Tests 67 · 14 tests Owners 69 · 8,166 reviews
Best test result: #1 of 9 in 2023 ACE/ARBÖ/GTÜ 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 (longitudinal aquaplaning)
“go with Kumho Ecsta PS71 EV around £140 – £165. Good value for money”
Head-to-head
Updated
Kumho Ecsta PS71 vs Michelin Pilot Sport 5 — Compared
Relative Score (0–100): 60% professional tests, 40% owner reviews.
Pilot Sport 5 is ahead, 82–68
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Tests 84 · 23 tests Owners 82 · 6,414 reviews
Best test result: #1 of 4 in Michelin CrossClimate 3 & 3 Sport vs Pilot Sport 5 vs Primacy 5 (overall ranking)
“Have to replace my tyres soon, MC7 or PS5? Hi guys, I need to replace the tyres on my civic soon and I’m stuck between the MC7 and the PS5. I not a guy who will driving 180km/h in raining day so i think both performance is good enough for me. I did some research, it seems like MC7 have better performance overall. Also found that MC7 is cheaper than PS5 in my country (around RM600-700 cheaper for 4 tyres). I prefer tread life > noise/ comfort > performance (rarely drive over 120). Any feedback on the 2 brands would be super helpful. Thanks! === UPDATED === Thank you all for suggestions and opinions. So at the end i pick the MC7. Reasons: It’s possibly quieter compared to the PS5 The price is cheaper and come with 1 year premium (or what name i forgot) warranty There’s a Continental authorized dealer near my place I’ve never tried Continental before, so I decided to give it a try At the moment, the driving experience is a bit quieter than the previous PS4 (which is expected since it’s a new tire). As for performance, I haven’t really pushed it to the limit, but it’s more than sufficient for me, didn’t experience any wheel spin or loss of traction so far. One thing I do notice is that I can constantly hear small stones sticking to the tire and hitting the wheel arch which is very annoying. Also, on a personal note, I still prefer the sidewall shape of the PS5, so it took me some time to get used to the rounded sidewall of the MC7 Read more”
Category by category
Relative Score per category, 0–100. Open “Why this score” for the tests and owner ratings behind it.
-
75
Dry
Pilot Sport 5 +1388Why this score
Source Ecsta PS71 Pilot Sport 5 Professional tests (TWG score) 78 91 Reviews found online 71 84 Dry Braking (% of best) 94% 100% Dry Handling (% of best) 99% 99% Dry (% of best) 87% 93% -
84
Wet
Pilot Sport 5 +690Why this score
Source Ecsta PS71 Pilot Sport 5 Professional tests (TWG score) 90 92 Reviews found online 73 87 Longitudinal Aquaplaning (% of best) 100% 94% Transverse Aquaplaning (% of best) 90% 100% Wet (% of best) 94% 99% Wet Braking (% of best) 99% 97% Wet Braking - Concrete (% of best) 95% 97% Wet Circle (% of best) 99% 97% Wet Handling (% of best) 98% 99% -
71
Comfort
Pilot Sport 5 +475Why this score
Source Ecsta PS71 Pilot Sport 5 Professional tests (TWG score) 75 71 Reviews found online 65 80 -
38
Noise
Pilot Sport 5 +745Why this score
Source Ecsta PS71 Pilot Sport 5 Professional tests (TWG score) 18 30 Exterior Noise (% of best) 43% 71% -
52
Treadwear
Pilot Sport 5 +3082Why this score
Source Ecsta PS71 Pilot Sport 5 Professional tests (TWG score) 45 87 Reviews found online 63 75 -
71
Handling
Pilot Sport 5 +1283Why this score
Source Ecsta PS71 Pilot Sport 5 Reviews found online 71 83
Scores at a glance
| Category | Kumho Ecsta PS71 | Michelin Pilot Sport 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 68 | 82 |
| Dry | 75 | 88 |
| Wet | 84 | 90 |
| Comfort | 71 | 75 |
| Noise | 38 | 45 |
| Treadwear | 52 | 82 |
| Handling | 71 | 83 |
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
68
/ 100
Ecsta PS71
82
/ 100
Pilot Sport 5
The professional test results behind the scores
Each result is shown as % of the best tire in that test. “Same test” rows are the strictest comparison: both tires were measured side by side.
| Discipline | Category | Ecsta PS71 | Pilot Sport 5 | Δ | Both? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curved Aquaplaning | Curved | 90% #11/20 · 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test | 87% #6/7 · 2026 Sport Auto Summer Tyre Test | +2.6 | Different tests |
| Dry Braking | Dry | 94% #6/8 · 2018 Auto Bild 20 inch UHP Tyre Test | 100% #2/3 · Michelin Pilot Sport VS EV Specific Performance Tyres | −5.2 | Different tests |
| Dry Handling | Dry | 99% #12/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | 99% #7/10 · 2025 AZ Summer Tyre Test | −0.2 | Different tests |
| Dry | Dry | 87% #10/9 · 2023 ACE/ARBÖ/GTÜ 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 | 93% #5/9 · 2023 ACE/ARBÖ/GTÜ 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 | −5.5 | Same test |
| Rolling Resistance | Efficiency | 79% #18/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | 88% #6/20 · 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tyre Test | −9.3 | Different tests |
| Fuel Consumption | Fuel | 93% #17/18 · 2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | 95% #8/18 · 2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | −1.7 | Same test |
| Exterior Noise | Noise | 43% #10/9 · 2023 ACE/ARBÖ/GTÜ 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 | 71% #7/9 · 2023 ACE/ARBÖ/GTÜ 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 | −28.6 | Same test |
| Abrasion | Other | 51% #14/18 · 2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | 78% #2/18 · 2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | −27.0 | Same test |
| Noise | Other | 99% #7/16 · 2018 Test World Summer Tyre Test | 97% #18/20 · 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tyre Test | +1.9 | Different tests |
| Price | Other | 83% #6/20 · 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tyre Test | 56% #13/13 · 2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tyre Test | +27.3 | Different tests |
| Value | Other | 62% #16/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | 76% #6/20 · 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test | −14.1 | Different tests |
| Wear | Other | 61% #12/20 · 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tyre Test | 97% #2/20 · 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test | −35.2 | Different tests |
| Overall Ranking | Overall | 6% #18/45 · 2019 Summer 53 Tyre Braking Shootout | 100% #1/4 · Michelin CrossClimate 3 & 3 Sport vs Pilot Sport 5 vs Primacy 5 | −94.4 | Different tests |
| Straight Aqua | Straight | 99% #2/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | 99% #8/20 · 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test | +0.5 | Different tests |
| Subj. Comfort | Subj | 78% #10/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | 80% #5/7 · 2026 Sport Auto Summer Tyre Test | −2.2 | Different tests |
| Subj. Dry Handling | Subj | 92% #2/9 · 2023 ACE/ARBÖ/GTÜ 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 | 92% #2/9 · 2023 ACE/ARBÖ/GTÜ 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 | 0.0 | Same test |
| Subj. Wet Handling | Subj | 89% #4/9 · 2023 ACE/ARBÖ/GTÜ 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 | 89% #4/9 · 2023 ACE/ARBÖ/GTÜ 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 | 0.0 | Same test |
| Total Cost of Ownership | Total | 0% #19/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | 0% #5/10 · 2025 AZ Summer Tyre Test | 0.0 | Different tests |
| Longitudinal Aquaplaning | Wet | 100% #1/9 · 2023 ACE/ARBÖ/GTÜ 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 | 94% #2/9 · 2023 ACE/ARBÖ/GTÜ 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 | +5.9 | Same test |
| Transverse Aquaplaning | Wet | 90% #2/9 · 2023 ACE/ARBÖ/GTÜ 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 | 100% #1/7 · 2024 Auto Express Summer Tyre Test | −10.0 | Different tests |
| Wet | Wet | 94% #4/9 · 2023 ACE/ARBÖ/GTÜ 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 | 99% #2/9 · 2023 ACE/ARBÖ/GTÜ 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 | −4.2 | Same test |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 99% #2/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | 97% #3/6 · 2024 TopTireReview Best UHP Tyres for Asia Test | +2.4 | Different tests |
| Wet Braking - Concrete | Wet | 95% #5/18 · 2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | 97% #3/18 · 2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | −1.9 | Same test |
| Wet Circle | Wet | 99% #5/20 · 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test | 97% #5/7 · 2026 Sport Auto Summer Tyre Test | +1.8 | Different tests |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 98% #5/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | 99% #5/20 · 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test | −1.1 | Different tests |
Pros, cons & observations
Themes extracted from owner reviews found online — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
Tire A 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
Tire B Pilot Sport 5
Pros
- Outstanding wet and dry traction with high resistance to aquaplaning
- Superior tread life and longevity compared to competitors and previous generations
- Noticeable improvements in ride comfort and a quieter cabin over rough road surfaces
Cons
- Softer sidewalls can lead to initial steering vagueness or understeer during hard cornering
- Higher price point compared to some tier-one competitors
- Performance and grip degrade significantly under intense track heat or heavy circuit use
What real owners are saying
From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of our score
Tire A
Mixed
Kumho Ecsta PS71
Community discussions regarding the Kumho Ecsta PS71 generally present it as a solid, budget-friendly ultra-high-performance (UHP) summer tire offering good value, though opinions on its limits vary. Some users praise its handling transformations and decent wet/dry grip for spirited driving, while others note it feels merely adequate or mediocre until warmed up, preferring premium alternatives when budget permits.
r/TyreReviews
·1 upvote ·2026-06-17
“Kumho PS71 Question Replaced an older (2021 or 2022 production) set of ps71 with a new set (production 39-42 week of 2024) and noticed something on the new sidewalls I hadn't seen on the old ones. The new ones have ps71 with either a 1 or a 2 under it right above the bead in very small text. I'm curious what they mean if anything at all.”
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?”
r/TyreReviews
·2 upvotes ·2024-10-25
“I've had the PS71 several years ago - it was ok, nothing spectacular. They might have changed the compound now, so it may be better. Its a good tire, I don't remember any real weaknesses, it just never felt like "yeah, this sticks like glue to the road". Edit: I just remembered - it was mediocre in the city - when the tire was not warmed up, but I reckon this is shared between most sport tires with high speed rating. Once warmed up was good.”
Top themes
#Wet and dry grip#Value for money#Tire wear and longevity#UHP performance characteristics#Comparison with premium brands#Sidewall width and markings#Tire pressure management
Based on 19 community posts
Tire B
Positive
Michelin Pilot Sport 5
The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 is widely praised as an exceptional daily-driver tire, offering impressive wet grip, low road noise, and remarkable longevity compared to predecessors and rivals. While some enthusiast drivers find the sidewalls a bit soft or note less extreme track performance compared to dedicated track or 4S tires, community consensus highlights it as a top-tier, well-balanced choice for spirited street driving and commuting.
r/abarth
·3 upvotes ·2026-05-10
“Great tires, used to run the stock Pirellis but the ride comfort was atrocious and there was really no performance benefit so I switched them for some PS5.”
r/AutoTuga
·3 upvotes ·2025-09-30
“Michelin Pilot Sport 5. Vale a pena? 225/45 Olá, pessoal, Vou ter que meter 2 pneus novos. Sempre andei com Pilot Sport 4 (há 10 anos) mas não consigo encontrar na minha zona. Todas as oficinas me disseram que estavam a ser descontinuados e agora só os 5. Faço ~15k km/ano. Algumas viagens longas. Passo uma temporada no Norte e cidade. Devo continuar com este modelo? Agora ficaria com pilot sport 4 e 5. Ou meto os 5 à frente e gasto os 4, ou trago os 4 para a frente. Obrigado! EDIT: Obrigado pelos vossos comentários! Eu procuro simplesmente um pneu seguro e que dure bem no seu tempo de vida. Só tive que trocar uma vez de forma forçada os pneus porque tive um furo de tal forma que me desfez o pneu em meia dúzia de metros que andou. De resto, nunca tive qualquer problema ou susto com estes pneus. Simplesmente não encontro os 4 e não sabia se os 5 estavam à altura. Read more”
r/CarTrackDays
·17 upvotes ·2025-05-25
“Michelin PS5 Delaminating Near new PS5, running a low speed track, and the fronts basically fell apart after 2 sessions. I know these aren't track-focussed tires, but is this really expected for them? Looks like the tires got too hot, but I'm just shocked how poorly they performed on a stock car (Golf R). Not sure if it's worth contacting Michelin over this or not. Read more”
Top themes
#Wet grip and safety#Road noise and comfort#Tread life and durability#Daily driving vs track performance#Comparison with PS4 and PS4S#Value and pricing
Based on 134 community posts
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Kumho Ecsta PS71 | B · Michelin Pilot Sport 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Summer | Summer |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | Passenger Car / Crossover |
| Sizes available | 133 | 66 |
| Rim diameters | 16″ – 22″ | 16″ – 22″ |
| Sidewall | Blackwall | — |
Which one should you actually buy?
68
/ 100
Kumho Ecsta PS71
82
/ 100
Michelin Pilot Sport 5
Winner: Michelin Pilot Sport 5 — better treadwear, dry and handling. It leads or ties in every category we score.
Pick tire B
You want the longest tread life
Michelin Pilot Sport 5 scores 82 vs 52 on treadwear.
Pick tire B
You want the most grip on dry roads
Michelin Pilot Sport 5 scores 88 vs 75 on dry.
Pick tire B
You enjoy sharp, responsive handling
Michelin Pilot Sport 5 scores 83 vs 71 on handling.
Pick tire B
You want a quieter cabin
Michelin Pilot Sport 5 scores 45 vs 38 on noise.
Tire A · Kumho Ecsta PS71
Tire B · Michelin Pilot Sport 5
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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.
Community buzz from Reddit and forums is shown for context only — it never changes the score.