Continental SportContact 7 vs Kumho Ecsta Sport: The Continental SportContact 7 has been dominating press tests since its 2022 launch, setting the benchmark in the UHP segment. But now, in 2025, Kumho strikes back with the all-new Ecsta Sport. Can the fresh contender challenge the reigning champion? It’s time for an ultimate UHP showdown!
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Results: Continental SportContact 7 vs Kumho Ecsta Sport
The results featured here are from the 2025 Die-Reifentester Summer Tire Test, with 8 model of the finest tires were tested. The accompanying graph presents a side-by-side comparison of the Continental SportContact 7 vs Kumho Ecsta Sport across various performance categories, with the Continental SportContact 7 serving as the benchmark at the 100% mark.
For subjective ratings, the test uses a simple 1-5 scale: 5 (Very Good), 4 (Good), 3 (Satisfactory), 2 (Adequate), and 1 (Poor), replacing the traditional 10-point system for clarity. 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 Kumho Ecsta Sport stops 1.42 meters earlier than the Continental SportContact 7, a 6% shorter distance. Both tires receive the same 5/5 subjective rating for wet handling, making it a close match in cornering performance. In straight-line aquaplaning, the SportContact 7 holds a slight edge with a slipping speed of 78.1 km/h, just 0.2 km/h faster, a 0.3% difference over the Ecsta Sport. Finally, someone beats the SportContact 7 in wet braking! Are the winds of change coming for the UHP king?
Ecsta Sport :
- +6% in wet braking
- 0% in subjective wet handling
- ~0% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
In dry braking, the SportContact 7 stops 0.55 meters shorter than the Ecsta Sport, a 2% advantage in braking performance. Both tires receive a perfect 5/5 subjective rating in dry handling, making it a deadlock in overall cornering feel. Kumho may have struck first in wet braking, but in the dry, the SportContact 7 refuses to back down!
Ecsta Sport :
- -2% in dry braking
- 0% in subjective dry handling
Noise & Comfort
Both the SportContact 7 and Ecsta Sport receive identical 4/5 ratings for comfort and interior noise, making them evenly matched in ride quality and cabin quietness. No clear winner here—both deliver a well-balanced mix of sportiness and refinement!
Ecsta Sport :
- 0% in comfort
- 0% in interior noise
Rolling Resistance
In rolling resistance, the Ecsta Sport registers 9.13 N/kN, slightly higher than the SportContact 7 at 8.89 N/kN, giving the Continental a 3% advantage in efficiency. A small edge, but every bit counts when chasing lower fuel consumption!
Ecsta Sport :
- -3% in rolling resistance
Price
In 225/40 R18, the Kumho Ecsta Sport costs €77, making it 36% cheaper than the SportContact 7 at €105. A huge price gap—can the budget-friendly challenger steal the spotlight?
Tire size: 225/40 R18
- SportContact 7 : € 105
- Ecsta Sport : € 77
Difference: -36% more cheaper for Ecsta Sport
Summary
The Continental SportContact 7 excels in dry braking and rolling resistance, while the Kumho Ecsta Sport takes the lead in wet braking and price. Both are evenly matched in handling, comfort, and noise. Mileage remains a black box, but based on the tested results, the Kumho Ecsta Sport is the clear winner in performance-to-price ratio!
Dr Edwin Pang