Firestone Winterhawk 4 vs Fulda Kristall Control HP2
- TR Score
- 8.1/10
- Owners say
- 72% · 6
- TR Score
- 7.2/10
- Owners say
- 70% · 12
In the 13 independent tests that ran both tires, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 finished ahead 10 times and the Kristall Control HP2 twice, with one level. The Winterhawk 4 stopped 6.8% shorter in the wet; the Kristall Control HP2 lasted 15.6% longer in the wear tests.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Firestone Winterhawk 4 for mixed winters with frequent wet/slush and for drivers who prioritize stopping distances and all-round confidence. Choose Fulda Kristall Control HP2 if you value maximum mileage and frequent snow braking performance in colder, drier regions with less sustained rain.
Where the Winterhawk 4 is stronger
- Class-leading wet braking across tests (e.g., 34.8 m vs 36.9 m; 33.9 m vs 37.4 m)
- Stronger wet handling and straight aquaplaning margins
- Lower noise and generally better rolling resistance/fuel use
Where the Kristall Control HP2 is stronger
- Consistently strong snow braking performance
- Excellent mileage and wear (often test-leading longevity)
- Stable, car-like dry handling feel and subjective comfort
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.
Winterhawk 4 vs Kristall Control HP2 at a glance
| Category | Winterhawk 4 | Gap | Kristall Control HP2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won13 shared tests | 10 | 1 level | 2 |
| Dry10 measurements | 4 | The Kristall Control HP2 averaged a 0.6% higher speed on the dry handling course (4 tests) | 6 |
| Wet34 measurements | 28 | The Winterhawk 4 stopped 6.8% shorter in the wet (12 tests) | 6 |
| Snow25 measurements | 8 | The Kristall Control HP2 stopped 1% shorter on snow (12 tests) | 13 |
| Ice2 measurements | 1 | Level between the two. | 1 |
| Comfort7 measurements | 6 | The Winterhawk 4 was 2 dB quieter (6 tests) | 1 |
| Value14 measurements | 6 | The Kristall Control HP2 lasted 15.6% longer in the wear tests (6 tests) | 8 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.1/10 | The Winterhawk 4 by 0.9 | 7.2/10 |
| Owner rating6 and 12 reviews | 72% | The Winterhawk 4 by 2 points | 70% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 67% | The Winterhawk 4 by 9 points | 58% |
| Pricein the 6 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The Kristall Control HP2 was dearer in 3 of 6 | +2.7% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 83 | 36 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 13 tests, 2021 to 2026
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.
| Test | Winterhawk 4 | Field | Kristall Control HP2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Winter Tire Braking Test - 50 Sets | P19 of 50 | P26 of 50 | |
| 2025 Autobild Winter Tire Test | P16 of 20 | P18 of 20 | |
| 2025 Winter Tire Braking Test - 52 Sets! | P7 of 51 | P18 of 51 | |
| 2025 ADAC Winter Tire Test | P17 of 31 | P13 of 31 | |
| 2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P18 of 20 | P18 of 20 | |
| 2024 Winter 55 Tire Braking Test | P10 of 55 | P20 of 55 | |
| 2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tire Test | P7 of 16 | P9 of 16 | |
| 2023 Winter Tire Test 54 Set Braking Test | P6 of 54 | P23 of 54 | |
| 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P16 of 20 | P19 of 20 | |
| 2022 Winter Tire Market Overview | P14 of 56 | P18 of 56 | |
| 2021 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P10 of 20 | P16 of 20 | |
| 2021 ADAC 17 Inch Winter Tire Test | P12 of 18 | P11 of 18 | |
| 2021 Winter Tire Market Overview | P5 of 50 | P18 of 50 |
Performance profile
18 measurements from the 13 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Winterhawk 4
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 92%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 2 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Winterhawk 4
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
Winterhawk 4
Kristall Control HP2
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the Winterhawk 4 72% from 6 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 | Winterhawk 4 | Gap | Kristall Control HP2 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 153 | 0.2% | 153 | 3-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 74.3 | 0.6% | 74.7 | 1-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 137 | 6.8% | 147 | 12-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 125 | 6.8% | 135 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 46.3 | 2.9% | 45 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.1 | 26.1% | 6.5 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12.64 | 2.1% | 12.92 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 50 | 3.5% | 48.3 | 5-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 9.8 | 8.5% | 10.4 | 1-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 84 | 1% | 83 | 1-8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 409 | = | 408 | 3-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 35.5 | 1.5% | 35.1 | 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 10.7 | 1.6% | 10.8 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 60 | 1.7% | 61 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 9.6% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 70.38 | 2 dB | 72.38 | 6-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 25,155 | 15.6% | 28,841 | 2-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.23 | 4.5% | 8.62 | 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.7 | = | 5.7 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 80.5 | 15.6% | 67 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 Winterhawk 4 scores 8.1 and the Kristall Control HP2 7.2 out of 10.
| Winterhawk 4 | Category | Kristall Control HP2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | Dry | 21 | ||
| 86 | Wet | 59 | ||
| 66 | Comfort | 11 | ||
| 49 | Value | 74 | ||
| 69 | Snow | 70 | ||
| 54 | 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
| Winterhawk 4 | Category | Kristall Control HP2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.3 | Dry Grip | 8.1 | ||
| 7.3 | Wet Grip | 7 | ||
| 6.2 | Road Feedback | 7.5 | ||
| 5.5 | Handling | 6.9 | ||
| 7.6 | Wear | 7.3 | ||
| 7.7 | Comfort | 7.4 | ||
| 7.5 | Snow Grip | 6.1 | ||
| 6.8 | Ice Grip | 4.1 | ||
Owners rate the Winterhawk 4 72% from 6 reviews and the Kristall Control HP2 70% from 12. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Firestone Winterhawk 4
- 72%from 6 reviews
- 67%would buy again
- 25,300 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers generally rate the Firestone Winterhawk 4 highly for everyday winter use, with strong confidence in snow and rain, short braking distances, and reassuring all-round performance. Many highlight its good value versus premium brands, along with a quiet, comfortable ride and responsive feel. Overall satisfaction is high across the majority of reviews.
- strong snow performance
- good wet grip and braking
- quiet and comfortable ride
- good value for money
Summarised by AI from 5 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 6 Winterhawk 4 reviewsGood quality for mid-range brand, cover winter needs. In general there is no high potential of performance for winter tires independently of brand!
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: 83 sizes of the Winterhawk 4 and 41 of the Kristall Control HP2, 36 of them made in both.
| Category | Winterhawk 4 | Kristall Control HP2 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 83 sizes, 14 to 20 inch | 41 sizes, 15 to 19 inch |
| Made in both | 36 sizes 195/50 R15195/55 R15195/65 R15205/65 R15195/45 R16195/50 R16195/55 R16205/55 R16205/60 R16215/55 R16215/60 R16215/65 R16and 24 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B100% | C83%B15%D2% |
| EU label rolling resistance | D50%C50% | C74%D20%B6% |
| EU label noise | 71 dB B100% | 70-73 dB B100% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 101 of 101 | 54 of 54 |
| On the market since | 2020 | 2021 |
| Replaced | Firestone Winterhawk 3 (2013) | Fulda Kristall Control HP (2021) |
| Price in the shared tests | The Kristall Control HP2 was the dearer tire in 3 of the 6 tests that listed prices, by 2.7% 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 budget-to-mid winter options with different design intents: Firestone's Winterhawk 4 (touring-focused) versus Fulda's Kristall Control HP2 (high-performance labeled). Across 12 shared tests from 2021-2025 in sizes from 16-18 inch, they trade places on dry and snow detail metrics, but a clear pattern emerges in the wet.
The Firestone consistently delivers shorter wet braking and stronger wet handling/aquaplaning margins, while the Fulda often edges snow braking and shows notably longer mileage. Pricing sits close, so the choice hinges on your winter mix: frequent rain and slush versus mileage and light-to-moderate snow use.
Conclusion
Firestone Winterhawk 4 is the safer bet for mixed European winters with frequent wet, slushy roads. It dominates wet braking in 11/11 measured head-to-heads and is typically better in wet handling, straight aquaplaning, noise, and efficiency-advantages that translate directly to shorter stops and confidence in unpredictable winter rain. Its drawbacks are longer dry braking and a softer, less precise feel on dry roads, plus average-to-below mileage versus class leaders.
Fulda Kristall Control HP2 counters with strengths in snow braking (wins most comparisons), very good projected mileage and wear, and decent dry composure. However, repeated wet-road shortcomings-longer wet stops and weaker lateral wet grip-limit its safety envelope in common winter conditions. If you prioritize longevity and operate in colder, drier climates with consistent snow but less rain, the Fulda can make sense; otherwise, Firestone's wet safety advantage is the more compelling everyday choice.
Winterhawk 4 vs Kristall Control HP2: your questions
Is the Firestone Winterhawk 4 or the Fulda Kristall Control HP2 the better tire?
In the 13 independent tests that ran both tires, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 finished ahead 10 times and the Kristall Control HP2 twice, with one level. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Winterhawk 4 scores 8.1 and the Kristall Control HP2 7.2 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Winterhawk 4 or the Kristall Control HP2?
The Winterhawk 4 led 28 of the 34 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 6.8% shorter in the wet across 12 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Kristall Control HP2 led 6 of the 10 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it averaged a 0.6% higher speed on the dry handling course across 4 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The Kristall Control HP2 led 13 of the 25 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1% shorter on snow across 12 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Winterhawk 4 had 4.5% lower rolling resistance (4 tests); the Kristall Control HP2 lasted 15.6% longer in the wear tests (6 tests) and shed 15.6% less rubber in the abrasion test (2 tests). Owners rate wear 7.6/10 for the Winterhawk 4 and 7.3/10 for the Kristall Control HP2.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The Winterhawk 4 was 2 dB quieter (6 tests). Owners rate comfort 7.7/10 for the Winterhawk 4 and 7.4/10 for the Kristall Control HP2.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Winterhawk 4 72% from 6 reviews and the Kristall Control HP2 70% from 12. 67% of Winterhawk 4 owners would buy it again, against 58% for the Kristall Control HP2.
Which is more expensive?
In the 6 tests that listed prices, the Kristall Control HP2 was the dearer tire in 3 of them, by 2.7% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Winterhawk 4 is made in 83 sizes (14 to 20 inch) and the Kristall Control HP2 in 41 (15 to 19 inch). 36 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Winterhawk 4 is graded B for wet grip and D for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Kristall Control HP2 C and C.
Which is the newer tire?
The Kristall Control HP2 is the newer design: it reached the market in 2021, the Winterhawk 4 in 2020. The Winterhawk 4 replaced the Firestone Winterhawk 3. The Kristall Control HP2 replaced the Fulda Kristall Control HP.
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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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