 peak mountain logo, snow performances was tested. The tire size of interest is 225/45 R18 which is a common tire size for Mercedes-Benz C 200 and Kia Stinger. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a BMW 3 series.
Wet
In the middle European winter segment, wet performance is the top requirement. In wet braking, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 stops at 53.6 meters, outperforming the Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro, which stops at 56.2 meters, a difference of 2.6 meters. For wet handling, the Michelin averages 85.7 km/h, slightly better than the Falken’s 83.9 km/h.
On the wet circle test, the Michelin completes in 12.34 seconds, narrowly ahead of the Falken’s 12.5 seconds. In straight aquaplaning, the Michelin handles up to 91.4 km/h, just surpassing the Falken’s 90.5 km/h maximum slipping speed.
EUROWINTER HS02 Pro :
- -5% in wet braking
- -2% in wet handling (average lap speed)
- -1% in wet cricle
- -1% in straight aquaplaning
Snow
In the middle European winter segment, snow performance is as important as wet performance. In snow braking, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 stops at 29.2 meters, outperforming the Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro, which stops at 31.3 meters, a difference of 2.1 meters.
For snow traction, the Michelin generates a pulling force of 2944 Newtons, significantly higher than the Falken’s 2571 Newtons. In snow handling, the Michelin averages 60.6 km/h, while the Falken averages 56.9 km/h. During the snow slalom, the Michelin achieves an acceleration of 3.34 m/sec², surpassing the Falken’s 2.9 m/sec².
EUROWINTER HS02 Pro :
- -7% in snow braking
- -13% in snow traction
- -6% in snow handling (average lap speed)
- -13% in snow slalom
Wear:
In terms of mileage performance, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 significantly outlasts the Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro. The Michelin offers a wear lifespan of 41,387 kilometers, which is 11,853 kilometers more than the Falken’s 29,534 kilometers. This notable difference highlights the superior durability and longevity of the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 compared to the Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro.
EUROWINTER HS02 Pro :
- -29% in mileage
Dry Performance Duel:
In dry performance, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 outperforms the Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro. For dry braking, the Michelin stops at 42.3 meters, which is 1.8 meters shorter than the Falken’s 44.1 meters. In dry handling, the Michelin averages a speed of 112.6 km/h, slightly higher than the Falken’s 111.6 km/h. This comparison highlights the Michelin’s superior dry braking and handling capabilities.
EUROWINTER HS02 Pro :
- -4% in dry braking
- -1% in dry handling (average lap speed)
Noise
In terms of exterior noise performance, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 is noticeably quieter than the Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro. The Michelin registers 70.6 dB, which is 2 dB lower than the Falken’s 72.6 dB. This clear difference indicates that the Michelin provides a significantly quieter ride compared to the Falken.
EUROWINTER HS02 Pro :
- -3% in exterior noise (+2 dB)
Rolling Resistance
In terms of rolling resistance, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 demonstrates better efficiency compared to the Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro. The Michelin has a rolling resistance of 8.46 N/kN, which is lower than the Falken’s 9 N/kN. This difference indicates that the Michelin tire offers better fuel efficiency due to its lower rolling resistance.
EUROWINTER HS02 Pro :
- -6% in rolling resistance
Price
In terms of tire prices for the 225/45R18 size, the Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro is significantly more affordable than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5. The Falken costs €122, while the Michelin is priced at €218. This means the Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro is 79% cheaper than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5, offering a considerable cost saving.
Tire size: 225/45R18
- EUROWINTER HS02 Pro : € 122
Difference: -79% more cheaper for EUROWINTER HS02 Pro
Conclusion from a Tire Expert’s Perspective:
As a tire expert, I conclude that the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 is the clear winner in this duel. Despite the higher price, its superior performance in wet and snow conditions, longer wear life, quieter ride, and lower rolling resistance make it the best choice for middle European winters. The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 excels in all critical areas, ensuring safety, durability, and comfort, which justifies its premium cost.
Dr Edwin Pang