Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 vs Hankook Ventus Prime 4: The touring summer tire segment is witnessing an electrifying showdown between two heavyweight contenders: the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 and the Hankook Ventus Prime 4. This epic battle pits the legendary Italian craftsmanship of Pirelli against Hankook’s innovative South Korean engineering, setting the stage for a duel that has the automotive world buzzing with anticipation.
Both tires boast cutting-edge technology and design features aimed at maximizing performance, safety, and comfort during the warmer months. With each brand bringing its best to the road, this clash is not just about rubber meeting asphalt; it’s a testament to decades of research, development, and passion for driving excellence. Gear up for a thrilling comparison that showcases the pinnacle of summer touring performance.
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Results: Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 vs Hankook Ventus Prime 4
The results featured here are from the expansive 2023 ADAC Summer Tire Test, an ambitious endeavor showcasing 50 of the market’s leading tires, a scale of testing that only ADAC would undertake. As highlighted in the introduction, we’ve included wear test results to provide a comprehensive overview of overall performance. The accompanying graph presents a side-by-side comparison of the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 vs Hankook Ventus Prime 4 across various performance categories, with the Cinturato P7 C2 serving as the benchmark at the 100% mark.
The tire size of interest is the 205/55R16 tire size, a popular choice for vehicles like the 2018 Volkswagen Golf and Toyota Corolla Altis. For further insights into various tire sizes, feel free to consult our latest tire size table. The tests were conducted using a standard Volkswagen Golf 8 as the test vehicle.
Wet
When it comes to wet performance between the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 and the Hankook Ventus Prime 4, the differences are notable. In wet braking, from 80 to 0 km/h, the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 requires 40.3 meters to come to a complete stop, while the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 manages to do so in just 35.8 meters. This indicates that the Hankook tire provides a significantly shorter stopping distance by 4.5 meters, offering potentially better safety in wet conditions.
In terms of aquaplaning resistance in a straight line, which is measured by the speed at which the tires start to slip on water, the Pirelli maintains control at a higher speed of 81.8 km/h compared to the Hankook’s 77.6 km/h. This suggests that the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 is more resistant to aquaplaning, maintaining better grip and stability in wet conditions at higher speeds.
Cinturato P7 C2 :
- +13% in wet braking
- -5% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
In the realm of dry performance, the battle between the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 and the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 is closely contested. When it comes to dry braking from a certain speed to a complete halt, the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 takes 37 meters to stop, while the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 slightly edges it out with a stopping distance of just 36.6 meters. This marginal difference of 0.4 meters signifies that the Hankook tire provides a subtly shorter stopping distance in dry conditions, suggesting a slight advantage in braking efficiency over the Pirelli tire.
Cinturato P7 C2 :
- +1% in dry braking
Wear
In evaluating wear and abrasion performances, the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 and Hankook Ventus Prime 4 show notable differences, which are critical both for durability and environmental impact. The Hankook Ventus Prime 4 outlasts the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 with a wear life of 42,200 km compared to 39,500 km, indicating that it can travel 2,700 km more before needing replacement. This longer lifespan is beneficial for reducing tire waste and frequent replacements.
On the aspect of abrasion, which measures the rate at which tires wear down and contribute to microplastic pollution, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 also demonstrates better performance with 67.6 mg/km/t compared to Pirelli’s 82.1 mg/km/t. Lower abrasion rates mean less environmental pollution, as tire wear particles are a significant source of microplastics. The difference highlights Hankook’s advantage in producing less wear material per kilometer, which directly translates to lower environmental pollution.
The importance of abrasion becomes increasingly significant with the upcoming Euro 7 regulation in 2025, emphasizing cleaner and more sustainable automotive practices. As abrasion directly impacts environmental pollution, tires with lower abrasion rates are pivotal in aligning with these stricter standards, making the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 a more environmentally friendly option between the two.
Cinturato P7 C2 :
- +7% in mileage
- +21% in abrasion
Noise
When it comes to exterior noise, the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 and Hankook Ventus Prime 4 tires exhibit a slight difference in their performance. The Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 is quieter, producing noise at 70.5 dB, whereas the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 is slightly louder, with a noise level of 71.7 dB. This means that the Pirelli tire is 1.2 dB quieter than the Hankook tire. While this may seem like a small difference, in terms of noise perception, even a small reduction can contribute to a more comfortable and quieter driving experience, emphasizing the Pirelli’s advantage in reducing external road noise.
Cinturato P7 C2 :
- -2% in exterior noise (-1.2 dB)
Fuel Consumption
In terms of fuel consumption, the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 and the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 tires showcase closely matched performances with a slight edge for the Pirelli tire. The Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 achieves a fuel consumption rate of 5.7 liters per 100 kilometers, while the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 records a slightly higher fuel consumption rate of 5.8 liters per 100 kilometers. This difference, though marginal at 0.1 liters per 100 kilometers, indicates that the Pirelli tire is slightly more fuel-efficient than the Hankook tire. This slight efficiency gain with the Pirelli can lead to cost savings over long distances, highlighting its slight advantage in fuel economy.
Cinturato P7 C2 :
- -2% in fuel consumption
Price
When comparing the prices of the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 and the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 tires for the size 205/55 R16, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 emerges as the more budget-friendly option, priced at €72, which is about 6% cheaper than the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2, which is priced at €76. This price difference makes the Hankook tire a slightly more affordable choice for those looking to save on their tire purchase without a significant sacrifice in quality or performance.
Tire size: 205/55 R16
- Cinturato P7 C2 : € 76
- Ventus Prime 4 : € 72
Difference: -6% more cheaper for Ventus Prime 4
Summary
After thoroughly comparing the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 and the Hankook Ventus Prime 4, it’s clear to me, as a tire expert, that the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 is the standout winner. Its superior wet performance ensures better safety in the rain, and its slightly lower price offers great value without sacrificing quality. Additionally, its lower abrasion rate not only means longer-lasting tires but also aligns with future environmental regulations. Considering these factors, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 is my top recommendation for those seeking performance, safety, and value in one package.
Dr Edwin Pang