Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 vs Hankook Winter i cept evo3: The Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 and Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 are two top high-performance winter tires designed for Central and Western Europe. Launched in 2024 and 2021, respectively, these tires are set to compete fiercely as winter approaches, captivating enthusiasts with their innovative designs and technologies.
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Results: Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 vs Hankook Winter i cept evo3
Results below were taken from Tyre Review’s BEST Performance Winter Tyres for 2024 / 2025 Test with a total of 6 tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 vs Hankook Winter i cept evo3 based on the relevant performance category. The Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 tire was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Note that for subjective ratings, 1 point is equivalent to 5%. So if tire A has a 4 point rating & tire B has a 3 point rating, tire A is better than tire B by 5%. The tire size of interest is a 235/35 R19 which is a common tire size for Audi R8 and BMW M4. The testing vehicle is a Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Wet
In wet performance tests, the Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 outshines the Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 in several key areas. For wet braking, the Pirelli stops in 30.8 meters, while the Hankook takes 31.25 meters, resulting in a difference of 0.45 meters. In wet handling, the Pirelli completes the course in 107.35 seconds, compared to the Hankook’s 110.83 seconds, giving the Pirelli a lead of 3.48 seconds.
Subjectively, drivers rated the Pirelli at 10 points for wet handling, while the Hankook received 8.5 points, indicating a clear preference for the Pirelli. Additionally, in straight aquaplaning resistance, the Hankook performs slightly better at 73 km/h, compared to the Pirelli’s 72 km/h, but this difference is minimal. Overall, the Pirelli demonstrates superior performance in wet conditions, making it the preferred choice for safety and control.
Winter i cept evo3 :
- -1% in wet braking
- -3% in wet handling (lap time)
- -7.5% in wet handling (subjective)
- +1% in aquaplaning
Snow
In snow performance tests, the Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 demonstrates clear advantages over the Hankook Winter i*cept evo3. For snow braking, the Pirelli stops in 17.47 meters, while the Hankook takes 18.24 meters, resulting in a difference of 0.77 meters. In terms of snow traction, the Pirelli achieves a time of 5.16 seconds, compared to the Hankook’s 5.63 seconds, giving the Pirelli a lead of 0.47 seconds.
When it comes to snow handling, the Pirelli completes the test in 78.28 seconds, whereas the Hankook finishes in 79.07 seconds, marking a difference of 0.79 seconds. Subjectively, drivers rated the Pirelli at 10 points for snow handling, while the Hankook received 9.5 points, further highlighting the Pirelli’s superior performance in snowy conditions.
Winter i cept evo3 :
- -4% in snow braking
- -8% in snow traction
- -1% in snow handling (lap time)
- -2.5% in snow handling (subjective)
Ice
In ice performance tests, the Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 shows a slight edge over the Hankook Winter i*cept evo3. For ice braking, the Pirelli stops in 9.51 meters, while the Hankook requires 9.57 meters, resulting in a difference of 0.06 meters. In terms of ice traction, the Pirelli achieves a time of 4.5 seconds, compared to the Hankook’s 4.63 seconds, giving the Pirelli a lead of 0.13 seconds. Overall, the Pirelli demonstrates better performance on ice, making it a more favorable choice for icy conditions.
Winter i cept evo3 :
- -1% in ice braking
- -3% in ice traction
Dry
In dry performance tests, the Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 slightly outperforms the Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 in dry braking, stopping in 40.19 meters compared to the Pirelli’s 40.4 meters, resulting in a difference of 0.21 meters. However, when it comes to dry handling, the Pirelli finishes the course in 87.02 seconds, while the Hankook takes 88.64 seconds, giving the Pirelli a lead of 1.62 seconds. Subjectively, drivers rated the Pirelli at 9.5 points for dry handling, whereas the Hankook received 8.5 points, indicating a stronger preference for the Pirelli in handling performance on dry roads.
Winter i cept evo3 :
- +1% in dry braking
- -2% in dry handling (lap time)
- -5% in dry handling (subjective)
NVH
In terms of NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) performance, both the Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 and the Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 received the same subjective comfort rating of 9 points. However, the Pirelli is quieter in exterior noise, registering at 71.4 dB, compared to the Hankook’s 73.5 dB, resulting in a difference of 2.1 dB. This indicates that while both tires provide similar comfort levels, the Pirelli offers a quieter driving experience, enhancing overall ride quality.
Winter i cept evo3 :
- -3% in exterior noise (+2.1 dB)
- 0% in subjective comfort
Rolling Resistance
In terms of rolling resistance, the Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 and the Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 are almost identical. The Pirelli has a rolling resistance of 8.95 N/kN, while the Hankook measures at 8.98 N/kN, resulting in a difference of just 0.03 N/kN. This minimal difference indicates that both tires offer similar efficiency levels, making them comparable choices in terms of rolling resistance performance.
Winter i cept evo3 :
- ~0% in rolling resistance
Price
The prices for the 235/35 R19 tires are as follows: the Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 is priced at €245, while the Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 is significantly cheaper at €186. This means the Hankook is approximately 32% less expensive than the Pirelli, making it a more budget-friendly option for consumers looking for winter tires.
Tire size: 235/35 R19
- P Zero Winter 2 : € 245
- Winter i cept evo3 : € 186
Difference: -32% more cheaper for Winter i cept evo3
Conclusion
As a tire expert, I recognize the strengths of both the Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 and the Hankook Winter i*cept evo3. The Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 excels in snow performance, offering superior braking, traction, and handling, along with a quieter ride, better wet & ice performances. While the Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 is a solid option, especially in terms of value and dry performance, it doesn’t match the Pirelli’s overall capabilities. Therefore, in this duel, the Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 is clearly the better tire for those prioritizing top-tier overall performance.
Dr Edwin Pang