Dunlop Winter Sport 5 vs Fulda Kristall Control HP2
- TR Score
- 8.9/10
- Owners say
- 83% · 47
- TR Score
- 7.2/10
- Owners say
- 70% · 12
In the 22 independent tests that ran both tires, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 finished ahead 20 times and the Kristall Control HP2 twice. The Winter Sport 5 stopped 4.5% shorter in the wet; the Kristall Control HP2 had 1.1% lower rolling resistance.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Pick the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 if you drive through varied or severe winters and want the shortest stops and best wet-road control. Choose the Fulda Kristall Control HP2 if budget, aquaplaning stability, and efficiency are your priorities and your winters are milder or mostly wet rather than snowy.
Where the Winter Sport 5 is stronger
- 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)
Where the Kristall Control HP2 is stronger
- 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)
The bullet points are analysis of the shared tests and of owner reviews; the measured wins in each discipline are in the tables below. Where the two disagree, the figures are right.
Winter Sport 5 vs Kristall Control HP2 at a glance
| Category | Winter Sport 5 | Gap | Kristall Control HP2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won22 shared tests | 20 | 2 | |
| Dry20 measurements | 16 | The Winter Sport 5 stopped 1.8% shorter in the dry (11 tests) | 3 |
| Wet47 measurements | 34 | The Winter Sport 5 stopped 4.5% shorter in the wet (17 tests) | 12 |
| Snow35 measurements | 21 | The Winter Sport 5 stopped 0.6% shorter on snow (17 tests) | 10 |
| Ice2 measurements | 2 | The Winter Sport 5 stopped 1.6% shorter on ice (2 tests) | 0 |
| Comfort11 measurements | 7 | 4 | |
| Value22 measurements | 11 | Level between the two. | 11 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.9/10 | The Winter Sport 5 by 1.7 | 7.2/10 |
| Owner rating47 and 12 reviews | 83% | The Winter Sport 5 by 13 points | 70% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 83% | The Winter Sport 5 by 25 points | 58% |
| Pricein the 7 tests that listed prices | +17% | The Winter Sport 5 was dearer in 7 of 7 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 49 | 32 sizes made in both | 41 |
Wins count every measurement the shared tests recorded for both tires; a tick marks the tire ahead on that line. Subjective driver scores count as wins but are never averaged, because each test uses its own scale.
Head to head in 22 tests, 2017 to 2025
Each row is one published test in which both tires ran on the same car, in the same size, on the same day. The line is the whole field, winner on the left.
Performance profile
18 measurements from the 22 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Winter Sport 5
Kristall Control HP2
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
In each test the better of the two figures counts as 100% and the other as its share of it, so a 118 ft stop against 112 ft is 95%; each spoke averages the shared tests that recorded it. The scale stops at 95%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 5 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Winter Sport 5
Kristall Control HP2
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
Where owners rate each higher
Winter Sport 5
Kristall Control HP2
Not ahead in any category
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the Winter Sport 5 83% from 47 reviews and the Kristall Control HP2 70% from 12. Each spoke is one question owners answer out of 10; reviews are vetted by hand before publication.
Every measurement, side by side
Averages of the figures both tires posted in the same tests. The gap is the average of each test's own gap, so figures from different cars and years are never mixed. Open a discipline for its measurements, and a measurement for every test's figure.
| Measurement | Winter Sport 5 | Gap | Kristall Control HP2 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 150 | 1.8% | 153 | 10-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 69.3 | 0.5% | 68.9 | 5-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 75% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 134 | 4.5% | 141 | 16-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 128 | 4.6% | 135 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 45.2 | 3.4% | 43.7 | 8-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 400% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 6.7 | 3.4% | 6.5 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12.48 | 3.3% | 12.91 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 49.6 | 1.1% | 50.2 | 2-9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 10.5 | 4.4% | 10.9 | 1-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 82 | 0.6% | 82 | 8-5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 435 | 1.3% | 431 | 5-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 36.3 | 0.9% | 36 | 5-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 60% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 11.6 | 2.4% | 11.4 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 60 | 1.6% | 61 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 50% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 72.46 | 0.3 dB | 72.76 | 6-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 27,275 | 4.6% | 28,035 | 5-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.12 | 1.1% | 8.21 | 4-5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.7 | = | 5.7 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 68 | 1.4% | 67 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Braking distances and lap times are better when lower; speeds, wear and grip figures when higher. A test's figures are its own: sizes, cars, surfaces and temperatures differ from one to the next, which is why the averages here are only ever of tests the two tires shared. "Scored" rows are subjective driver ratings: each test uses its own scale, so only the wins are counted.
Scores beyond the shared tests
On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Winter Sport 5 scores 8.9 and the Kristall Control HP2 7.2 out of 10.
| Winter Sport 5 | Category | Kristall Control HP2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45 | Dry | 21 | ||
| 85 | Wet | 59 | ||
| 18 | Comfort | 11 | ||
| 66 | Value | 74 | ||
| 83 | Snow | 70 | ||
| 48 | Ice | 46 | ||
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
What owners say
| Winter Sport 5 | Category | Kristall Control HP2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.3 | Dry Grip | 8.1 | ||
| 8.5 | Wet Grip | 7 | ||
| 7.9 | Road Feedback | 7.5 | ||
| 7.9 | Handling | 6.9 | ||
| 8.7 | Wear | 7.3 | ||
| 8.4 | Comfort | 7.4 | ||
| 9.1 | Snow Grip | 6.1 | ||
| 8.2 | Ice Grip | 4.1 | ||
Owners rate the Winter Sport 5 83% from 47 reviews and the Kristall Control HP2 70% from 12. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Dunlop Winter Sport 5
- 83%from 47 reviews
- 83%would buy again
- 485,102 milesdriven by reviewers
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.
- snow and ice grip
- wet grip in cold
- predictable handling
- ride comfort
- weaker dry grip/softer feel in warmer temps
- increased noise with age
- occasional balance/quality issues
Summarised by AI from 39 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 47 Winter Sport 5 reviewsYou must know, in 225/50/17 it is the best what you can buy in eurowinter tires
+ perfect rim protector
+ dry and wet grip at different temperatures including +17 Celsius
+ snow grip? Easy
+ treadwear 12000 km/per 1 mm (on my new set 8 mm, now 7,0-6,8 after 2 seasons and 14400 km)
Fulda Kristall Control HP2
- 70%from 12 reviews
- 58%would buy again
- 446,800 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers generally report the Fulda Kristall Control HP2 as a strong value winter tire, with many high-scoring reviews praising confident wet-road grip, safe/predictable handling, good snow traction, and a quiet, comfortable ride. Several owners also find it competitive with more premium brands for everyday winter driving. A recurring concern is that performance can deteriorate noticeably with age as the compound hardens, leading to reduced wet/ice/snow grip after a few seasons/years for some users.
- Strong wet grip and stability
- Good snow traction and winter safety
- Predictable handling and secure steering feel
- Quiet and comfortable ride
- Grip can drop significantly as the tire ages/hardens over multiple seasons
Summarised by AI from 11 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 12 Kristall Control HP2 reviewsOverall good, but really nothing stands out about this tire. Reasonable wear, very good in dry, confident in wet, average in snow.
Reasonably quiet and comfortable.
Great buy at around EUR 83 for 205 60 16.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 49 sizes of the Winter Sport 5 and 41 of the Kristall Control HP2, 32 of them made in both.
| Category | Winter Sport 5 | Kristall Control HP2 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 49 sizes, 15 to 21 inch | 41 sizes, 15 to 19 inch |
| Made in both | 32 sizes 195/55 R15195/65 R15205/65 R15195/45 R16195/55 R16205/55 R16205/60 R16215/55 R16215/60 R16215/65 R16225/55 R16205/50 R17and 20 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B52%C48% | C83%B15%D2% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C75%D24%B1% | C74%D20%B6% |
| EU label noise | 70-74 dB B100% | 70-73 dB B100% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 79 of 79 | 54 of 54 |
| On the market since | 2021 | 2021 |
| Replaced | Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D (2021) | Fulda Kristall Control HP (2021) |
| Price in the shared tests | The Winter Sport 5 was the dearer tire in 7 of the 7 tests that listed prices, by 17% on average. Each test priced the tires in its own market at the time; only the gap is comparable. | |
Label grades are shown as the share of registered sizes carrying each grade, so "B (88%), C (12%)" means most sizes are B. Grades vary by size; check the label for yours.
Reading the results
Written from the test results and owner reviews above. It is analysis, not a measurement: where it and the tables disagree, the tables are right.
This head-to-head pits two closely related winter tires with different missions: the ultra-high-performance-leaning Dunlop Winter Sport 5 and the value-oriented Fulda Kristall Control HP2. Across 22 shared professional tests, the Dunlop consistently finishes higher (20 overall wins vs. 2) and repeatedly sets the benchmark for braking and handling in cold, wet, and mixed winter conditions.
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.
Conclusion
If your priority is safety in real-world winter weather-especially wet, slushy, and changeable conditions-the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 is the safer bet. In 2025 ADAC (225/40 R18), it ranked 4/31 vs. Fulda's 13/31 and stopped shorter in dry, wet, snow, and ice braking, while also offering lower fuel use and higher predicted mileage in that size. Similar advantages appear in Auto Bild 2024 (205/55 R16), where Dunlop was 7/23 vs. 18/23 and combined better wet performance with +16% longer wear and lower rolling resistance.
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.
Winter Sport 5 vs Kristall Control HP2: your questions
Is the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 or the Fulda Kristall Control HP2 the better tire?
In the 22 independent tests that ran both tires, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 finished ahead 20 times and the Kristall Control HP2 twice. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Winter Sport 5 scores 8.9 and the Kristall Control HP2 7.2 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Winter Sport 5 or the Kristall Control HP2?
The Winter Sport 5 led 34 of the 47 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 4.5% shorter in the wet across 17 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Winter Sport 5 led 16 of the 20 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.8% shorter in the dry across 11 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The Winter Sport 5 led 21 of the 35 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 0.6% shorter on snow across 17 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Winter Sport 5 lasted 4.6% longer in the wear tests (9 tests); the Kristall Control HP2 had 1.1% lower rolling resistance (9 tests). Owners rate wear 8.7/10 for the Winter Sport 5 and 7.3/10 for the Kristall Control HP2.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 8.4/10 for the Winter Sport 5 and 7.4/10 for the Kristall Control HP2.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Winter Sport 5 83% from 47 reviews and the Kristall Control HP2 70% from 12. 83% of Winter Sport 5 owners would buy it again, against 58% for the Kristall Control HP2.
Which is more expensive?
In the 7 tests that listed prices, the Winter Sport 5 was the dearer tire in 7 of them, by 17% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Winter Sport 5 is made in 49 sizes (15 to 21 inch) and the Kristall Control HP2 in 41 (15 to 19 inch). 32 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Winter Sport 5 is graded B for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Kristall Control HP2 C and C.
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Run either of these?
Your review is the part of this page no test can supply: how the tire wore, how it aged, what it was like in the rain in year three. It takes about five minutes.
Where this data comes from
Finishing positions and measurements are transcribed from each published test. A test only counts here when both tires ran in it, so every figure was recorded on the same car, size and day as the one it is compared to.
About the TR Score
The Tire Reviews Score rates each tire out of 10 from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold, so two tires can be compared even before a test has run them together.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tire Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tires independently since 2007.
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