Nokian V or H summer tires vs. i3

[Toaster on Wheels]

Howdy volks,

I posted this question in the Ontario Forum, but then thought there might be more Nokian owners in this section (my bad).

I'm in the market for some new summers and I'm a loyal Nokian customer (currently running the Hakkas for winter). Just wondering if anyone has any experience with the Nokian V or H tires? Are they worth the extra funds compared to the i3?

I've found some great threads on the i3's and the NRVi's. My understanding is that the Nokian V is supposed to replace the NRVi? Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Anyone know the difference in compounds from the V to the H? I assume that the H is high speed rated or something and wears faster?

Thanks!

(BTW, here's a link to there website - http://nokiantires.com/en/summer_passenger.aspx)

[lkchris]

I bought a couple i3s for my motorcycle trailer.

In big letters on the sidewall is molded "Engineered in Finland."

In small letters on the sidewall is molded "Made in PRC."

[mycruiseagent]

The local Nokian rep (who is the distributor for New England) steered me away from the i3 with the warning that it is a LOT less tire than other Nokian tires. I ended up getting the WR G2's - they say Made In Finland on the sidewall.

MCA

[RabbitGTI]

If you're really into driving hard in the summer, I would'nt get them, they are not that grippy.

[IXLR8]

If you do a Google search for the Nokian 'H' tires, you will see the Prius crowd seems to like them for their mileage (mpg's). I did see a post by someone here who said they were smooth and quiet riding, not the best handling. I believe the 'V' is just a higher speed rated 'H' tire, basically the same. I am after high mpg's, smooth and quiet ride, I ordered a set and hope to have them on the car by Friday.

[Toaster on Wheels]

Thanks for the tips gang! I'm not really looking for a high performance tire, but I'm also not looking for a touring all season (hence I thought I'd stay away from the i3 and the WR).

IXLR8, I did notice some posts in the Prius forum. Some good info over there. Would like to hear what you think of the tires when you get them all mounted up!

Cheers!

[IXLR8]

TOW- I will keep you posted on how they work out. Although compared to the NOISY snow tires I have on now.... anything should be better.
Here is what another member of this forum said about the H's he put on his car.

The tires are excellent. I'm extremely pleased with them since they were relatively cheap (I paid $466 installed and balanced in Canada and they should be cheaper in the US), they have a new and interesting tread pattern, and my mileage seems to have improved slighly since I got them (although I can't be too sure since I drove less than 800miles on them).

The good: They are very quiet, they absorb bumps and road imperfections well, they have very good wet and dry grip, they feel very safe and planted at high speeds even in heavy rain (not once did they feel remotely close to aquaplaning), and they don't lift as much water as other tires.

The bad: The sidewalls are softer than the OEM Goodyears so the tires wonder slighty more so some directional precision was lost. The tires also have a UTQG 320 treadwear rating so I'm not sure how long they'll last.

My dad drove my car and loved the tires as well. Next year I'm buying a set of Nokian H tires for my sister's Golf, so I'll be a repeat customer.

[IXLR8]

Hi,
I had my Nokian H's mounted today, 205/55R16's, I only have about 30 miles on them, but I like them so far. Keep in mind that the tires I just took off were aggressive Gislaved snow tires. Initial impressions, I find the "H" tire to be smooth and quiet... I can now hear the engine. It steers easier than the fairly worn Conti Contacts that came off last fall. I think the car rolls a little easier, I can drive a little slower in 5th without the engine complaining. It will take a few weeks for me to some mileage on the tires to see how the economy really is, and to get the mould compound rubbed off to see how they handle. Initial gut feel, they run smooth with less resistance than the Conti's, but I suspect that they won't handle quiet as good. Which is a trade off I can live with, my goals are, good fuel economy, smooth and quiet ride. The ride is MUCH smoother and quieter than the snows, I believe they are also smoother and quieter than the Conti's. If the weather man is correct... I get to do a 4 hr drive tomorrow in the rain... so we shall see how that goes.

[LoneLIPumpeDuse]

How about an update on your opinion of the Nokian H

Originally Posted by IXLR8

I get to do a 4 hr drive tomorrow in the rain... so we shall see how that goes.

[Toaster on Wheels]

IXLR8,

Thanks for your review on the tires so far. Looks like I'll be ording some this week. Let us know if you had a chance to try them in the rain.