Topic: New Winter Tires for a Mazda Protege

[skierjay]

I need some advice folks. I'm looking at a 175/70R13 set of winter tires for a 1992 Mazda Protege DX and have it narrowed down to either:

1) Nokian Haakapeliita 2's at $506 (including tax & install) or,
2) Michelin X-Ice at $459 (including tax & install)or,  
3) Goodyear Ultra Grip at $423 (including tax & install).

The prices are quite close in comparison and I have heard good things about all 3 brands. The best I've heard was about the Nokian Hakka's.  

My driving consists of at least 50km per day in Ottawa plus at leat once per week to Mont Tremblant on the death-defying Hwy 123 EST with the occasional extended road trip to other ski areas.  

Any thoughts that can break this deadlock for me?

Thanks,
J.

[nathaluc]

If the Nokian is in spot #1 and you are most likely looking for an unstudded tire, I would look at the Nokian RSI which is probably somewhat better than the unstudded Hakka 2.  The 2 will shine with studs but may be lacking without them.  I have not tried either the 2 or RSI but I have had the Hakka Q (precursor to RSI) for at least 5 years and they perform great on most conditions.  I would have bought the RSI if they were available on my new car but not yet in the correct size.  I ended with the Blizzak WS-50.

[skierjay]

It was the Hakka 2's without studs that I was looking at but my short list was in no particular order.  
I think at this point I am leaning towards a set of the Michelin X-Ice. Any opinions on the X-Ice as far as quality on snow vs. ice vs. slush? I hear they take a few km's to break in as well.
Is it worth the extra $60 or so for the non-studded Hakka 2's???