Comparison: Semperit Speed-Life 3 vs. Hankook Ventus Prime 4

This review compares two summer tyres - Semperit Speed-Life 3 and Hankook Ventus Prime 4. Here we focus on summarising multiple test results, providing verdicts about each tyre’s strengths and weaknesses, and comparing them in terms of mutual test positions.

The Semperit Speed-Life 3 is the successor to the Semperit Speed-Life, with no new model having replaced it so far. Its overall rating in our test was 59%. Semperit Speed-Life 3 ranked 43rd/51 in the Autobild test and 19th/50 in the ADAC test, but fared quite well in the Autoklub ČR test, ranking 10th/19. The tyre is praised for its good handling on wet roads, high projected mileage, low wear, and good efficiency. However, its performance on dry roads was found wanting.

Contrasting the Hankook Ventus Prime 4, an upgrade from the Hankook Ventus Prime3 K125, scored an impressive 81% in our tests. It performed excellently in the Autobild test, ranking 2nd/51, thanks to its superior dry braking, dry handling, and wet braking. It also positioned 9th in both the ADAC and Autoklub ČR tests. This touring tyre features dynamic handling on wet and dry surfaces, short dry braking distances, and low rolling resistance. However, it is known to have a mediocre tread life and minor weaknesses in aquaplaning resistance, environmental balance, and efficiency.

Overall, while the Semperit Speed-Life 3 (from Semperit) shows decent performance, especially in wet conditions and tread wear, it lags behind on dry surfaces. On the other hand, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 (from Hankook) emerges as the superior tyre, offering balanced performance in both dry and wet conditions along with short braking distances, but it does exhibit minor weaknesses in tread life and environmental balance. The choice between these two tyres may ultimately depend on your specific driving requirements and priorities.