Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2 vs Hankook Kinergy 4S2: In the realm of all-season tires in Europe, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2 vs Hankook Kinergy 4S2 matchup stands as a thrilling duel. This comparison pits two of the continent’s leading tire models against each other, showcasing their capabilities to tackle varied climates and road conditions throughout the year.
As these two titans of the tire industry go head-to-head, we’re set for an exciting battle that promises to highlight the best of what all-season tires can offer European drivers. The question of which tire reigns supreme in offering superior performance, durability, and safety is on everyone’s mind, setting the stage for a showdown that tire enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike won’t want to miss.
Table of Contents
Results: Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2 vs Hankook Kinergy 4S2
Results below were taken from the 2023 Auto Bild All Season Test. A whopping 35 tires were tested this time around with only 16 tires making it into the final round. The graph below shows the comparison between Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2 vs Hankook Kinergy 4S2 based on the relevant performance category. The Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Auto Bild did the full range of test including snow & the expensive wear test. 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 of choice is a BMW 3 series.
Wet Showdown
In wet conditions, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2 demonstrates superior performance compared to the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 across various tests. When it comes to wet braking, the Pirelli tire stops almost 3 meters shorter than the Hankook, with distances of 46.7 meters and 49.5 meters respectively from 100 to 0 km/h. This could make a significant difference in emergency braking situations.
In terms of wet handling, the Pirelli also leads, allowing for a higher average speed of 74.5 km/h compared to the Hankook’s 72.1 km/h, indicating better control and confidence under wet conditions. The competition tightens with the wet circle test, where the Pirelli completes the circuit in 11.95 seconds, practically on par with the Hankook’s 11.94 seconds, showing minimal difference in this aspect.
Moreover, during the straight aquaplaning test, the Pirelli maintains higher control at a slipping speed of 81.7 km/h, whereas the Hankook falls behind at 78.6 km/h. This suggests the Pirelli tire provides better resistance to aquaplaning in wet conditions, offering a safer and more reliable performance. Overall, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2 outperforms the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 in wet performance tests, showcasing its enhanced capabilities in handling, braking, and aquaplaning resistance.
Kinergy 4S2 :
- -6% in wet braking
- -3% in wet handling
- 0% in wet circle
- -4% in aquaplaning
Snow
When it comes to performance in snowy conditions, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2 and Hankook Kinergy 4S2 exhibit closely matched capabilities, each with their areas of slight advantage. In snow braking, where the ability to come to a stop from 50 km/h is crucial, the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 edges out the Pirelli by a narrow margin, stopping 0.5 meters shorter. However, in terms of snow traction, which measures the pulling force in Newtons, the Kinergy 4S2 again shows a slight advantage with an increase of 29 Newtons over the Cinturato All Season SF2, suggesting better grip under acceleration.
Snow handling, which is the average speed maintained through a snow-covered course, reveals the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2 to have a marginal lead, being 0.2 Km/H faster than the Hankook Kinergy 4S2. This implies that the Pirelli tire might offer a slightly more confident handling experience in snow. Lastly, the snow slalom test, measuring the lateral acceleration in meters per second squared, underscores how closely matched these tires are, with the Pirelli showing a barely noticeable lead by 0.02 m/sec² over the Hankook, indicating a very slight edge in agility and responsiveness in snowy slalom conditions.
Overall, both tires demonstrate impressive snow performance, with the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 slightly leading in braking and traction, and the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2 marginally ahead in handling and slalom agility.
Kinergy 4S2 :
- +2% in snow braking
- +1% in snow traction
- ~0% in snow handling
- ~0% in snow slalom
Wear
When comparing the wear performance between the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2 and the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 tires, there’s a striking difference that stands out significantly for users. The Hankook Kinergy 4S2 outlasts the Pirelli by a substantial margin, boasting a wear life of 60,289 kilometers compared to Pirelli’s 42,447 kilometers. This discrepancy reveals a vast 17,842 kilometers difference in longevity, favoring the Hankook tire.
This variance is particularly noteworthy for consumers, as the durability of a tire directly impacts its value proposition and cost-effectiveness over time. Longer-lasting tires like the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 can lead to fewer replacements and, consequently, lower costs for drivers in the long run.
However, this brings to light a crucial trade-off between wet performance vs tire wear. The Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2 shows a 6% improvement in wet braking performance over the Hankook. While better wet performance can mean enhanced safety in adverse conditions, the Pirelli’s significantly shorter lifespan (-42% in wear) raises questions about whether this trade-off is worthwhile. For consumers prioritizing safety and performance in wet conditions, the Pirelli may still hold appeal despite its shorter wear life. Conversely, those valuing longevity and overall cost savings might lean towards the Hankook, accepting a slight compromise in wet performance for much better durability. This wet vs. wear conflict highlights the balancing act tire manufacturers face and the importance of aligning tire choices with individual driving priorities and conditions.
Kinergy 4S2 :
- +42% in mileage
Dry
In dry conditions, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2 outperforms the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 in both braking and handling. The Pirelli stops 2.5 meters shorter than the Hankook, with a dry braking distance of 38.8 meters compared to 41.3 meters. Additionally, it offers slightly better handling, with an average speed of 88.7 km/h versus the Hankook’s 87.8 km/h, making the Pirelli the preferred choice for drivers looking for superior performance on dry roads.
Kinergy 4S2 :
- -6% in dry braking
- -1% in dry handling
Noise
The Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2 is quieter compared to the Hankook Kinergy 4S2, with a difference in exterior noise levels of 0.9 dB. Specifically, the Pirelli produces 72.2 dB of noise, while the Hankook generates 73.1 dB. This lower noise level from the Pirelli tire could make for a slightly more comfortable and quieter driving experience, highlighting its advantage in reducing road noise for drivers and passengers alike.
Kinergy 4S2 :
- -1% in exterior noise (+0.9 dB)
Rolling Resistance & Fuel Consumption Showdown:
The Hankook Kinergy 4S2 exhibits slightly lower rolling resistance at 8.24 N/kN compared to the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2’s 8.59 N/kN, indicating that the Hankook tire might require a bit less energy to roll and could potentially offer a slight improvement in fuel efficiency. However, when it comes to actual fuel consumption, the Pirelli is marginally more fuel-efficient, with a consumption rate of 5.68 liters per 100 kilometers, as opposed to the Hankook’s 5.74 liters per 100 kilometers. This means that despite the Hankook’s lower rolling resistance, the Pirelli tire actually leads to slightly better fuel economy, showcasing a complex interplay between rolling resistance and overall fuel consumption where the Pirelli has a slight edge in efficiency.
Kinergy 4S2 :
- +4% in rolling resistance
- -1% in fuel consumption
Price
The Hankook Kinergy 4S2, priced at €79, is slightly less expensive than the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2, which costs €83. This makes the Hankook tire about 5% cheaper than the Pirelli, offering a modest cost advantage for those looking for a more budget-friendly all-season tire option without a significant price difference.
Tire size: 205/55 R16
Difference: -5% more cheaper for Kinergy 4S2.
Expert’s Perspective
As a tire expert delving into the nuances of the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2 and the Hankook Kinergy 4S2, I’ve come to appreciate the distinct advantages each tire offers. The Pirelli shines in its superior wet and dry performance, showcasing impressive handling and braking capabilities in diverse conditions. Its ability to maintain a quieter ride further enhances the driving experience, making it an appealing choice for those prioritizing comfort and performance.
On the other hand, the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 demonstrates remarkable longevity and slightly better fuel efficiency, coupled with a more attractive price point. Despite its marginally lower performance in wet and dry conditions compared to the Pirelli, the substantial difference in wear life presents a compelling argument for its overall value.
Considering the imbalance between wear and wet/dry performances, I find the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 to be the winner in this comparison. The significant advantage in tire longevity and the slight edge in fuel consumption, along with its cost-effectiveness, make it a preferable choice for drivers seeking long-term value without severely compromising on performance. While the Pirelli may excel in specific performance categories, the practical benefits offered by the Hankook tire align more closely with the needs of a broad range of drivers, marking it as the standout option in this case.
Dr Edwin Pang