Continental PremiumContact 7 vs Kumho Ecsta PS71: Welcome to our latest tire comparison! In this thrilling ultra-high performance (UHP) battle, we pit the Continental PremiumContact 7, launched in 2022, against the Kumho Ecsta PS71. With the successor, the “Ecsta Sport S,” announced for 2024, this marks the final showdown for the Ecsta PS71. Get ready as we dive into the performance, handling, and durability of these two formidable contenders in their last head-to-head clash!
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Results: Continental PremiumContact 7 vs Kumho Ecsta PS71
Results below were taken from the 2023 AutoBild Summer Test while includes an amazing 50 tires from its preliminary braking rounds. Only 20 tires made it through to the final round and a full detail evaluation was completed with these 20 tires. The wet & dry handling performances are evaluated objectively using the average lap speed rather than the preferred subjective ratings.
The graph above shows the comparison between Continental PremiumContact 7 vs Kumho Ecsta PS71 based on the relevant performance category. The Continental PremiumContact 7 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark. The tire size of interest is 225/45 R18 which is a common tire size for Mercedes-Benz C 200 and Kia Stinger . You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice is a BMW 3 series.
Wet
In wet braking, the Continental PremiumContact 7 stops in 39.5 meters, which is 2.1 meters shorter than the Kumho Ecsta PS71, which stops in 41.6 meters. For wet handling, the PremiumContact 7 achieves an average speed of 76.3 km/h, outperforming the Ecsta PS71, which averages 74.6 km/h. When it comes to straight aquaplaning resistance, the PremiumContact 7 slips at 104 km/h, slightly better than the Ecsta PS71, which slips at 103.7 km/h.
Ecsta PS71 :
- -5% in wet braking
- -2% in wet handling (lap speed)
- ~0% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
In dry braking, the Continental PremiumContact 7 stops in 33.7 meters, which is 1.4 meters shorter than the Kumho Ecsta PS71, which stops in 35.1 meters. For dry handling, the PremiumContact 7 achieves an average speed of 120.3 km/h, outperforming the Ecsta PS71, which averages 118.4 km/h.
Ecsta PS71 :
- -4% in dry braking
- -2% in dry handling
Wear
The Continental PremiumContact 7 demonstrates a significantly better mileage performance, lasting 51,600 km, which is 12,800 km more than the Kumho Ecsta PS71, which lasts 38,800 km. This remarkable difference highlights Continental’s ability to balance wet performance with mileage, despite the typical conflict between achieving high levels of wet grip and extending tire life.
Ecsta PS71 :
- -25% in mileage
Noise
The Continental PremiumContact 7 produces an exterior noise level of 74 dB, which is 1.3 dB quieter than the Kumho Ecsta PS71, which produces 75.3 dB. This indicates a quieter ride with the PremiumContact 7 compared to the Ecsta PS71.
Ecsta PS71 :
- -2% in exterior noise (+1.3 dB)
Rolling Resistance
The rolling resistance of the Continental PremiumContact 7 is 8.1 N/kN, while the Kumho Ecsta PS71 has a rolling resistance of 8.06 N/kN. The difference is negligible, indicating that both tires offer almost identical performance in terms of rolling resistance.
Ecsta PS71 :
- ~0% in rolling resistance
Price
In the 225/45 R18 size, the Continental PremiumContact 7 is priced at €147, while the Kumho Ecsta PS71 costs €142. The price difference is just €5, making the Ecsta PS71 about 4% cheaper. We are amazed at how small this gap is, considering Kumho is in the quality segment while Continental is a premium brand.
Tire size: 225/45 R18
- PremiumContact 7 : €147
- Ecsta PS71 : €142
Difference: -4% more cheaper for Ecsta PS71.
Summary
As a tire expert, I can confidently say that the Continental PremiumContact 7 is the clear winner in this comparison. Its superior wet and dry braking, better handling, and significantly longer mileage performance make it stand out. The Continental also offers a quieter ride and nearly identical rolling resistance to the Kumho Ecsta PS71. Despite the slight price advantage of the Kumho, the overall performance and longevity of the Continental make it a far better choice for drivers seeking the best in ultra-high performance tires.
Dr Edwin Pang