Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 vs Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3: The all-new 2024 Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3 is here! But can it dethrone the reigning studded tire champion, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10? This head-to-head battle promises a fierce showdown, with each tire pushing the limits of studded traction, ice grip, and winter performance. Buckle up for the ultimate studded tire clash!
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Results : Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 vs Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3
The results were taken from Vi Bilagare 2024 studded tire test. The graph below shows the comparison between Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 vs Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3 based on the relevant performance category. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark. The handling criteria shown in the test are evaluated objectively through lap times except for dry handling.
Note that for subjective evaluation, we equate 1 point as 5%. Hence for example if tire A is graded 5 while tire B is graded 4, A is better than B by 5%. The tire size of interest is 225/45 R17 which is a common tire size for Audi A3 and the Hyundai Elantra. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice is a Volkswagen Golf.
Ice
For spike tires, ice performance is everything—the main requirement for winter dominance. In ice braking, the Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3 leads with a stopping distance of 11.03 meters, narrowly outperforming the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10, which stops at 11.73 meters, a difference of 0.7 meters. In ice traction, the Spike 3 again excels, accelerating in 4.61 seconds compared to the Hakkapeliitta 10’s 5.38 seconds, making it 0.77 seconds quicker. However, in ice handling, the Hakkapeliitta 10 completes the lap in 47.8 seconds, slightly faster than the Spike 3’s 48.4 seconds, a close 0.6-second difference.
Blizzak Spike 3 :
- +6% in ice braking
- +17% in ice traction
- -1% in ice handling
Snow
While ice remains the top priority, snow performance is still crucial. In snow braking, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 has a slight edge, stopping in 12.41 meters compared to the Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3’s 12.68 meters—a difference of 0.27 meters. For snow traction, the Hakkapeliitta 10 reaches grip in 4.32 seconds, marginally faster than the Spike 3’s 4.4 seconds, just 0.08 seconds quicker. In snow handling, the Hakkapeliitta 10 completes the course in 75.2 seconds, leading the Spike 3’s 77.1 seconds by 1.9 seconds.
Blizzak Spike 3 :
- -2% in snow braking
- -2% in snow traction
- -2% in snow handling
Wet
In wet conditions, the Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3 takes the lead. For wet braking, it stops in 35.42 meters, outperforming the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 by 1.8 meters, which stops at 37.22 meters. In wet handling, the Spike 3 completes the lap in 41.7 seconds, just 0.2 seconds faster than the Hakkapeliitta 10’s 41.9 seconds. When it comes to straight-line aquaplaning, the Spike 3 excels at 74 km/h before losing grip, while the Hakkapeliitta 10 holds up to 63 km/h—a significant difference of 11 km/h in favor of the Spike 3.
Blizzak Spike 3 :
- +5% in wet braking
- ~0% in wet handling
- +17% in aquaplaning
Dry
In dry performance, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 has a slight advantage in braking, stopping in 33.14 meters, which is 0.99 meters shorter than the Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3’s 34.13 meters. However, in subjective dry handling, the Spike 3 takes the lead with a score of 4 out of 5, while the Hakkapeliitta 10 scores 3, showing a preference for the Spike 3 in overall dry control.
Blizzak Spike 3 :
- -3% in dry braking
- +5% in subjective dry handling
Noise
In exterior noise performance, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 is quieter, measuring 75.5 dB compared to the Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3’s 76.4 dB, a difference of 0.9 dB, making the Hakkapeliitta 10 slightly more comfortable in terms of road noise.
Blizzak Spike 3 :
- -1% in interior noise (+0.9 dB)
Fuel Consumption
In fuel consumption, both the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 and Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3 perform equally, each recording 5.55 liters per 100 km, showing no difference in efficiency between the two tires.
Blizzak Spike 3 :
- 0% in fuel consumption
Price
For the 225/45 R17 size, the Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3 costs €318, making it 17% more expensive than the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10, which is priced at €272.
Tire size: 225/45 R17
- Hakkapeliitta 10 : € 272
- Blizzak Spike 3 : € 318
Difference: +17% more expensive for Blizzak Spike 3.
Conclusion
From an expert’s perspective, each tire has its strengths. The Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3 leads in ice performance, offering shorter braking distances and quicker traction, making it ideal for those prioritizing maximum grip on icy surfaces. It also excels in wet conditions, with superior wet braking and slightly better dry handling. While pricier, the Spike 3’s versatility in diverse winter conditions adds confidence. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10, on the other hand, provides an edge in snow performance and quieter road noise, making it a solid choice for comfort and handling in snowy environments.
Dr Edwin Pang