Continental SportContact 7 vs Kumho Ecsta PS71: The Continental SportContact 7 has set the benchmark in the UUHP segment, consistently topping press tests with its exceptional wet and dry performance. Meanwhile, the Kumho Ecsta PS71, positioned as a more budget-friendly alternative, aims to challenge the king. Can the Ecsta PS71 pull off an upset, or will the SportContact 7 continue its dominance? Let’s find out!
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Results: Continental SportContact 7 vs Kumho Ecsta PS71
The results featured here are from the 2025 ADAC Summer Tire Test, with 16 model of the finest tires were tested. Wear bring a extremely priced and expensive test were provided to our delight. The accompanying graph presents a side-by-side comparison of the Continental SportContact 7 vs Kumho Ecsta PS71 across various performance categories, with the Continental SportContact 7 serving as the benchmark at the 100% mark.
The tire size of interest is the 225/40R18 tire size, a popular choice for vehicles like the BMW 3 series Audi A4. For further insights into various tire sizes, feel free to consult our latest tire size table. The tests were conducted using a standard Volkswagen Golf as the test vehicle.
Wet
In wet braking, the Continental SportContact 7 stops in 28.4 meters, while the Kumho Ecsta PS71 takes 30.2 meters, making the SportContact 7 1.8 meters shorter or 6% better in stopping distance. However, in straight-line aquaplaning, the Kumho Ecsta PS71 holds a 4.1 km/h advantage, floating at 83.7 km/h compared to 79.6 km/h for the SportContact 7, giving the Kumho a 5% better resistance to aquaplaning.
Ecsta PS71:
- -6% in wet braking
- +5% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
In dry braking, the Kumho Ecsta PS71 stops in 34.8 meters, while the Continental SportContact 7 takes 35.2 meters, making the Kumho 0.4 meters shorter or 1% better in stopping distance.
Ecsta PS71:
- +1% in dry braking
Wear
In wear performance, the Continental SportContact 7 lasts 43,400 km, while the Kumho Ecsta PS71 wears out at 37,300 km, giving the SportContact 7 a 6,100 km longer lifespan, which is 16% better. In abrasion resistance, the SportContact 7 loses 63.4 mg/km/t, while the Ecsta PS71 loses 85.7 mg/km/t, meaning the Kumho wears down 35% faster in material loss.
Ecsta PS71:
- -14% in mileage
- -26% in abrasion
Noise
In exterior noise performance, the Continental SportContact 7 registers 72.3 dB, while the Kumho Ecsta PS71 measures 73.6 dB, making the SportContact 7 1.3 dB quieter, which is approximately 2% lower in noise levels.
Ecsta PS71:
- -2% in exterior noise (+1.3 dB)
Fuel Consumption
In fuel consumption, the Continental SportContact 7 uses 5.5 l/100 km, while the Kumho Ecsta PS71 consumes 5.7 l/100 km, making the SportContact 7 0.2 l/100 km more efficient, which is 4% better in fuel economy.
Ecsta PS71:
- -4% in fuel consumption
Price
For a 225/40R18 size, the Kumho Ecsta PS71 costs €83, while the Continental SportContact 7 is priced at €105, making the Ecsta PS71 €22 cheaper, which is 27% more affordable than the SportContact 7.
Tire size: 225/40 R18
- SportContact 7 : € 105
- Ecsta PS71: € 83
Difference: -27% more cheaper for Ecsta PS71
Summary
The Continental SportContact 7 dominates with superior wet braking, longer wear life, lower noise, and better fuel efficiency, reinforcing its position as the benchmark in the UUHP segment. However, the Kumho Ecsta PS71 fights back with stronger aquaplaning resistance, slightly better dry braking, and a significantly lower price at 27% cheaper. While the Ecsta PS71 offers great value, the SportContact 7 remains the clear performance leader in almost every key area.
Dr Edwin Pang