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Head-to-head Updated

Firestone RoadHawk vs Kumho Ecsta PS71 — Compared

Relative Score (0–100): the weighted average of the categories below, each 60% road tests and 40% owner reviews (comfort 40/60). Based on 17 + 14 road tests and 645 + 8,204 owner reviews. How we score

Ecsta PS71 is ahead, 68–56

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Firestone RoadHawk
Tire AFirestone

RoadHawk

Summer

± 6

Tests 70 · 17 tests Owners 39 · 645 reviews

Best test result: #1 of 15 in 2019 Summer and All Season Tyre Test (wet handling)

“sind diese Sommerreifen noch okay? Im August 2023 gekauft und circa 25 tausend km gefahren. Firestone Roadhawk, DOT 4922. Habe an meinem Opel Meriva beim Anfahren nach links, zB beim Ausparken oder beim Anfahren in einer engen Linkskurve von vorne rechts ein mehrmaliges Poltern gehört. Habe ein bisschen gegoogelt und von ausgeschlagenem Querlenker gelesen. Im Oktober 2022 hat das Auto einen neuen Vorderachsträger und neue Querlenker bekommen. Nun habe ich Winterräder montiert und das Poltern beim Anfahren nach links ist weg. Was kann das sein? Read more”

Kumho Ecsta PS71
Tire BKumho

Ecsta PS71

Summer

± 6

Tests 68 · 14 tests Owners 69 · 8,204 reviews

Best test result: #1 of 18 in 2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test (straight aquaplaning)

“Those are Kumho Ecsta PS71s, thread width is supposed to be 245mm, the actual one is hardly 235. How so?”

Category by category

Relative Score per category, 0–100. Open “Why this score” for the tests and owner ratings behind it.

Key facts

  • In 6 tests that measured wet braking for both, RoadHawk won 0 and Ecsta PS71 won 6 (average 88% vs 94% of the best).
  • In 5 tests that measured dry braking for both, RoadHawk won 4 and Ecsta PS71 won 1 (average 95% vs 93% of the best).
  1. 67

    Dry

    Ecsta PS71 +8
    75
    Why this score
    SourceRoadHawkEcsta PS71
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 16 / 12 tests8278
    Reviews found online4472
    Dry Braking (% of best) · 5 shared tests · wins 4–195%93%
    Dry Handling (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 1–198%98%

    RoadHawk: 60% × 82.2 + 40% × 44.3 = 67

    Ecsta PS71: 60% × 77.6 + 40% × 71.7 = 75

  2. 64

    Wet

    Ecsta PS71 +21
    85
    Why this score
    SourceRoadHawkEcsta PS71
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 17 / 13 tests7692
    Reviews found online4775
    Straight Aquaplaning (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 0–294%98%
    Wet Braking (% of best) · 6 shared tests · wins 0–688%94%
    Wet Handling (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 0–296%97%

    RoadHawk: 60% × 76.3 + 40% × 46.8 = 64

    Ecsta PS71: 60% × 91.9 + 40% × 74.7 = 85

  3. 50

    Comfort

    Ecsta PS71 +19
    69
    Why this score
    SourceRoadHawkEcsta PS71
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 2 / 2 tests6775
    Reviews found online3865
    Comfort (tester's mark) (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–156%78%

    RoadHawk: 40% × 67.1 + 60% × 38.4 = 50

    Ecsta PS71: 40% × 74.6 + 60% × 65.3 = 69

  4. 45

    Noise

    RoadHawk +9
    36
    Why this score
    SourceRoadHawkEcsta PS71
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 8 / 8 tests3116
    Reviews found online≈ 66 (est.)≈ 66 (est.)
    Noise (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 1–197%97%

    RoadHawk: 60% × 30.6 + 40% × 66.3 (est.) = 45

    Ecsta PS71: 60% × 15.6 + 40% × 66.3 (est.) = 36

    No owner ratings of noise for RoadHawk or Ecsta PS71. The owner half is the owners’ average (66): owners’ noise ratings barely follow the road tests, so the tests say nothing about how owners would rate it.

  5. 50

    Treadwear

    Ecsta PS71 +2
    52
    Why this score
    SourceRoadHawkEcsta PS71
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 6 / 6 tests6446
    Reviews found online2860
    Wear (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 2–063%50%

    RoadHawk: 60% × 64.3 + 40% × 28.3 = 50

    Ecsta PS71: 60% × 46 + 40% × 59.9 = 52

  6. 34

    Handling (owners)

    Ecsta PS71 +39
    73
    Why this score
    SourceRoadHawkEcsta PS71
    Reviews found online3473
  7. 72

    Efficiency

    RoadHawk +24
    48
    Why this score
    SourceRoadHawkEcsta PS71
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 9 / 7 tests7248
    Rolling Resistance (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 2–094%73%
Scores at a glance
CategoryFirestone RoadHawkKumho Ecsta PS71
Relative Score 56 68
Dry 67 75
Wet 64 85
Comfort 50 69
Noise 45 36
Treadwear 50 52
Handling (owners) 34 73
Efficiency 72 48

Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.

Weight the categories that matter to you

Wet grip and treadwear start at “Important” — the two things buyers rank highest. Move the sliders and the scores update instantly.

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Recomputed
Headline score
± 6

RoadHawk

± 6

Ecsta PS71

The professional test results behind the scores

Per discipline: the average % of the best tire over every test both tires were in, and how many of those tests each one won. “Different tests” rows compare results from separate tests.

In the overall rankings of 6 tests that ran both, Firestone RoadHawk finished ahead 3 times and Kumho Ecsta PS71 3 times.

DisciplineCategoryRoadHawkEcsta PS71ΔHead-to-head
Dry Braking Dry 95% 93% +2.1 4–1 in 5 shared tests Newest: 2023 Summer Tyre Market Overview · 225/45 R18
Dry Handling Dry 98% 98% +0.1 1–1 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test · 245/45 R18
Straight Aquaplaning Wet 94% 98% −3.4 0–2 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test · 245/45 R18
Wet Braking Wet 88% 94% −6.6 0–6 in 6 shared tests Newest: 2023 Summer Tyre Market Overview · 225/45 R18
Wet Handling Wet 96% 97% −1.4 0–2 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test · 245/45 R18
Comfort (tester's mark) Comfort 56% 78% −22.2 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test · 225/45 R17
Noise Noise 97% 97% +0.2 1–1 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test · 245/45 R18
Wear Treadwear 63% 50% +13.7 2–0 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test · 245/45 R18
Rolling Resistance Efficiency 94% 73% +20.9 2–0 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test · 245/45 R18
Also published by the testers (not in the score)
Price Cost 75% 80% −5.2 0–2 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test · 245/45 R18
Total Cost of Ownership Cost #10/20 #19/20 – 2–0 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test · 245/45 R18
Value Cost 69% 58% +11.2 2–0 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test · 245/45 R18
Overall Ranking Overall #31/48 #12/48 – 3–3 in 6 shared tests Newest: 2023 Summer Tyre Market Overview · 225/45 R18

Pros, cons & observations

Themes extracted from owner reviews found online — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.

Tire A RoadHawk

Pros

  • Exceptional wet weather performance, particularly in standing water and heavy rain
  • Strong dry grip and confident cornering for daily driving
  • Comfortable ride quality with good bump absorption

Cons

  • Accelerated and sometimes uneven tread wear, resulting in shorter-than-expected lifespan
  • Soft sidewalls that can cause a visual 'under-inflated' bulge and spongy cornering response
  • Limited steering feedback and precision during spirited driving
All owner themes in the RoadHawk review

Tire B Ecsta PS71

Pros

  • Outstanding wet weather grip and aquaplaning resistance
  • High value for money compared to tier-one premium brands
  • Predictable handling and solid cornering stability in both dry and wet conditions

Cons

  • Noticeable road noise or droning at motorway speeds on certain vehicles
  • Occasional reports of balancing difficulties or out-of-round/egg-shaped tires
  • Softer sidewalls can lead to slightly vague steering response around center or tread block movement
All owner themes in the Ecsta PS71 review

What real owners are saying

From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of our score

Tire A

Firestone RoadHawk

Mixed

Community discussions reflect mixed perspectives on the Firestone Roadhawk, noting reasonable reviews alongside concerns regarding tread wear. While some test results place it competitively among budget-friendly summer options, owners also discuss practical issues such as unusual noises, generational replacement difficulties, and overall value.

r/tires ·2026-04-22

“I cant for the life of me find a Firestone Roadhawk (gen1) 205/50 R17 93W XL anywhere in Europe. The problem is GEN 1 is over, and all they have is GEN 2, aka Roadhawk 2. And i have 3 perfectly good Roadhawk (GEN 1), and no tire to make a set. Some sellers even post pictures of GEN 1, but they actually send you GEN 2. Which im pretty sure have a different profile, and markings. Any ideas ?”
bobistheoilguy.com ·2023-09-18

“Not sure if it is what you are looking for. I am Polish but I live in the USA. I am still following info from Poland but I am not buying tires there anymore. A magazine Motor tests tires. magazynauto.pl Firestone was included in their "accessibly priced" summer tires: Firestone Roadhawk. They lost to Uniroyal, Semperit, Dębica but were ahead of Kumho, Apollo, Tomket, Imperial and Double Coin. They were not included in their premium and middle priced test. German based Auto Bild (and its Polish version Auto Świat) did a test in 2019 and the same Roadhawk passed the elimination test (53 down to 20: wet and dry braking distances added together as #13) and finished #18 in detailed test. So Firestone is present in Poland and Europe as a cheaper brand from Bridgestone but how popular it is I do not know. Krzyś”
Top themes
#tread wear concerns#budget tire test results#replacement availability issues#generation differences#driving noise symptoms

Based on 5 community posts

Tire B

Kumho Ecsta PS71

Positive

Community members generally view the Kumho Ecsta PS71 as a capable and reliable mid-range ultra-high performance tire offering solid grip and value for money compared to premium alternatives. While perceived as good once warmed up, some drivers note that it does not quite reach the ultimate grip level of top-tier brands and question its tread wear longevity.

bimmerforums.co.uk ·1 upvote ·2024-05-05

“On Blackcircles all the 245/40 R19 ditch finders cost around £100 and have a poor wet grip & all the decent mid range cost around £170 and have A rated wet grip. Would you risk it for £240? I know I wouldn't. The cheapest A wet rated is a Kuhmo Ecsta PS71 at £136 if you really want to keep the cost down. If you want a relatively soft comfortable tyre then a Hankook S1 Evo 3 is an excellent choice.”
r/tires ·5 upvotes ·2022-10-17

“Those are Kumho Ecsta PS71s, thread width is supposed to be 245mm, the actual one is hardly 235. How so?”
z4-forum.com ·2023-01-29

“Steve; have a look at Kuhmo Ecsta PS71s. I just fitted a set on my new wheels for my 440i. Weapon of choice for the 'non tyre snob' IMHO. Much cheaper than the 'big' brands, heat up quickly and they also look really nice (for a black round tyre). Can't comment on noise, as the exhaust on mine is so noisy I can't hear the radio, let alone tyres!”
Top themes
#value for money#wet and dry grip#tire wear longevity#sporty handling performance#warm up temperature behavior#mid-range alternative comparison

Based on 23 community posts

Specs side by side

Attribute A · Firestone RoadHawk B · Kumho Ecsta PS71
CategorySummerSummer
Vehicle typePassenger Car / CrossoverPassenger Car / Crossover
Sizes available115133
Rim diameters15″ – 21″16″ – 22″
Sidewall—Blackwall
Sizes in common7171

Which one should you actually buy?

Firestone RoadHawk

Kumho Ecsta PS71

Winner: Kumho Ecsta PS71 — better handling, wet and comfort. Pick the Firestone RoadHawk if efficiency and noise matter most to you.

Pick tire B You enjoy sharp, responsive handling

Kumho Ecsta PS71 scores 73 vs 34 on handling.

Pick tire A You want lower fuel or energy use

Firestone RoadHawk scores 72 vs 48 on efficiency.

Pick tire B Your priority is wet-weather safety

Kumho Ecsta PS71 scores 85 vs 64 on wet.

Pick tire B You want the most comfortable ride

Kumho Ecsta PS71 scores 69 vs 50 on comfort.

Tire A · Firestone RoadHawk
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Tire B · Kumho Ecsta PS71
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RoadHawk or Ecsta PS71?

Which is better in the wet, RoadHawk or Ecsta PS71?

Kumho Ecsta PS71, 85 vs 64 on our wet score.

Which grips better on dry roads, RoadHawk or Ecsta PS71?

Kumho Ecsta PS71, 75 vs 67 on our dry score.

Which is quieter, RoadHawk or Ecsta PS71?

Firestone RoadHawk, 45 vs 36 on our noise score.

Which is more comfortable, RoadHawk or Ecsta PS71?

Kumho Ecsta PS71, 69 vs 50 on our comfort score.

Which lasts longer, RoadHawk or Ecsta PS71?

Neither, by our numbers: 50 vs 52 on the treadwear score, within 3 points.

Which rolls more easily, RoadHawk or Ecsta PS71?

Firestone RoadHawk, 72 vs 48 on our efficiency score.

How do we compare tires?

Every category score blends two independent signals. 60% comes from professional tire tests (braking distances, lap times, noise measurements), each result compared with every other tire in the same test and newer tests counting more. 40% comes from owner reviews found online, adjusted for how generously each site rates. Both use one scale: the average tested tire gets 70, the best 100. When a tire has only one of the two, the missing half is estimated from the other and the score stays closer to average; with no road test and fewer than five owner reviews it gets no score yet.

Handling is the exception: road tests measure it inside the dry and wet scores, so its own row comes from owner ratings only and starts as less important.

Community buzz from Reddit and forums is shown for context only — it never changes the score. Full methodology