The Bridgestone Potenza Adrenalin RE005 vs Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 is a fresh UHP battle between two ambitious new-generation performance tires. With the RE005 recently launched as Bridgestone’s latest Potenza Adrenalin, it now faces the highly competitive PS72—setting up an exciting fight for grip, control and everyday performance in one of the toughest segments.
Table of Contents
Results: Bridgestone Potenza Adrenalin RE005 vs Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
The results presented here are from the AutoView’s 2026 Summer Tire Test, where 7 tire models were selected. The accompanying graph provides a side-by-side comparison of the Bridgestone Potenza Adrenalin RE005 vs Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 across various performance categories, with theBridgestone Potenza Adrenalin RE005 serving as the benchmark at 100%.
The tire size of interest is the 225/45 R18 tire size, a popular choice for vehicles like the BMW 3 series & Mercedes C Class. For further insights into various tire sizes, feel free to consult our latest tire size table. The tests were conducted using a BMW 120 as the test vehicle.
Wet
In wet braking, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 stopped 0.6 meters shorter than the Bridgestone Potenza Adrenalin RE005, recording 27.3 meters compared with 27.9 meters. This gives the Kumho a 2% advantage in wet braking. Overall, the PS72 has a small but clear edge in the wet.
Ecsta Sport PS72 :
- +2% in wet braking
Dry
In dry braking, both tires were essentially equal, with the Kumho stopping just 0.1 meters shorter at 36.3 meters versus 36.4 meters, a 0% difference. In subjective dry handling, the Bridgestone scored 4.5 points higher, with 13.5/15 compared with 9/15, giving it a 15% advantage. The Bridgestone was also 0.5 km/h faster around the dry circle at 72.6 km/h versus 72.1 km/h, a 1% advantage. Overall, braking was nearly identical, but the RE005 was clearly stronger in dry handling.
Ecsta Sport PS72 :
- 0% in dry braking
- -15% in dry handling (subj)
- -1% in dry circle
NVH
In noise, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 was 1.1 dB quieter than the Bridgestone Potenza Adrenalin RE005, recording 47.8 dB versus 48.9 dB, giving it a 2% advantage. However, the Bridgestone scored 2 points higher in ride comfort, with 8/10 compared with 6/10, giving the RE005 a 10% advantage. Overall, the Kumho is quieter, while the Bridgestone delivers the more comfortable ride.
Ecsta Sport PS72 :
- +2% in interior noise
- -10% in ride comfort
Rolling Resistance
In the coast-down test, the Bridgestone Potenza Adrenalin RE005 rolled 54 meters further than the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72, covering 566 meters versus 512 meters, giving the Bridgestone a 10% advantage in rolling resistance. Overall, the RE005 is clearly the more efficient tire.
Ecsta Sport PS72 :
- -10% in rolling resistance
Price
For 225/45 R18, the Bridgestone Potenza Adrenalin RE005 costs RM613, while the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 costs RM639. That makes the Kumho RM26 more expensive, or around 4% more than the Bridgestone. Overall, the RE005 has the slight price advantage.
Tire size: 225/45 R18
- Potenza Adrenalin RE005 : RM 613
- Ecsta Sport PS72 : RM 639
Difference: +4% more expensive for Ecsta Sport PS72
Summary
From my perspective, the Bridgestone Potenza Adrenalin RE005 is the stronger all-rounder, with better dry handling, ride comfort, rolling resistance and a slightly lower price. The Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72, however, has the advantage in wet braking and is noticeably quieter. If you value sharper handling and everyday comfort, I would lean toward the RE005, while the PS72 makes more sense for drivers who prioritize wet grip and low noise.
Dr Edwin Pang