Kumho Ecsta PS71 vs Nexen N Fera Sport SU2
The data show a consistent pattern: Kumho dominates in wet braking, wet handling, and aquaplaning safety, while Nexen typically rides quieter, sips less fuel, and can offer better mileage and value in some test methodologies. The most recent 2025 Auto Bild test underscores the gap in the wet (PS71 shorter wet braking by ~11% and stronger aquaplaning), while ADAC 2025 flips the script on environment and value, rating the SU2 higher overall despite Kumho's shorter stops.
Test Results
Independent comparison tire tests are the best source of data to get tire information from, and the good news is there have been nine tests which compare both tires directly!
| Tire | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Kumho Ecsta PS71 | six | |
| Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 | three |
While it might look like the Kumho Ecsta PS71 is better than the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 purely based on the higher number of test wins, tires are very complicated objects which means where one tire is better than the other can be more important in real world use.
Let's look at how the two tires compare across multiple tire test categories.
Key Strengths
- Class-leading wet braking and handling across tests (e.g., −11% wet braking vs SU2 in 2025 AB)
- Superior aquaplaning safety (straight and curved) with consistent margins
- Strong overall results and podiums/shootout performance (e.g., 4/21 in 2025 AB; 4/52 in 2025 shootout)
- Occasionally strong wear and cost-per-km outcomes (notably 2025 Auto Bild)
- Low noise and better comfort in multiple tests
- Lower rolling resistance and fuel consumption (ADAC 2025), good environmental rating
- Often better projected mileage/abrasion and competitive value in ADAC-style scoring
- Solid dry-road manners and sometimes shorter dry braking
Dry Braking
Looking at data from seven tire tests, the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 was better during four dry braking tests. On average the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 stopped the vehicle in 0.4% less distance than the Kumho Ecsta PS71.
Best In Dry Braking: Nexen N Fera Sport SU2
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta PS71 was better during two dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta PS71 was 1.26% faster around a lap than the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Kumho Ecsta PS71
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from eight tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta PS71 was better during eight wet braking tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta PS71 stopped the vehicle in 5.69% less distance than the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2.
Best In Wet Braking: Kumho Ecsta PS71
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking - Concrete
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta PS71 was better during one wet braking - concrete tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta PS71 stopped the vehicle in 6.49% less distance than the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2.
Best In Wet Braking - Concrete: Kumho Ecsta PS71
See how the Wet Braking - Concrete winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta PS71 was better during three wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta PS71 was 2.9% faster around a wet lap than the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Kumho Ecsta PS71
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Circle
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta PS71 was better during one wet circle tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta PS71 was 2.13% faster around a wet circle than the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2.
Best In Wet Circle: Kumho Ecsta PS71
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta PS71 was better during four straight aqua tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta PS71 floated at a 3.24% higher speed than the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2.
Best In Straight Aqua: Kumho Ecsta PS71
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta PS71 was better during two curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta PS71 slipped out at a 6.17% higher speed than the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Kumho Ecsta PS71
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
Subj. Comfort
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 was better during one subj. comfort tests. On average the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 scored 6% more points than the Kumho Ecsta PS71.
Best In Subj. Comfort: Nexen N Fera Sport SU2
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 was better during four noise tests. On average the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 measured 3.37% quieter than the Kumho Ecsta PS71.
Best In Noise: Nexen N Fera Sport SU2
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Wear
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 was better during three wear tests. On average the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 is predicted to cover 5.87% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Kumho Ecsta PS71.
Best In Wear: Nexen N Fera Sport SU2
See how the Wear winner was calculated >>
Value
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 was better during three value tests. On average the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 proved to have a 9.5% better value based on price/1000km than the Kumho Ecsta PS71.
Best In Value: Nexen N Fera Sport SU2
See how the Value winner was calculated >>
Price
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 was better during one price tests. On average the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 cost 4.95% less than the Kumho Ecsta PS71.
Best In Price: Nexen N Fera Sport SU2
See how the Price winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 was better during two rolling resistance tests. On average the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 had a 0.23% lower rolling resistance than the Kumho Ecsta PS71.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Nexen N Fera Sport SU2
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
Fuel Consumption
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 was better during one fuel consumption tests. On average the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 used 1.75% less fuel than the Kumho Ecsta PS71.
Best In Fuel Consumption: Nexen N Fera Sport SU2
See how the Fuel Consumption winner was calculated >>
Abrasion
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 was better during one abrasion tests. On average the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 emitted 12.84% less particle wear matter than the Kumho Ecsta PS71.
Best In Abrasion: Nexen N Fera Sport SU2
See how the Abrasion winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
Kumho Ecsta PS71 Driver Reviews
Most drivers rate the Kumho Ecsta PS71 positively for strong wet and dry grip, predictable handling, and good value, often comparing it favorably to pricier premium options. Noise and faster wear appear as the main trade-offs, with several reports of increased road noise over time and below-average tread life for some vehicles. A minority report balancing/'egg-shaped' defects and tramlining, but these are not universal. Overall, the PS71 is a well-liked mid-range UHP tire focused on grip and value.
Based on 82 reviews with an average rating of 78%
Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 Driver Reviews
For the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2, most high-scoring reviews praise strong dry and wet grip, predictable handling, acceptable comfort for some, and excellent value. However, a significant portion of mid/low-scoring reviews report fast shoulder wear, durability/quality issues, and higher noise/harshness, especially over time. Overall sentiment is mixed but leans slightly positive due to several very high-rated performance-focused reviews, while longevity and refinement remain common concerns.
Based on 17 reviews with an average rating of 70%
I've always used kumho because the price well reflects in proformance if only they didn't need constant rebalencing.
I've had 4 duff pairs, ku31 x 2 pair, ku 39 x 2 pair that had to come off in the end they were so bad.
No amount of balencing can sort an egg shape tire.
These new ps71 are very soft, squishy, feel like running on 20psi with 30g wheel wobble even after twice rebalencing them & 1 of them is egg shape.
I am worn out with trying to get them right & think after years of kumho on... Continue reading this review using the link below
Conclusion
If your priorities are refinement, efficiency, and lower ownership costs, the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 deserves a look. It's typically quieter, has lower rolling resistance and fuel use, and often achieves better projected mileage and abrasion in ADAC-style scoring, which helped it to a higher overall mark in ADAC 2025. Dry braking is often close-and sometimes a Nexen win-though the Kumho still tends to steer and stop better when the road is wet. Bottom line: choose Kumho for wet-road confidence and dynamic security, choose Nexen for comfort and day-to-day economy.
Key Differences
- Wet performance: Kumho dominates wet braking (8-0) and wet handling; safer in rain and standing water
- Aquaplaning: Kumho shows higher straight/curved aquaplaning thresholds, offering bigger safety reserves
- Noise/refinement: Nexen is consistently quieter and more comfortable
- Efficiency: Nexen usually has lower rolling resistance and fuel use
- Wear/ownership: Nexen often projects higher mileage and better abrasion (ADAC), while Kumho excelled in 2025 Auto Bild wear and cost-per-km
- Dry performance: Close overall; Nexen occasionally wins dry braking, Kumho often steers and stops better in mixed/wet
Overall Winner: Nexen N Fera Sport SU2
Based on the tire test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 has demonstrated better overall performance in this comparison. However, as you can see from the spider diagram above, each tire has its own strengths which should be considered in your final tire buying choice.Similar Comparisons
Looking for more tire comparisons? Here are other direct comparisons involving these tires:
Kumho Ecsta PS71 Top Comparisons
No other comparisons available for this tire.
Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 Top Comparisons
No other comparisons available for this tire.
Footnote
This page has been developed using tire industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tires in the same test.
Why is this important? Tire testing is heavily affected by things like surface grip levels and surface temperature, which means you can only compare values from the same day. During a tire test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tire tests performed on different days or at different locations.
As a result you will see other tests on Tire Reviews which feature both the %s and %s, but as they weren't conducted on the same day, the results are not comparable.
Lots of other websites do this sort of tire comparison, Tire Reviews doesn't.