Summer vs Winter Tires –> Hankook Kinergy Eco 2 vs Hankook Winter I cept RS3: As autumn’s cool breeze ushers in October, a common dilemma resurfaces for many drivers: the decision to switch to winter tires. This seasonal tire swap raises the perennial question, “Do I really need winter tires?” In the automotive world, the debate of summer vs winter tires is more than just a seasonal shift; it’s a battle of technology, performance, and safety.
In this in-depth comparison of the Hankook Kinergy Eco 2 and the Hankook Winter I cept RS3, we aim to unravel the true extent of the differences between summer and winter tires. By analyzing these top-tier models, we’ll provide clarity on whether the switch is a necessity or an overhyped precaution.
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Results: Hankook Kinergy Eco 2 vs Hankook Winter I cept RS3
Results below were taken from the 2023 Tyre Reviews All Season Tyre Test. A total of 12 tires were tested this time around with an intriguing winter & summer refence to gauge the all season performances. The graph below shows the comparison between Summer vs Winter Tires (Hankook Kinergy Eco 2 vs Hankook Winter I cept RS3) based on the relevant performance category. The Hankook Kinergy Eco 2 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
As Winter I cept RS3 is categorized as winter tire with a 3 peak mountain logo on it, an extensive snow testing was conducted. This leaves an interesting comparison of summer vs winter tires on snow. Note that for subjective comfort evaluation, we equate 1 point as 5%. The tire size of interest is a 195/65 R15 which is a common tire size for Toyota Corolla Altis and Volkswagen Beetle. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice is a Volkswagen Golf.
Wet
When comparing the wet performance of the Hankook Kinergy Eco 2 and the Hankook Winter I cept RS3, it becomes evident that both tires offer distinct advantages, bearing in mind that Winter I cept RS3 is design as a middle European winter tire, with strong wet and snow requirements.
In terms of wet braking, the Hankook Kinergy Eco 2 records a stopping distance of 28.61 meters from a speed of 80 to 5 km/h. In contrast, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 shows a slightly longer braking distance of 31.09 meters under the same conditions. This 2.48-meter difference highlights the Eco 2’s efficiency in wet braking.
However, the Winter I cept RS3 shines in wet handling performance. It boasts a faster lap time of 58.76 seconds in wet handling tests, compared to the Kinergy Eco 2’s time of 61.6 seconds. This difference underscores the Winter I cept RS3’s superior agility and control in wet conditions. Moreover, in subjective wet handling, the Winter I cept RS3 scores a perfect 10 out of 10 points, indicating exceptional driver satisfaction, while the Kinergy Eco 2 scores 9 points.
The prowess of the Winter I cept RS3 in handling aquaplaning scenarios is also notable. It achieves a higher slipping speed of 91.5 Km/H compared to the Kinergy Eco 2’s 88.5 Km/H. This indicates better resistance to aquaplaning, a critical factor for safety during heavy rains or on wet roads.
Overall, while the Hankook Kinergy Eco 2 shows commendable performance, especially in wet braking, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3’s design and focus on wet conditions give it a noticeable edge in wet handling and aquaplaning performance.
Winter I cept RS3 :
- -8% in wet braking
- +5% in wet handling (lap time)
- +5% in subjective wet handling
- +3% in straight aquaplaning
Snow
When it comes to snow performance, the distinction between summer and winter tires becomes starkly evident, especially when comparing the Hankook Kinergy Eco 2 (a summer tire) and the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 (a winter tire). This difference is critical, as driving with inappropriate tires in snowy conditions can lead to dangerous outcomes.
In snow braking, the Hankook Kinergy Eco 2 stops at 37.72 meters, while the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 significantly outperforms it with a much shorter stopping distance of 17.57 meters. This substantial gap of over 20 meters highlights the superior grip and control of winter tires in snowy conditions.
Snow traction, which measures the acceleration time from 5 to 40 km/h, further accentuates this disparity. The Winter I cept RS3 takes only 5.38 seconds, almost less than half the time the Kinergy Eco 2 requires, which is 12.71 seconds. This faster acceleration in snow indicates the Winter I cept RS3’s better traction and stability.
The differences in snow handling are also pronounced. The Winter I cept RS3 completes a snow lap in 82.38 seconds, significantly quicker than the Kinergy Eco 2’s time of 115.57 seconds. This quicker lap time demonstrates the Winter I cept RS3’s agility and responsiveness in snowy conditions.
Subjective snow handling scores reflect these performance differences. The Winter I cept RS3 achieves a perfect score of 10 out of 10, indicating excellent handling and driver confidence on snow. In contrast, the Kinergy Eco 2 scores only 5 points, suggesting less reliability and control in snowy conditions.
Imagine driving with summer tires like the Kinergy Eco 2 in snow: the longer braking distances and slower traction could lead to a loss of control, making it difficult to navigate safely, especially in emergency situations. This scenario underscores the importance of using the right tires for the season, especially in areas prone to heavy snowfall.
Winter I cept RS3 :
- +115% in snow braking
- +136% in snow traction
- +40% in snow handling (lap times)
- +25% in subjective snow handling
Dry
In dry conditions, the Hankook Kinergy Eco 2 outperforms the Hankook Winter I cept RS3, showcasing the superior dry performance of summer tires. The Eco 2 stops from 100 to 5 km/h in 37.19 meters, 7 meters shorter than the I cept RS3, highlighting its better braking ability. Additionally, the Eco 2’s faster dry lap time of 75.9 seconds, compared to the I cept RS3’s 77.69 seconds, demonstrates its greater agility. With a perfect subjective handling score of 10/10, the Eco 2 confirms its excellence in dry conditions, versus the I cept RS3’s competent 8.5/10. This emphasizes the importance of switching to summer tires like the Eco 2 for enhanced performance and safety in warmer, dry weather.
Winter I cept RS3 :
- -16% in dry braking
- -2% in dry handling (lap time)
- -7.5% in subjective dry handling
Comfort
In terms of comfort, the Hankook Kinergy Eco 2 slightly outperforms the Hankook Winter Icept RS3, scoring 9.8 out of 10 compared to the I cept RS3’s 9.2. This difference is reflective of the typical characteristics of summer tires, which often offer a smoother and quieter ride than winter tires. The Eco 2’s design, optimized for warmer, drier conditions, contributes to its enhanced comfort. In contrast, the Winter I cept RS3, while still comfortable, is more focused on providing safety and grip in cold, icy conditions, which can slightly compromise its comfort level.
Winter I cept RS3 :
- -3% in subjective comfort
Rolling Resistance
The Hankook Kinergy Eco 2 shows a lower rolling resistance at 7.67 N/kN compared to the Hankook Winter I cept RS3’s 8.48 N/kN. This difference is crucial for electric vehicles (EVs), as lower rolling resistance can significantly extend battery range by reducing energy consumption.
Winter I cept RS3 :
- -10% in rolling resistance
Price
In terms of pricing for the size 205/55 R16, the Hankook Kinergy Eco 2 is more budget-friendly, priced at €60, compared to the Hankook Winter I cept RS3, which costs €94. This makes the Winter I cept RS3 about 36% more expensive than the Kinergy Eco 2. This price difference is a significant consideration for consumers, especially those balancing performance needs with budget constraints.
Tire size: 205/55 R16
- Kinergy Eco 2: € 60
- Winter I cept RS3: € 94
Difference: +36% more expensive for Winter I cept RS3.
Summary
As a tire expert, I’ve seen firsthand the key differences between summer vs winter tires. The Hankook Kinergy Eco 2 and Hankook Winter I cept RS3 serve as perfect examples to highlight these distinctions. Summer tires, like the Kinergy Eco 2, excel in dry and wet conditions during warmer months. They offer superior handling, braking, and comfort when the roads are free of snow and ice. On the other hand, winter tires, exemplified by the Winter I cept RS3, are essential for safe driving in cold, snowy, and icy conditions. Their enhanced grip and braking capabilities in such environments can’t be matched by summer tires.
From my experience, the best practice is to swap these tires based on the season, despite the inconvenience and additional cost. Using summer tires in winter can compromise safety significantly, as they lack the necessary traction in snow and ice. Conversely, winter tires in summer can wear out faster and may not provide optimal performance in dry or wet conditions. The price difference, with winter tires generally being more expensive, also factors into this decision. However, the investment in two sets of tires is justified by the safety and performance benefits they bring in their respective seasons.
Dr Edwin Pang