Find out more about these studless winter tires thanks to this comparison brought to you by blackcircles Canada. We will help you make the right choice according to your needs!
How do Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 vs Continental Viking Contact 7 tires compare?
Before diving into a comparison between levels of performance, we invite you to find out more about these two models and their design.
Firstly, both are tires with a directional tread, which focuses on aquaplaning resistance and snow evacuation, among other things. Without studs, they also offer advanced technologies that improve traction on slippery road surfaces without generating more noise.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 tires arrived on the market in 2022. This means it has recently come to replace the R3 on the market, by offering a redesigned tread for greater traction, comfort and more. It also focuses on the environmental aspect with eco-friendly materials.
The model is offered in dimensions ranging from 14- to 20- inches with R and T speed ratings. You will also find R5 EV and R5 SUV models, specially designed for electric vehicles and light trucks/SUV and their specific needs. Several XL dimensions are offered to help support heavier loads.
This is also the case for the Viking Contact 7, which is available in several dimensions ranging between 15- and 22- inches, and with T and H speed ratings. The tire is suitable for a wide variety of vehicles, which include touring cars, SUVs and crossovers. With Continental, all tires are also recommended for use with electric cars.
The Viking Contact 7 model was revealed in 2018, which means it has proven its worth several years ago. Since the very beginning and until this day, it stands out in several ways and rankings, and is found among the best winter tires on the market.
On the one hand, you have a very recent tire made by Nokian, the Finnish manufacturer, which specializes in winter products. On the other hand, there is one of the best models offered by Continental, a German manufacturer, but also one of the best winter tires on the market. Between these two high-quality models, which is the best tire for your needs? Let’s first take a look at their specs in greater detail.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: Specs
With the new Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 tire, you will be taking advantage of improved performance compared to its predecessor, but also a solid competitor for its category. The model includes:
- Microscopic Crystals
The design, which is called Arctic Grip, relies on a third generation technology, designed by Nokian for even more traction on ice. Acting like studs, the crystals grip onto the roads surface thanks to very sharp edges. Moreover, more crystals appear as the tire begins to wear, offering performance that will last over time.
- A greener compound
The Green Trace compound was designed by the Finnish manufacturer to offer more durability, but also to reduce the carbon footprint. In fact, it utilizes recycled steel, vegetable oil and pine resin; over one third of the materials are renewable and recycled. Moreover, it is designed to reduce rolling resistance: it is indeed reduced by 4.4 % compared to the previous model.
- A Double Block Grip design
This new block design offers superior strength and grip. Each row of blocks stems from the center and divides into two, reaching the shoulder, with a greater amount of blocks in the middle zone and shoulder as well. This allows for a bigger contact surface –which is 4 % wider compared to the Hakkapeliitta R3- for maximum grip.
- Noise reduction advanced technology
The new block design also helps reduced noise from forming. Smaller, the blocks and grooves provide you with a smooth driving experience and a significant reduction of noise, thanks to the Silent Touch technology.
- Winter safety indicators
For a maximum of safety, take a look at the indicators, which will allow you to evaluate the tread thickness. This will let you know when the time has come for you to change or rotate your tires, among other things!
Continental Viking Contact 7: Specs
Tested and approved for the safe and enjoyable winter performance they offer, Continental Viking Contact 7 tires are among the best of their category, thanks to features such as:
- A flexible tread compound
With the Polar Plus technology, the tire remains felxible in extreme temperatures, to provide you with confident traction at all times. The silica compound also includes canola oil, which is known for the flexibility it offers.
- The Trapez 3D sipe technology
The sipe design used by Continental, called the Trapez 3D, stands out with the various thickness sipes and gripping edges, which are remarkably efficient. This allows the tire to grip onto the road firmly even when slippery or covered in snow, to provide you with high traction levels and short braking distances.
- Interlocked Block Bridges
The block design interlocks, allowing for better grip levels, no matter the road or weather conditions. The tire maximises the contact surface with the road for remarkable traction, but also excellent durability.
- Confident drive on wet roads
The model relies on a directional tread with wider V-shaped grooves. This allows for better water, snow and melted snow evacuation for a safe drive at all times, while also reducing aquaplaning.
- ContiSeal Technology available
For some of the tire dimensions, the ContiSeal runflat technology is available, allowing you to keep driving even after a flat, thanks to reinforced sidewalls.
Choosing between the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 and the Continental Viking Contact 7
Now that you know more about both tires, how are the Continental Viking Contact 7 vs Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 different in terms of performance? To answer this question, we will rely, among other things, on the expert independent testing done by Tyre Reviews.
When it comes to winter driving, icy surfaces are often those that generate the highest risk of skidding. No matter the tire you choose, you will be taking advantage of a stable drive; both models rank among the best for their category.
The Continental tire is quicker on ice, but the Nokian tire offers predictable and controlled performance. Moreover, it offers a bit more than the Viking Contact 7 when it comes to braking and accelerations, though the latter ranks higher in terms of maneuverability.
On the snow, performance is also neck and neck. Overall, the Nokian is slightly superior when it comes to traction, but they are equal in terms of maneuverability.
Although the Nokian tire ranks favorably on several types of rough winter road surfaces, when it comes to driving on wet roads, the Viking Contact 7 comes out on top. It also offers superior aquaplaning resistance, both in straight lines and while cornering, and also offers braking distances that are a bit shorter. This said, the Hakkapeliitta R5 does offer very safe performance on all of these road surfaces.
It also scores points in terms of a comfortable driving experience, given how smooth it is and how easily it absorbs shocks and vibrations. Both models do provide you with a remarkably quiet driving experience.
All in all, if your daily drives are often over roads covered in rain or slush, and also over dry roads, the Continental tire is the best choice for aquaplaning resistance. If you are more often facing icy or snowy roads and are looking for a bit more comfort, the Nokian tire does present a slight advantage.
Comparing warranties
With both brands, you will have access to an advantageous warranty. Both also offer a satisfaction guarantee, 60- days with Continental or 30- days with Nokian.
The Finnish manufacturer’s limited warranty also covers the tire for up to 5- years following purchase, or 6- years after manufacturing date. A warranty for defects in materials or workmanship are included.
When it comes to Continental, the limited warranty is enhanced with road side assistance for 3- years, including a free tire change or towing up to 250 km, along with road hazard protection.
Get the perfect set of tires for winter with these premium tires that offers a safe and enjoyable drive! With blackcircles Canada, we have everything you need, at the lowest price.
