Pirelli Scorpion IceZero 2 vs. Michelin X Ice North 4 SUV: The Studded Titans Face Off! In the frosty world of winter tires, two names stand out with prominence, promising unparalleled grip on the iciest of roads: Pirelli’s Scorpion IceZero 2 and Michelin’s X Ice North 4 SUV. These aren’t just your regular winter tires, folks. They’re studded gladiators, ready to battle against the harshest winter conditions!
Pirelli Scorpion IceZero 2: The Italian marvel, Scorpion IceZero 2, is Pirelli’s testament to their commitment to winter safety and performance. With its multi-functional tread pattern, it offers a dynamic response on snowy and icy terrains. The Scorpion IceZero 2 incorporates a bevy of innovative technologies ensuring optimal traction and braking, while also providing a comfortable driving experience. Pirelli, with its rich racing heritage, brings track-level precision to icy roads with this tire.
Michelin X Ice North 4 SUV: Michelin, the French titan of tire technology, is not one to be left behind. The X Ice North 4 SUV showcases their prowess in mastering winter terrains. Designed specifically for SUVs, this tire offers enhanced durability and resistance to the challenges of winter roads. Its advanced stud distribution ensures efficient braking and accelerates performance on ice, while the unique tread design offers unmatched stability. With Michelin’s dedication to safety and quality, this tire is a formidable competitor in the winter tire arena.
The stage is set! The icy roads are the battlegrounds. It’s Italy vs. France. Precision vs. Mastery. As Pirelli’s Scorpion IceZero 2 and Michelin’s X Ice North 4 SUV face off, the promise is not just of a competition, but a display of sheer winter brilliance. Get ready for the ultimate studded showdown!
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Results : Pirelli Scorpion IceZero 2 vs Michelin X Ice North 4 SUV
The graph below shows the comparison between Pirelli Scorpion IceZero 2 vs Michelin X Ice North 4 SUV based on the relevant performance category. The Scorpion IceZero 2 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 235/55 R18 which is a common tire size for Volkswagen Tiguan and the Audi Q3. The test vehicle of choice is a Volkswagen Tiguan. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice is a Volvo XC40 SUV.
The Icy Duel
The frozen battleground of ice performance is a place where legends are made, where studs dig deep into the crystalline surface, and where the true mettle of a tire is put to the ultimate test. As Pirelli’s Scorpion IceZero 2 and Michelin’s X Ice North 4 SUV step onto this icy arena, it’s not just about numbers, but about capturing the very spirit of winter mastery.
Ice Braking (25 – 5 km/h):
The Pirelli Scorpion IceZero 2, drawing its braking prowess from the heart of Italian innovation, halts its icy sprint at 13.94 meters. This performance echoes tales of intricate stud design and Pirelli’s relentless pursuit of winter safety. In contrast, the Michelin X Ice North 4 SUV stops with commendable precision at a mere 12.68 meters. This feat tells a story of Michelin’s unwavering commitment to exceptional grip and an embrace of the treacherous ice with unmatched confidence.
Ice Traction (5 – 15 km/h):
When it comes to traction, the Scorpion IceZero 2 accelerates from 5 to 15 km/h in 2.56 seconds, demonstrating Pirelli’s indomitable spirit and grip on the iciest of stretches. Yet, the Michelin X Ice North 4 SUV, with its powerful surge completing the same feat in just 2.39 seconds, stands as a testament to Michelin’s supremacy in conquering the icy challenge.
Ice Handling (Lap time):
Taking on the serpentine contours of an icy track, the Pirelli Scorpion IceZero 2 maneuvers its path in 45.05 seconds, symbolizing its fine balance and agility. The Michelin X Ice North 4 SUV, however, breezes through with a time of 43.01 seconds, underscoring its unmatched agility, grace, and command over the frosty terrain.
In this epic icy showdown, both tires make their mark with distinguished prowess. Yet, it’s the Michelin X Ice North 4 SUV that etches with a sharper impression on the canvas of ice.
X Ice North 4 SUV :
- +10% in Ice Braking
- +7% in Ice Traction
- +5% in Ice Handling
The Snowy Showdown
When the world is painted with the white brush of snow, tires face their formidable challenge. In this snow-carpeted theater, even the minutest differences in performance can become monumental. And thus, comparing the snow prowess of Pirelli’s Scorpion IceZero 2 and Michelin’s X Ice North 4 SUV isn’t just a mere exercise, but a deep dive into engineering marvels and the pursuit of perfection.
Snow Braking (35 – 5 km/h):
In the sphere of snow braking, the Pirelli Scorpion IceZero 2, drawing from the depth of Italian innovation, arrests its motion at 11.73 meters. This evokes images of tenacious grip and steadfast control, ensuring the safest sojourns on snowy roads. On the opposite corner, Michelin’s X Ice North 4 SUV, with its impressive halt at a mere 11.09 meters, crafts a story of precision and unparalleled stopping power, emphasizing its dominant stance in snow-braking dynamics.
Snow Traction (5 – 25 km/h):
Delving into snow traction, the Scorpion IceZero 2 impresses as it goes from 5 to 25 km/h in a notable 5.58 seconds, signifying Pirelli’s relentless quest for grip amidst the wintry embrace. However, the Michelin X Ice North 4 SUV steals a fractional advantage, completing the same in 5.41 seconds, underscoring its mastery in harnessing traction amidst the snowy labyrinth.
Snow Handling (Lap time):
Navigating a snow-adorned track, Pirelli’s contender marks its lap in 79.2 seconds, symbolizing a harmonious blend of stability and agility as it treads the wintery path. Not to be outdone, Michelin’s X Ice North 4 SUV clocks a marginally quicker 77.99 seconds, showcasing its nuanced balance and dexterity in maneuvering through snow-kissed terrains.
In this snowy face off, while both Pirelli’s Scorpion IceZero 2 and Michelin’s X Ice North 4 SUV exhibit prodigious performances, it’s the latter that manages to etch a more pronounced signature on the snowy tapestry.
X Ice North 4 SUV :
- +6% in snow braking
- +3% in snow traction
- +2% in snow handling
The Wet Track Duel
Navigating through wet terrains presents a tire with slippery challenges, demanding optimum aquaplaning resistance and a steadfast grip. This dance on wet roads becomes a portrayal of a tire’s engineering magnificence and the assurance it provides. With this backdrop, let’s delve into the wet performances of Pirelli’s Scorpion IceZero 2 and Michelin’s X Ice North 4 SUV.
Wet Braking (80 – 5 km/h):
In the art of wet braking, the Pirelli Scorpion IceZero 2 showcases its prowess, halting its journey at a commendable 36.44 meters. This speaks volumes of Pirelli’s intricate tread design and rubber compounds tailor-made for slick terrains. Contrarily, the Michelin X Ice North 4 SUV, with a braking distance of 40.66 meters, underscores the intricate balance of grip and control required on wet surfaces, reflecting a slightly longer embrace with the road to ensure security.
Wet Handling (Lap time):
On a dampened circuit, the Scorpion IceZero 2 carves its path with a notable time of 41.41 seconds, a testament to Pirelli’s impeccable balance of agility and stability under wet conditions. The Michelin X Ice North 4 SUV, although offering a strong performance, comes in at 42.25 seconds, articulating Michelin’s distinct approach to wet terrain navigation.
Straight Aqua (slipping speed):
Facing the daunting challenge of aquaplaning, the Pirelli Scorpion IceZero 2 asserts dominance, resisting slippage at an impressive 55.1 Km/H. Conversely, the Michelin X Ice North 4 SUV begins to lose its grip slightly earlier, at 53.9 Km/H, illustrating the onset of aquaplaning and emphasizing the importance of vigilance at higher speeds on wet roads.
In the wet performance arena, both Pirelli’s Scorpion IceZero 2 and Michelin’s X Ice North 4 SUV exhibit formidable capabilities. Yet, the Scorpion IceZero 2, with its nuanced performances, took a huge lead, further underscoring its expertise in wet terrains.
X Ice North 4 SUV :
- -10% in wet braking
- -2% in wet handling
- -2% in aquaplaning
Duel in the Dry
As much as wet and snowy conditions challenge a tire’s mettle, dry terrains provide their own set of tests. It’s here that nuances in design, rubber compound, and construction come to the fore. Pitching the Pirelli Scorpion IceZero 2 against the Michelin X Ice North 4 SUV in this dry landscape is not just a mere comparison; it’s a celebration of engineering at its peak.
Dry Braking (80 – 5 km/h):
The art of braking in dry conditions reflects a tire’s grip and response. The Pirelli Scorpion IceZero 2 illustrates its mastery with a braking distance of 34.44 meters, a testament to Pirelli’s relentless pursuit of excellence and a display of its optimized design for dry roads. In contrast, the Michelin X Ice North 4 SUV, while commendable in its own right, stops slightly further at 36.08 meters. This difference underscores the myriad of factors that play into dry braking, from tread design to rubber elasticity.
Subjective Dry Handling (Rating out of 10):
Handling, especially in dry conditions, is where a driver truly feels connected to the road, sensing every nuance of the tire’s performance. Both the Scorpion IceZero 2 and X Ice North 4 SUV have achieved an impressive 5 out of 10 in subjective dry handling. This rating, being the best among competition, shines a spotlight on the tire giants’ expertise in delivering a harmonious blend of comfort, feedback, and precision.
In this dry terrain tango, both Pirelli’s Scorpion IceZero 2 and Michelin’s X Ice North 4 SUV assert their dominance, showcasing the zenith of tire technology and design. Their equally remarkable handling score reflects their top-tier status, with the Scorpion IceZero 2 slightly edging out in the braking department, reminding us of the perpetual innovations driving the world of tires.
X Ice North 4 SUV :
- -5% in dry braking
- 0% in subjective dry handling
The Quiet Contenders
Amidst the myriad of performance metrics for tires, interior noise stands as one of the most pertinent for daily drivers. It determines the auditory comfort inside a vehicle, directly impacting the overall driving experience. Especially for studded tires, where there’s no standard pass-by-noise test regulation, the interior noise metric becomes crucial. From a user’s perspective, it arguably serves as the best gauge of a tire’s acoustic footprint.
Interior Noise:
The Pirelli Scorpion IceZero 2, with its advanced design and rubber compounds, produces an interior noise level of 76.2 dB. This reflects Pirelli’s attempts at minimizing vibrations and disturbances transmitted to the cabin, ensuring a relatively serene ride. In a close contest, the Michelin X Ice North 4 SUV registers slightly lower on the decibel scale at 75.5 dB. This difference showcases Michelin’s focus on optimizing tire architecture and tread design to dampen road-induced sounds, promising a marginally quieter in-cabin experience.
In this symphony of silence, both the Scorpion IceZero 2 and the X Ice North 4 SUV showcase their commitment to refining the auditory aspects of driving. While both contenders ensure impressive noise control, the Michelin X Ice North 4 SUV takes a whisper-thin lead, offering passengers a slightly quieter embrace with the road.
X Ice North 4 SUV :
- +1% in interior noise (-0.7 dB)
Fueling the Future
In today’s era of rapidly advancing automotive technologies and the meteoric rise of electric vehicles (EVs), the concept of fuel consumption and energy efficiency takes on renewed importance. Rolling resistance, once an overlooked aspect of tire performance, has surged to the forefront, directly influencing a vehicle’s energy consumption, be it traditional fuel or electric power. Beyond sheer efficiency, this factor also ties into broader sustainability goals, emphasizing the environmental impact of our choices.
Fuel Consumption:
The Pirelli Scorpion IceZero 2, with its meticulously designed tread pattern and compounds, reports a fuel consumption of 5.88 l/100km. This figure is a testament to Pirelli’s efforts in balancing superior performance with energy efficiency, striving for a sustainable harmony. On the other side of this efficient duel, the Michelin X Ice North 4 SUV, ever the fierce contender, registers an impressive 5.5 l/100km. This efficiency mirrors Michelin’s relentless drive to optimize tire technologies for reduced rolling resistance, directly contributing to lesser fuel consumption and a smaller carbon footprint.
In this arena of energy-conscious performance, both the Pirelli Scorpion IceZero 2 and the Michelin X Ice North 4 SUV illuminate their commitment to the future. They embody the fusion of performance with responsibility. Yet, in this round, the Michelin X Ice North 4 SUV manages to pull ahead slightly, emphasizing its role in fostering a greener, more efficient tomorrow.
X Ice North 4 SUV :
- +7% in fuel consumption
Price
When weighing the financial aspect of the Pirelli Scorpion IceZero 2 against the Michelin X Ice North 4 SUV for the size 235/55 R18, the numbers present a clear distinction. The Scorpion IceZero 2 comes with a price tag of 2639 kr, translating to approximately €222. This competitive pricing showcases Pirelli’s strategy of offering a potent mix of performance and value.
Tire size: 235/55 R18
- Scorpion IceZero 2 : 2639 kr // €222
- X Ice North 4 SUV : 3369 kr // € 283
Difference: +22% more expensive for X Ice North 4 SUV.
In contrast, the X Ice North 4 SUV is priced at 3369 kr or around €283, making it about 22% more expensive than its Pirelli counterpart. This premium is indicative of Michelin’s positioning in the market, possibly emphasizing unique features, brand reputation, and the perceived added value of the tire.
Conclusion: The Triumph of the Michelin X Ice North 4 SUV
In the fiercely contested arena of winter tire performance, the face-off between the Pirelli Scorpion IceZero 2 and the Michelin X Ice North 4 SUV has delivered a captivating spectacle. Both contenders showcased their strengths, engineering prowess, and brand philosophies through each test. Yet, when the snow settled and the ice melted, the Michelin X Ice North 4 SUV emerged as the definitive victor, particularly with its exceptional capabilities on snow and ice terrains.
The Pirelli Scorpion IceZero 2, though, deserves commendation for its superior wet performance. It demonstrated an undeniable edge in this realm, underscoring Pirelli’s targeted approach and expertise in wet conditions. However, the essence of winter tires lies in their prowess on snow and ice, which tips the balance in Michelin’s favor. The divergence in their performances brings to light the age-old conundrum of ice versus wet optimization – a classic target conflict in tire engineering.
All in all, while both tires have their merits and will undoubtedly find their niche among drivers, the Michelin X Ice North 4 SUV’s outstanding performance on the quintessential winter terrains of snow and ice cements its position as the clear winner in this duel.