Pirelli P Zero PZ5 vs Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72: The ultra-high performance battle heats up in 2025. The Pirelli P Zero PZ5, freshly launched this year, brings Italian motorsport pedigree with sharp grip and precision control. Facing it is the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72, also a 2025 release, Korea’s bold new challenger built on fresh technology and value-driven performance. Two brand-new launches, heritage versus ambition — a true clash in the UHP arena.
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Results: Pirelli P Zero PZ5 vs Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
The results presented here are from the Auto Express Best car tyres to buy now 2025: Test, where 9 of the best UHP & UUHP tire models were selected. The accompanying graph provides a side-by-side comparison of the Pirelli P Zero PZ5 vs Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 across various performance categories, with the Pirelli P Zero PZ5 serving as the benchmark at 100%.
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 GTI as the test vehicle.
Wet
In wet braking, the Pirelli P Zero PZ5 stops 3.9 meters shorter than the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72, giving it about a 14% advantage. In wet handling, the Pirelli laps 0.9 seconds quicker, translating to roughly a 1% edge. In straight aquaplaning, the Pirelli also holds on slightly better, carrying 1% more speed. Overall, Pirelli dominates in braking and leads in handling, while Kumho shows a minor edge in aquaplaning.
Ecsta Sport PS72 :
- -14% in wet braking
- -1% in wet handling
- -1% in aquaplaning
Dry
In dry braking, the Pirelli P Zero PZ5 stops 1.46 meters shorter than the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72, giving it about a 5% advantage. In dry handling, the Pirelli laps 0.05 seconds quicker, a 1% difference. Overall, Pirelli leads clearly in braking, while both tires are essentially equal in handling.
Ecsta Sport PS72 :
- -5% in dry braking
- -1% in dry handling
Comfort & Noise
In noise and refinement, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 scores 8% better than the Pirelli P Zero PZ5, showing a clear advantage in comfort and quietness.
Ecsta Sport PS72 :
- +8% in interior noise & comfort
Rolling Resistance
In rolling resistance, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 performs 9% better than the Pirelli P Zero PZ5, giving it a clear edge in efficiency and fuel savings.
Ecsta Sport PS72 :
- +9% in rolling resistance
Price
In price, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 comes in 4% cheaper than the Pirelli P Zero PZ5 in size 225/40 R18, giving it a slight cost advantage.
Tire size: 225/40 R18
- P Zero PZ5 : € 104
- Ecsta Sport PS72 : € 100
Difference: -4% more cheaper for Ecsta Sport PS72.
Summary
From my perspective as a tire expert, the Pirelli P Zero PZ5 impresses with its clear superiority in both wet and dry braking, along with sharper handling precision — exactly what you want in a pure UHP tire. The Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72, on the other hand, fights back with better refinement, lower rolling resistance, and a small price edge, making it a more balanced and efficient choice for everyday drivers who still want strong performance.
Dr Edwin Pang