Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 vs Kumho Ecsta Sport: It’s a clash in the ultra-high performance segment as the seasoned Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 takes on the bold newcomer — the Kumho Ecsta Sport! With Continental’s proven track record facing off against Kumho’s latest innovation, this is a battle between experience and ambition. Old guard vs new blood — who wins the summer performance crown? Let’s find out!
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Results: Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 vs Kumho Ecsta Sport
Results below were taken from Tire Rack’s Are EV-Specific Tires Better than Popular Non-EV Tires? Test. A total of 9 tires were tested on Tire Rack’s proving ground including a variety of different segment tires. The graph below shows the comparison between Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 vs Kumho Ecsta Sport based on the relevant performance category. The Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
The tire size of interest is a 235/40R19 which is a common tire size for Tesla Model 3. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle for this tire test is a 2023 Tesla Model 3 Performance.
Wet
In wet braking, the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 stopped in 128.6 feet, while the Kumho Ecsta Sport needed 137.5 feet — a difference of 8.9 feet, meaning the Continental stopped about 6% shorter. However, in wet handling lap time, the Kumho Ecsta Sport completed the lap in 29.94 seconds compared to the Continental’s 30.43 seconds — making the Kumho 0.49 seconds quicker, or about 1% faster. Subjective wet handling slightly favored the Kumho as well, scoring 7.94 versus 7.75 for the Continental, a small 2% edge.
Overall, the Continental leads in wet braking, but the Kumho counters with quicker and more confident wet handling.
Ecsta Sport :
- -6% in wet braking
- +1% in wet handling (subj)
- +2% in wet handling (lap time)
Dry
In dry braking, the Kumho Ecsta Sport stopped in just 107.7 feet, outperforming the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02’s 119.3 feet by 11.6 feet — a 11% shorter distance. However, in dry handling lap time, the Continental was quicker at 28.60 seconds compared to Kumho’s 29.14 seconds, making it 0.54 seconds faster or roughly 2% quicker. Subjective dry handling also favored the Continental, scoring 8.36 against Kumho’s 7.94 — a 2% advantage.
While the Kumho impresses with its strong dry braking, the Continental fights back with superior handling feel and faster lap times.
Ecsta Sport :
- +11% in dry braking
- -2% in dry handling (subj)
- -2% in dry handling (lap time)
Noise/Comfort/Ride Quality
In terms of noise, comfort, and ride quality, the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 scored 7.33, slightly ahead of the Kumho Ecsta Sport’s 6.92 — a 0.41-point difference or roughly 2% better.
Ecsta Sport :
- -2% in average of Noise, Comfort & Ride Quality.
Battery Range
The Kumho Ecsta Sport delivered a battery range of 250 miles per charge, just 2 miles more than the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 at 248 miles — a minimal difference of under 1%.
Ecsta Sport :
- +1% in battery range (efficiency)
UTQG ratings
The Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 has a UTQG treadwear rating of 340, while the Kumho Ecsta Sport is rated slightly lower at 320. This means the Continental is expected to last about 6% longer under standardized test conditions. Despite this difference, both tires come with the same mileage warranty of 30,000 miles.
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continental | ExtremeContact Sport 02 | All | 340 | AA | A |
| Kumho | Ecsta Sport | All | 320 | AA | A |
Price
In 235/40R19, the Kumho Ecsta Sport is priced at $215, while the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 costs $290. That makes the Kumho 35% cheaper than the Continental.
Tire size: 235/40R19
- ExtremeContact Sport 02 : $ 290
- Ecsta Sport : $ 215
Difference: -35% more cheaper for Ecsta Sport.
Summary
The Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 offers stronger wet braking, sharper dry handling, and better ride comfort, making it a well-rounded premium performer. The Kumho Ecsta Sport counters with superior dry braking, quicker wet handling, and a much lower price, making it a compelling value pick for budget-conscious drivers.
Dr Edwin Pang