Dunlop Winter Sport 5 vs Fulda Kristall Control HP2
The Fulda counters with strong pricing, often lower rolling resistance, and notably good aquaplaning reserves. In several tests it matches or nips the Dunlop in isolated snow metrics and straight-line aquaplaning, but the broader pattern is clear: Dunlop prioritizes grip, precision, and safety margins, while Fulda leans into cost, efficiency, and comfort.
Test Results
Independent comparison tire tests are the best source of data to get tire information from, and the good news is there have been twenty-two tests which compare both tires directly!
| Tire | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Dunlop Winter Sport 5 | twenty | |
| Fulda Kristall Control HP2 | two |
While it might look like the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 is better than the Fulda Kristall Control HP2 purely based on the higher number of test wins, tires are very complicated objects which means where one tire is better than the other can be more important in real world use.
Let's look at how the two tires compare across multiple tire test categories.
Key Strengths
- Class-leading wet braking and wet handling across sizes (e.g., 2023 ADAC: −9.7% wet braking vs. Fulda)
- Reliable snow and ice grip with shorter stopping (frequent wins in snow traction and ice braking)
- Generally strong longevity and efficiency for a performance winter tire (e.g., 2024 Auto Bild: +16% wear, lower RR)
- Precise, stable limit behavior and better steering accuracy noted by testers
- Excellent value: consistently lower purchase price and frequent wins on price/value metrics
- Very good aquaplaning resistance (straight and often curved) for standing-water confidence
- Low rolling resistance in several tests; can deliver outstanding wear in some sizes (e.g., 2023 ADAC highest projected life)
- Comfortable and quiet ride with safe, predictable behavior in moderate conditions
Dry Braking
Looking at data from eleven tire tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during ten dry braking tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 stopped the vehicle in 1.88% less distance than the Fulda Kristall Control HP2.
Best In Dry Braking: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from eight tire tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during five dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was 0.49% faster around a lap than the Fulda Kristall Control HP2.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Dry Handling
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during one subj. dry handling tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 scored 42.86% more points than the Fulda Kristall Control HP2.
Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
See how the Subj. Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from seventeen tire tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during sixteen wet braking tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 stopped the vehicle in 4.6% less distance than the Fulda Kristall Control HP2.
Best In Wet Braking: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking - Concrete
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during two wet braking - concrete tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 stopped the vehicle in 4.63% less distance than the Fulda Kristall Control HP2.
Best In Wet Braking - Concrete: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
See how the Wet Braking - Concrete winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from eight tire tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during eight wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was 3.28% faster around a wet lap than the Fulda Kristall Control HP2.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Wet Handling
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during one subj. wet handling tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 scored 80% more points than the Fulda Kristall Control HP2.
Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
See how the Subj. Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Circle
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during one wet circle tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 had 3.33% higher lateral wet grip than the Fulda Kristall Control HP2.
Best In Wet Circle: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from eleven tire tests, the Fulda Kristall Control HP2 was better during nine straight aqua tests. On average the Fulda Kristall Control HP2 floated at a 1.21% higher speed than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.
Best In Straight Aqua: Fulda Kristall Control HP2
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Fulda Kristall Control HP2 was better during three curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Fulda Kristall Control HP2 slipped out at a 3.89% higher speed than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Fulda Kristall Control HP2
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
Snow Braking
Looking at data from seventeen tire tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during eight snow braking tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 stopped the vehicle in 0.56% less distance than the Fulda Kristall Control HP2.
Best In Snow Braking: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
See how the Snow Braking winner was calculated >>
Snow Traction
Looking at data from seven tire tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during five snow traction tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 had 1.01% better snow traction than the Fulda Kristall Control HP2.
Best In Snow Traction: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
See how the Snow Traction winner was calculated >>
Snow Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from eight tire tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during five snow handling [km/h] tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was 0.96% faster around a lap than the Fulda Kristall Control HP2.
Best In Snow Handling [Km/H]: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
See how the Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Snow Handling
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during one subj. snow handling tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 scored 37.5% more points than the Fulda Kristall Control HP2.
Best In Subj. Snow Handling: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
See how the Subj. Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Snow Slalom
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during two snow slalom tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was 2.25% faster through a slalom than the Fulda Kristall Control HP2.
Best In Snow Slalom: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
See how the Snow Slalom winner was calculated >>
Ice Braking
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during two ice braking tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 stopped the vehicle 1.62% shorter than the Fulda Kristall Control HP2.
Best In Ice Braking: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
See how the Ice Braking winner was calculated >>
Subj. Comfort
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during one subj. comfort tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 scored 33.33% more points than the Fulda Kristall Control HP2.
Best In Subj. Comfort: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from ten tire tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during six noise tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 measured 0.41% quieter than the Fulda Kristall Control HP2.
Best In Noise: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Wear
Looking at data from nine tire tests, the Fulda Kristall Control HP2 was better during four wear tests. On average the Fulda Kristall Control HP2 is predicted to cover 2.71% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.
Best In Wear: Fulda Kristall Control HP2
See how the Wear winner was calculated >>
Value
Looking at data from seven tire tests, the Fulda Kristall Control HP2 was better during five value tests. On average the Fulda Kristall Control HP2 proved to have a 22.26% better value based on price/1000km than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.
Best In Value: Fulda Kristall Control HP2
See how the Value winner was calculated >>
Price
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Fulda Kristall Control HP2 was better during five price tests. On average the Fulda Kristall Control HP2 cost 16.67% less than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.
Best In Price: Fulda Kristall Control HP2
See how the Price winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from nine tire tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during four rolling resistance tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 had a 1.1% lower rolling resistance than the Fulda Kristall Control HP2.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
Fuel Consumption
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 and Fulda Kristall Control HP2 performed equally well in fuel consumption tests.
Best In Fuel Consumption: Both tires performed equally well
See how the Fuel Consumption winner was calculated >>
Abrasion
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Fulda Kristall Control HP2 was better during one abrasion tests. On average the Fulda Kristall Control HP2 emitted 1.47% less particle wear matter than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.
Best In Abrasion: Fulda Kristall Control HP2
See how the Abrasion winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
Dunlop Winter Sport 5 Driver Reviews
Drivers largely praise the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 for outstanding snow and ice traction, strong wet grip in cold conditions, predictable handling, good comfort/low noise (for a winter tire), and excellent tread life. A minority report softer sidewalls and reduced dry performance or understeer as temperatures rise, with a few notes on noise increase over time and isolated quality/balance issues. Overall sentiment is strongly positive, with most buyers willing to repurchase.
Based on 43 reviews with an average rating of 84%
Fulda Kristall Control HP2 Driver Reviews
Drivers of the Fulda Kristall Control HP2 generally report strong wet and snow traction, predictable handling, and good comfort/noise levels, with several noting good value and even low rolling resistance. High-scoring reviews particularly praise its stability and confidence in winter conditions. A minority highlight longer-term issues, citing performance deterioration as the rubber hardens with age and instances of uneven rear wear/cupping that can raise noise. Overall sentiment skews moderately positive with some durability/aging caveats.
Based on 12 reviews with an average rating of 68%
Conclusion
Choose the Fulda Kristall Control HP2 if you value purchase price and efficiency, and your winters are milder or you frequently face standing water: it often leads straight and curved aquaplaning (e.g., 2022 Auto Bild) and is regularly cheaper (commonly ~15-25% lower price). Note that performance on wet handling and precision is consistently a step behind Dunlop, and snow/ice capability, while competent, is less rounded. Bottom line: Dunlop for maximum all-round winter safety and confidence; Fulda for budget-minded drivers who prioritize price and aquaplaning stability over ultimate grip.
Key Differences
- Wet performance: Dunlop dominates wet braking and handling (many 3-10% shorter stops), a key real-world safety edge.
- Snow/ice: Both are capable, but Dunlop more often combines strong braking, traction, and handling; Fulda occasionally matches snow braking but trails in overall winter balance.
- Aquaplaning: Fulda frequently leads straight (and sometimes curved) aquaplaning, aiding confidence in deep water.
- Steering and precision: Dunlop offers crisper turn-in and higher limit stability; Fulda often noted for understeer and slower reactions.
- Wear and efficiency: Mixed by size-Dunlop led wear in 2025 ADAC and 2024 Auto Bild, while Fulda topped lifespan in 2023 ADAC; Fulda often edges rolling resistance and is consistently cheaper.
- Overall results: Dunlop 20 test wins vs. Fulda's 2, and higher placements in major comparative tests (e.g., 2025 ADAC 4/31 vs. 13/31; 2022 Auto Bild 4/22 vs. 19/22).
Overall Winner: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
Based on the tire test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 has demonstrated better overall performance in this comparison. However, as you can see from the spider diagram above, each tire has its own strengths which should be considered in your final tire buying choice.Similar Comparisons
Looking for more tire comparisons? Here are other direct comparisons involving these tires:
Dunlop Winter Sport 5 Top Comparisons
No other comparisons available for this tire.
Fulda Kristall Control HP2 Top Comparisons
No other comparisons available for this tire.
Footnote
This page has been developed using tire industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tires in the same test.
Why is this important? Tire 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 tire test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tire tests performed on different days or at different locations.
As a result you will see other tests on Tire 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 tire comparison, Tire Reviews doesn't.