Hankook Winter I cept RS3 vs Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2

In this article we will be looking at independent tyre test data, and real world driver reviews of the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 and the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 to find out which tyre is best for your own driving.

The good news is that both the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 and Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 are Premium Touring Winter tyres designed to be fitted to Passenger Cars, which means comparing the two tyres is relatively simple.

Both tyres are hugely popular in the market place with drivers, and both have been featured in independent tyre tests.

Winter-I-cept-RS3 VS Cinturato-Winter-2

Test Results

Independent comparison tyre tests are the best source of data to get tyre information from, and the good news is there have been nine tests which compare both tyres directly!

Out of these nine tests:

  • Hankook Winter I cept RS3 finished ahead of the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 in six of the tests
  • Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 finished ahead of the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 in three of the tests

While it might look like the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 is better than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 purely based on the higher number of test wins, tyres are very complicated objects which means where one tyre is better than the other can be more important in real world use.

Let's look at how the two tyres compare across multiple tyre test categories.

Dry Braking

Looking at data from seven tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 was better during seven dry braking tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 stopped the vehicle in 1.34% less distance than the Hankook Winter I cept RS3.

Hankook Winter I cept RS3
44M
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
43.41M
Dry braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Dry Braking: Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2

2022/23 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test
225/45 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:37.8M Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 37.6M
2022 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test
215/55 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:45.1M Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 44.5M
2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tyre Test
225/45 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:44.8M Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 44.5M
2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tyre Test
205/55 R16
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:45.7M Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 45.2M
2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tyre Test
215/55 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:44.5M Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 43.6M
2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test
215/55 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:44.9M Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 44M
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test
205/55 R16
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:45.2M Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 44.5M

Dry Handling [s]

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was better during two dry handling [s] tests. On average the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was 0.97% faster around a lap than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.

Hankook Winter I cept RS3
76.65s
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
77.4s
Dry handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Dry Handling [s]: Hankook Winter I cept RS3

2022/23 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test
225/45 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:80.3s Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 80.4s
2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test
215/55 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:73s Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 74.4s

Dry Handling [Km/H]

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was better during two dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was 1.12% faster around a lap than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.

Hankook Winter I cept RS3
116.4Km/H
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
115.1Km/H
Dry Handling Average Speed, higher is better

Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Hankook Winter I cept RS3

2022 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test
215/55 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:123Km/H Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 121.4Km/H
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test
205/55 R16
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:109.8Km/H Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 108.8Km/H

Subj. Dry Handling

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was better during zero subj. dry handling tests. On average the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 scored 15% more points than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.

Hankook Winter I cept RS3
85 Points
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
100 Points
Subjective Dry Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2

2022/23 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test
225/45 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:85 Points Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 100 Points

Wet Braking

Looking at data from eight tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 was better during six wet braking tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 stopped the vehicle in 2.34% less distance than the Hankook Winter I cept RS3.

Hankook Winter I cept RS3
42.73M
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
41.73M
Wet braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Wet Braking: Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2

2022/23 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test
225/45 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:28.2M Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 30.4M
2022 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test
215/55 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:55.2M Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 54M
2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tyre Test
225/45 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:34.2M Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 35.9M
2024 Winter 55 Tyre Braking Test
205/55 R16
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:37.8M Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 35.6M
2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tyre Test
205/55 R16
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:37.1M Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 35.1M
2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tyre Test
215/55 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:36.5M Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 34.2M
2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test
215/55 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:53.7M Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 53M
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test
205/55 R16
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:59.1M Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 55.6M

Wet Braking - Concrete

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 was better during two wet braking - concrete tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 stopped the vehicle in 8.14% less distance than the Hankook Winter I cept RS3.

Hankook Winter I cept RS3
41.75M
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
38.35M
Wet braking on Concrete in meters, lower is better

Best In Wet Braking - Concrete: Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2

2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tyre Test
205/55 R16
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:42.1M Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 39M
2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tyre Test
215/55 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:41.4M Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 37.7M

Wet Handling [s]

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 was better during one wet handling [s] tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 was 0.8% faster around a wet lap than the Hankook Winter I cept RS3.

Hankook Winter I cept RS3
93.65s
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
92.9s
Wet handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Wet Handling [s]: Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2

2022/23 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test
225/45 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:98.8s Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 99s
2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test
215/55 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:88.5s Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 86.8s

Wet Handling [Km/H]

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was better during zero wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was 0.75% faster around a wet lap than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.

Hankook Winter I cept RS3
73.15Km/H
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
73.7Km/H
Wet Handling Average Speed, higher is better

Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2

2022 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test
215/55 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:72Km/H Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 72.5Km/H
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test
205/55 R16
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:74.3Km/H Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 74.89Km/H

Subj. Wet Handling

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was better during zero subj. wet handling tests. On average the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 scored 15% more points than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.

Hankook Winter I cept RS3
85 Points
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
100 Points
Subjective Wet Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2

2022/23 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test
225/45 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:85 Points Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 100 Points

Wet Circle

Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 was better during three wet circle tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 was 1.27% faster around a wet circle than the Hankook Winter I cept RS3.

Hankook Winter I cept RS3
12.57s
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
12.41s
Wet Circle Lap Time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Wet Circle: Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2

2022 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test
215/55 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:12.47s Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 12.41s
2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test
215/55 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:12.59s Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 12.39s
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test
205/55 R16
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:12.66s Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 12.44s

Straight Aqua

Looking at data from seven tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was better during seven straight aqua tests. On average the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 floated at a 4.29% higher speed than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.

Hankook Winter I cept RS3
81.91Km/H
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
78.4Km/H
Float Speed in Km/H, higher is better

Best In Straight Aqua: Hankook Winter I cept RS3

2022/23 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test
225/45 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:81.8Km/H Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 78.9Km/H
2022 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test
215/55 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:81.3Km/H Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 78.8Km/H
2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tyre Test
225/45 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:78.7Km/H Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 73.6Km/H
2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tyre Test
205/55 R16
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:84.4Km/H Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 80.6Km/H
2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tyre Test
215/55 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:80.5Km/H Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 77.3Km/H
2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test
215/55 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:82.2Km/H Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 78.7Km/H
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test
205/55 R16
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:84.5Km/H Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 80.9Km/H

Curved Aquaplaning

Looking at data from six tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was better during six curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 slipped out at a 11.56% higher speed than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.

Hankook Winter I cept RS3
3.98m/sec2
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
3.52m/sec2
Remaining lateral acceleration, higher is better

Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Hankook Winter I cept RS3

2022/23 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test
225/45 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:7.1m/sec2 Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 6.8m/sec2
2022 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test
215/55 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:2.74m/sec2 Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 2.46m/sec2
2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tyre Test
225/45 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:3.1m/sec2 Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 2.7m/sec2
2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tyre Test
205/55 R16
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:3.6m/sec2 Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 3m/sec2
2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tyre Test
215/55 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:3.4m/sec2 Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 3m/sec2
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test
205/55 R16
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:3.93m/sec2 Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 3.16m/sec2

Snow Braking

Looking at data from eight tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was better during five snow braking tests. On average the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 stopped the vehicle in 1.76% less distance than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.

Hankook Winter I cept RS3
20.66M
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
21.03M
Snow braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Snow Braking: Hankook Winter I cept RS3

2022/23 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test
225/45 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:29.4M Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 29.3M
2022 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test
215/55 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:26.6M Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 26.4M
2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tyre Test
225/45 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:9.5M Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 10.2M
2024 Winter 55 Tyre Braking Test
205/55 R16
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:29.1M Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 30.2M
2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tyre Test
205/55 R16
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:10M Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 10.2M
2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tyre Test
215/55 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:9.7M Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 9.8M
2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test
215/55 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:21.9M Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 21.9M
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test
205/55 R16
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:29.1M Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 30.2M

Snow Traction

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was better during one snow traction tests. On average the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 accelerated 3.92% faster than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.

Hankook Winter I cept RS3
4.9s
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
5.1s
Snow acceleration time, lower is better

Best In Snow Traction: Hankook Winter I cept RS3

2022/23 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test
225/45 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:4.9s Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 5.1s

Snow Traction

Looking at data from six tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was better during two snow traction tests. On average the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 had 1.66% better snow traction than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.

Hankook Winter I cept RS3
1477.35N
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
1502.28N
Pulling Force in Newtons, higher is better

Best In Snow Traction: Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2

2022 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test
215/55 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:2499N Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 2549N
2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tyre Test
225/45 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:251.1N Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 249.7N
2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tyre Test
205/55 R16
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:233N Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 233N
2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tyre Test
215/55 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:231N Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 234N
2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test
215/55 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:3141N Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 3257N
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test
205/55 R16
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:2509N Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 2491N

Snow Handling [s]

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was better during one snow handling [s] tests. On average the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was 0.66% faster around a lap than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.

Hankook Winter I cept RS3
89.95s
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
90.55s
Snow handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Snow Handling [s]: Hankook Winter I cept RS3

2022/23 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test
225/45 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:113.6s Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 114.9s
2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test
215/55 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:66.3s Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 66.2s

Snow Handling [Km/H]

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was better during one snow handling [km/h] tests. On average the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was 0.26% faster around a lap than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.

Hankook Winter I cept RS3
57Km/H
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
56.85Km/H
Snow handling average speed, higher is better

Best In Snow Handling [Km/H]: Hankook Winter I cept RS3

2022 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test
215/55 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:54.4Km/H Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 53.7Km/H
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test
205/55 R16
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:59.6Km/H Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 60Km/H

Subj. Snow Handling

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 and Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 performed equally well in subj. snow handling tests.

Hankook Winter I cept RS3
100 Points
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
100 Points
Subjective Snow Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Snow Handling: Both tyres performed equally well

2022/23 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test
225/45 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:100 Points Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 100 Points

Snow Circle

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was better during zero snow circle tests. On average the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 provided 1.3% more lateral grip than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.

Hankook Winter I cept RS3
4.56ms/2
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
4.62ms/2
Lateral snow grip in m/s squared, higher is better

Best In Snow Circle: Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2

2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test
215/55 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:4.56ms/2 Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 4.62ms/2

Snow Slalom

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 and Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 performed equally well in snow slalom tests.

Hankook Winter I cept RS3
3.55m/sec2
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
3.55m/sec2
Lateral acceleration, higher is better

Best In Snow Slalom: Both tyres performed equally well

2022 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test
215/55 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:3.78m/sec2 Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 3.84m/sec2
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test
205/55 R16
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:3.31m/sec2 Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 3.25m/sec2

Ice Braking

Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 was better during three ice braking tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 stopped the vehicle 5.17% shorter than the Hankook Winter I cept RS3.

Hankook Winter I cept RS3
19.33M
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
18.33M
Ice braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Ice Braking: Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2

2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tyre Test
225/45 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:20.4M Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 19.8M
2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tyre Test
205/55 R16
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:19.8M Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 19.1M
2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tyre Test
215/55 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:17.8M Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 16.1M

Subj. Comfort

Hankook Winter I cept RS3
90 Points
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
100 Points
Subjective Comfort Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Comfort: Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2

Noise

Looking at data from five tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was better during three noise tests. On average the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 measured 0.08% quieter than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.

Hankook Winter I cept RS3
71.88dB
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
71.94dB
External noise in dB, lower is better

Best In Noise: Hankook Winter I cept RS3

2022 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test
215/55 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:71.5dB Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 71.7dB
2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tyre Test
225/45 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:71.7dB Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 72.4dB
2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tyre Test
205/55 R16
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:71.7dB Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 70.9dB
2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test
215/55 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:72.9dB Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 73.3dB
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test
205/55 R16
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:71.6dB Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 71.4dB

Noise

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 was better during one noise tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 measured 1.58% quieter than the Hankook Winter I cept RS3.

Hankook Winter I cept RS3
69.6dB
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
68.5dB
Internal noise in dB, lower is better

Best In Noise: Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2

2022/23 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test
225/45 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:69.6dB Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 68.5dB

Wear

Looking at data from five tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was better during three wear tests. On average the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 is predicted to cover 7.46% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.

Hankook Winter I cept RS3
45787.6KM
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
42372.8KM
Predicted tread life in KM, higher is better

Best In Wear: Hankook Winter I cept RS3

2022 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test
215/55 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:30888KM Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 39764KM
2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tyre Test
225/45 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:45700KM Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 52800KM
2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tyre Test
205/55 R16
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:52800KM Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 34000KM
2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tyre Test
215/55 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:49300KM Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 46600KM
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test
205/55 R16
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:50250KM Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 38700KM

Value

Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was better during two value tests. On average the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 proved to have a 7.72% better value based on price/1000km than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.

Hankook Winter I cept RS3
9.21Price/1000
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
9.98Price/1000
Euros/1000km based on cost/wear, lower is better

Best In Value: Hankook Winter I cept RS3

2022 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test
215/55 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:17.64Price/1000 Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 16.09Price/1000
2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tyre Test
225/45 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:2.84Price/1000 Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 2.99Price/1000
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test
205/55 R16
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:7.16Price/1000 Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 10.85Price/1000

Price

Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was better during four price tests. On average the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 cost 18.78% less than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.

Hankook Winter I cept RS3
345
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
424.75
Price in local currency, lower is better

Best In Price: Hankook Winter I cept RS3

2022/23 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test
225/45 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:119.99 Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 165.99
2022 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test
215/55 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:545 Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 640
2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tyre Test
225/45 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:130 Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 158
2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test
215/55 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:585 Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 735

Rolling Resistance

Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was better during two rolling resistance tests. On average the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 had a 2.99% lower rolling resistance than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.

Hankook Winter I cept RS3
8.43kg / t
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
8.69kg / t
Rolling resistance in kg t, lower is better

Best In Rolling Resistance: Hankook Winter I cept RS3

2022/23 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test
225/45 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:8.8kg / t Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 8.9kg / t
2022 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test
215/55 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:8.87kg / t Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 8.74kg / t
2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test
215/55 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:8.31kg / t Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 8.28kg / t
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test
205/55 R16
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:7.72kg / t Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 8.83kg / t

Fuel Consumption

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 and Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 performed equally well in fuel consumption tests.

Hankook Winter I cept RS3
5.45l/100km
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
5.45l/100km
Fuel consumption in Litres per 100 km, lower is better

Best In Fuel Consumption: Both tyres performed equally well

2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tyre Test
225/45 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:5.8l/100km Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 5.7l/100km
2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tyre Test
205/55 R16
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:5.1l/100km Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 5.2l/100km

Abrasion

Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was better during two abrasion tests. On average the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 emitted 20.72% less particle wear matter than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.

Hankook Winter I cept RS3
59.7mg/km/t
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
75.3mg/km/t
Weight of Tyre Wear Particles Lost (mg/km/t), lower is better

Best In Abrasion: Hankook Winter I cept RS3

2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tyre Test
225/45 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:74.1mg/km/t Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 73.9mg/km/t
2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tyre Test
205/55 R16
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:48mg/km/t Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 79mg/km/t
2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tyre Test
215/55 R17
Hankook Winter I cept RS3:57mg/km/t Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 73mg/km/t

Real World Driver Reviews

Tyre Reviews also collects real world driver reviews for the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 and Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.

In total the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 has been reviewed 17 times and drivers have given the tyre 80% overall.

The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 has been reviewed 3 times and drivers have given the tyre 78% overall.

This means in real world driving, people prefer the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.

Best Review for the Hankook Winter I cept RS3
Given 87% 175/65 R14 on a combination of roads for 3,500 average miles
Hankook Winter I*cept RS3 tyres were bought brand new in october of 2023, was manufactured a few months earlier and stamped as made in Korea. Tyres were used on 1997 Volkswagen Golf Mk3, 1.9 TDI 66 kW (90 Hp), without ABS, TC or other driver assists.

First season/initial thoughts:
Dry roads - car was predictible, tyres felt a little bit softer and less responsive, in comparision with summer tyres (in my case it's 195/55 R15 2020's Michelin Energy Saver+), but it's a winter tyre, so it's absolutly normal to have a slightly different feeling in steering response or... Continue reading this review using the link below
Helpful 198 - tyre reviewed on December 6, 2024
View all Hankook Winter I cept RS3 driver reviews >>
Best Review for the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
Given 74% 225/60 R16 on a combination of roads for 4,000 average miles
Brand new, to replace my old Pirelli Sottozero 3, come at the end of their Life. Dry: These Cinturato Winter 2 are proposed as touring tyres, and so they do: compared to the more sporty precursors, the road feedback appears rougher and less direct. Likewise, handling in the dry is poorer, less precise, however decent for a touring tyre. Breaking in the dry appears on the other hand fairly good, with more than reasonable stopping distances. Wet: drivability in the wet is not too bad. Wet handling is decent, breaking is good as well as aquaplaning resistance, both in the straight line... Continue reading this review using the link below
Helpful 57 - tyre reviewed on May 8, 2022
View all Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 driver reviews >>

Conclusion

In conclusion the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 performed better in dry handling [s], dry handling [km/h], straight aqua, curved aquaplaning, snow braking, snow traction, snow handling [s], snow handling [km/h], noise, wear, value, price, rolling resistance and abrasion, while the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 performed better in dry braking, subj. dry handling, wet braking, wet braking - concrete, wet handling [s], wet handling [km/h], subj. wet handling, wet circle, snow traction, snow circle, ice braking and noise.

Interestingly, both tyres performed equally well in subj. snow handling, snow slalom and fuel consumption, showing that they are closely matched in these areas.

Which tyre is best for you depends a lot on your driving style and situation, plus what you want from the tyre. Comparing all the data in the tyre reviews database, on balance Hankook Winter I cept RS3 seems to be the best tyre overall.

However, it's important to note that both tyres have their strengths.

Remember, the best tyre for you might depend on which of these factors are most important for your specific driving needs and conditions.

Hankook Winter I cept RS3

Overall Winner: Hankook Winter I cept RS3

Based on the tyre test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 has demonstrated better overall performance in this comparison. However, as you can see from the spider diagram above, each tyre has its own strengths which should be considered in your final tyre buying choice.

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Footnote

This page has been developed using tyre industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tyres in the same test.

Why is this important? Tyre testing is heavily affected by things like surface grip levels and surface temperature, which means you can only compare values from the same day. During a tyre test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tyre tests performed on different days or at different locations.

As a result you will see other tests on Tyre Reviews which feature both the %s and %s, but as they weren't conducted on the same day, the results are not comparable.

Lots of other websites do this sort of tyre comparison, Tyre Reviews doesn't.