For the record, you’re not going to be stopping into your average wheel shop to buy a set of Pirelli Sottozero WRC studded tires. You can probably get a set from a motorsports dealer for around $2,000, but even then, the studs used in World Rally Championship racing are most likely not allowed on the roads in your neighborhood. You’ll have to settle for a set of Pirelli Ice Zero tires for around $600, equipped with friendlier and softer studs.
But what if you can running skinny WRC tires in the snow? That’s the question Jonathan Benson answers – with some glee – in his latest tire test video. Is it scientific? Not really. Does it offer a lot of real-world information for tire buyers? Not so much, other than to show how good studded street tires are in cold conditions. We know Benson is meticulous when it comes to tire tests, but this time around, it’s all about shock and awe.
It’s one thing to watch a WRC rally car literally carve a corner on the ice stage. Obviously, special tires are designed for maximum performance in winter conditions. But to provide some context, Benson evaluated Pirelli’s WRC tires alongside a set of studded Ice Zero 2s. Naturally, racing tires will provide better grip, especially on ice. But will they make a big difference in snow traction?
In short, yes. In Benson’s words, crazy.
Driving a rally-ready Subaru WRX, he clocked up a best snow trail lap time of 1:07 on road-spec Pirelli tires. However, the Sottozero WRC cut its time to 59 seconds – 8 seconds quicker for the high profile thin tires in conditions where the studs were less important. The lateral performance of the WRC tires was impressive, leading Benson to say he lacked grip on some tires in dry conditions.
On ice, WRC tires simply live in another universe. Compared to the Ice Zero 2 studded street tires – which Benson praised very well – Sottozeros was 17.9 seconds quicker on the ice laps. It’s worth mentioning that the trail is composed of smooth ice, making the surface very slippery. It’s an eye-opening contrast to say the least.
Wherever the new year’s journey takes you, stay safe on the road and watch your tires. All-wheel drive can help you accelerate in slippery conditions, but turning and stopping are also important.
