Bridgestone Potenza Sport vs Kumho Ecsta PS71
- TR Score
- 9.3/10
- Owners say
- 80% · 139
- TR Score
- 8.5/10
- Owners say
- 77% · 94
In the 4 independent tests that ran both tires, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport finished ahead 4 times and the Ecsta PS71 not once. The Potenza Sport lasted 22.1% longer in the wear tests; the Ecsta PS71 had 5.2% lower rolling resistance.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Bridgestone Potenza Sport for enthusiast driving, maximum dry and wet grip, and improved longevity. Choose Kumho Ecsta PS71 if your priority is aquaplaning security, everyday comfort, and lower running costs/value.
Where the Potenza Sport is stronger
- Class-leading dry braking and handling across tests
- Top-tier wet braking/handling with strong safety reserves
- Significantly better wear and lower abrasion than expected
Where the Ecsta PS71 is stronger
- Outstanding straight-line aquaplaning resistance
- Competitive wet performance in several tests
- Higher comfort and lower rolling resistance
The bullet points are analysis of the shared tests and of owner reviews; the measured wins in each discipline are in the tables below. Where the two disagree, the figures are right.
Potenza Sport vs Ecsta PS71 at a glance
| Category | Potenza Sport | Gap | Ecsta PS71 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won4 shared tests | 4 | 0 | |
| Dry6 measurements | 5 | The Potenza Sport stopped 3% shorter in the dry (4 tests) | 1 |
| Wet14 measurements | 6 | The Ecsta PS71 resisted straight aquaplaning at a 4.2% higher speed (3 tests) | 8 |
| Comfort5 measurements | 2 | 3 | |
| Value6 measurements | 3 | Level between the two. | 3 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.3/10 | The Potenza Sport by 0.8 | 8.5/10 |
| Owner rating139 and 94 reviews | 80% | The Potenza Sport by 3 points | 77% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 67% | The Potenza Sport by 4 points | 63% |
| Pricein the 2 tests that listed prices | +19.5% | The Potenza Sport was dearer in 2 of 2 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 129 | 78 sizes made in both | 133 |
Wins count every measurement the shared tests recorded for both tires; a tick marks the tire ahead on that line. Subjective driver scores count as wins but are never averaged, because each test uses its own scale.
Head to head in 4 tests, 2022 to 2025
Each row is one published test in which both tires ran on the same car, in the same size, on the same day. The line is the whole field, winner on the left.
| Test | Potenza Sport | Field | Ecsta PS71 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test | P3 of 20 | P4 of 20 | |
| 2025 ADAC Summer Tire Test | P2 of 18 | P13 of 18 | |
| 2025 Summer Tire Test Shootout | P1 of 52 | P4 of 52 | |
| 2022 Tire Reviews UUHP Summer Tire Test | P3 of 10 | P6 of 10 |
Performance profile
8 measurements from the 4 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Potenza Sport
Ecsta PS71
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
In each test the better of the two figures counts as 100% and the other as its share of it, so a 118 ft stop against 112 ft is 95%; each spoke averages the shared tests that recorded it. The scale stops at 94%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 8 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Potenza Sport
Ecsta PS71
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
Where owners rate each higher
Potenza Sport
Ecsta PS71
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the Potenza Sport 80% from 139 reviews and the Ecsta PS71 77% from 94. Each spoke is one question owners answer out of 10; reviews are vetted by hand before publication.
Every measurement, side by side
Averages of the figures both tires posted in the same tests. The gap is the average of each test's own gap, so figures from different cars and years are never mixed. Open a discipline for its measurements, and a measurement for every test's figure.
| Measurement | Potenza Sport | Gap | Ecsta PS71 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 111 | 3% | 115 | 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 52.37 | 2.9% | 53.94 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 74.9 | 1.7% | 73.7 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 125 | 2% | 128 | 2-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 114 | 3.9% | 118 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 88.57 | 5.6% | 93.86 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 45.7 | 0.4% | 45.9 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 14.55 | 1.2% | 14.73 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 50.7 | 4.2% | 52.8 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 9.5 | 4.5% | 9.8 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 9.7% | scored | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 74.27 | 0.3 dB | 74.6 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 29,944 | 22.1% | 24,693 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 9.77 | 5.2% | 9.24 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 5.8 | 1.7% | 5.7 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 63.8 | 25.6% | 85.7 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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Braking distances and lap times are better when lower; speeds, wear and grip figures when higher. A test's figures are its own: sizes, cars, surfaces and temperatures differ from one to the next, which is why the averages here are only ever of tests the two tires shared. "Scored" rows are subjective driver ratings: each test uses its own scale, so only the wins are counted.
Scores beyond the shared tests
On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Potenza Sport scores 9.3 and the Ecsta PS71 8.5 out of 10.
| Potenza Sport | Category | Ecsta PS71 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 96 | Dry | 73 | ||
| 97 | Wet | 92 | ||
| 12 | Comfort | 11 | ||
| 9 | Value | 18 | ||
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
What owners say
| Potenza Sport | Category | Ecsta PS71 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Dry Grip | 8.5 | ||
| 8.6 | Wet Grip | 8 | ||
| 8.8 | Road Feedback | 8 | ||
| 8.9 | Handling | 8 | ||
| 6.1 | Wear | 7 | ||
| 7 | Comfort | 7.4 | ||
Owners rate the Potenza Sport 80% from 139 reviews and the Ecsta PS71 77% from 94. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Bridgestone Potenza Sport
- 80%from 139 reviews
- 67%would buy again
- 947,770 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners generally rate the Bridgestone Potenza Sport as a very sporty road tire, with strong dry and wet grip and sharp, precise steering feel. The main drawback is longevity: around one in three owners complain about fast wear, sometimes markedly so. Road noise is another common issue (raised by around one in four), while a smaller but notable group report a big drop in grip and confidence in cold weather.
- Very strong dry grip with a predictable, confidence-inspiring feel
- Impressive wet grip for a performance-focused summer tire
- Sharp, precise steering response and good road feedback
- Strong dry handling and cornering ability
- Short tread life / rapid wear for many owners
- Loud road noise, often getting intrusive
- Noticeable performance drop in cold conditions
Summarised by AI from 129 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 139 Potenza Sport reviewsOn road it's like having a semislick which is capable of handling water showers like an UHP tire. On track you can feel it's not a semislick, but you can enjoy a stable performance allowing you 100% of fun with 80% lap time or something like that.
On the road wear on external shoulder is high, on track it's really impressive lap after lap.
Kumho Ecsta PS71
- 77%from 94 reviews
- 63%would buy again
- 686,811 milesdriven by reviewers
Most owners rate the Kumho Ecsta PS71 as a strong budget performance tire, with a clear majority praising its dry grip and handling and nearly half calling the wet grip confidence-inspiring. Value for money is a consistent highlight, with many feeling it runs pricier brands close for everyday road use. The main drawback is refinement: around a third of owners mention road noise, and opinions on tread life are mixed rather than conclusive. A smaller but notable group also report vibration/balancing niggles, with a few mentioning tramlining.
- Strong dry grip with plenty of confidence
- Very capable wet grip for the price
- Secure, enjoyable dry handling
- Excellent value for money versus premium rivals
- Road noise can be intrusive, especially at speed
- Tread life is inconsistent, with some reporting faster wear
- Can be hard to balance or develop vibrations
Summarised by AI from 87 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 94 Ecsta PS71 reviewsJust looking around for replacements in a couple of thousand miles. Unless I hear outstanding reviews from other Elroq owners I'm going to stick with Kumho Ecsta PS71 EV and stick with the different width/ profiles front and rear. These Kumhos have completely out performed the Bridgstones I had on my ID.3 - I coudln't wait to get rid of them when they had to be replaced at 8,000miles.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 129 sizes of the Potenza Sport and 133 of the Ecsta PS71, 78 of them made in both.
| Category | Potenza Sport | Ecsta PS71 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer | Summer |
| Sizes made | 129 sizes, 16 to 24 inch | 133 sizes, 16 to 22 inch |
| Made in both | 78 sizes 205/55 R16205/45 R17215/40 R17215/45 R17225/45 R17225/50 R17225/55 R17245/40 R17215/40 R18215/45 R18225/35 R18225/40 R18and 66 more | |
| EU label wet grip | A75%B21%C3%D0% | A71%B24%C5%D0% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C44%D38%A9%B8%E1% | C41%B22%D21%A17% |
| EU label noise | 68-75 dB B81%A19% | 68-75 dB B96%A4% |
| On the market since | 2021 | 2016 |
| Replaced | Bridgestone Potenza S001 | - |
| Replaced by | Bridgestone Potenza Sport Evo | Kumho Ecsta Sport S PS72 |
| Price in the shared tests | The Potenza Sport was the dearer tire in 2 of the 2 tests that listed prices, by 19.5% on average. Each test priced the tires in its own market at the time; only the gap is comparable. | |
Label grades are shown as the share of registered sizes carrying each grade, so "B (88%), C (12%)" means most sizes are B. Grades vary by size; check the label for yours.
Reading the results
Written from the test results and owner reviews above. It is analysis, not a measurement: where it and the tables disagree, the tables are right.
This head-to-head pits Bridgestone's max-performance Potenza Sport against Kumho's value-driven ultra-high-performance Ecsta PS71 in the popular 225/40 R18 size. Across four shared tests, Bridgestone consistently targets outright grip and precision, while Kumho counters with strong aquaplaning security and attractive running costs. Both earned praise in 2025 testing, but for different reasons.
Expect the Potenza Sport to lead in dry grip and steering accuracy, with markedly improved wear versus its predecessors. The Ecsta PS71 impresses with exceptional straight-line aquaplaning resistance, competitive wet braking in some tests, higher comfort, and lower rolling resistance-often at a lower cost per kilometer.
Conclusion
Across multiple tests, the Potenza Sport is the more complete performance tire: best-in-class dry braking and handling, consistently excellent wet braking/handling, and surprisingly strong wear and abrasion results in 2025. It topped or podiumed in every comparison here and won all four aggregates, making it the safer choice for enthusiastic drivers who demand precision in both dry and wet.
The Ecsta PS71's edge is stability in deep water, lower rolling resistance, higher subjective comfort, and compelling price-performance. Its weakness remains consistency on dry roads and ultimate wet grip versus the Bridgestone, which ADAC highlighted. If you prioritize aquaplaning security, comfort and cost efficiency over razor-sharp dynamics, the Kumho is the sensible pick; for maximum grip, feedback and all-round speed with improved longevity, choose the Bridgestone.
Potenza Sport vs Ecsta PS71: your questions
Is the Bridgestone Potenza Sport or the Kumho Ecsta PS71 the better tire?
In the 4 independent tests that ran both tires, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport finished ahead 4 times and the Ecsta PS71 not once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Potenza Sport scores 9.3 and the Ecsta PS71 8.5 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Potenza Sport or the Ecsta PS71?
The Ecsta PS71 led 8 of the 14 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it resisted straight aquaplaning at a 4.2% higher speed across 3 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Potenza Sport led 5 of the 6 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 3% shorter in the dry across 4 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Potenza Sport lasted 22.1% longer in the wear tests (2 tests); the Ecsta PS71 had 5.2% lower rolling resistance (2 tests). Owners rate wear 6.1/10 for the Potenza Sport and 7/10 for the Ecsta PS71.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 7/10 for the Potenza Sport and 7.4/10 for the Ecsta PS71.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Potenza Sport 80% from 139 reviews and the Ecsta PS71 77% from 94. 67% of Potenza Sport owners would buy it again, against 63% for the Ecsta PS71.
Which is more expensive?
In the 2 tests that listed prices, the Potenza Sport was the dearer tire in 2 of them, by 19.5% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Potenza Sport is made in 129 sizes (16 to 24 inch) and the Ecsta PS71 in 133 (16 to 22 inch). 78 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Potenza Sport is graded A for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Ecsta PS71 A and C.
Which is the newer tire?
The Potenza Sport is the newer design: it reached the market in 2021, the Ecsta PS71 in 2016. The Potenza Sport replaced the Bridgestone Potenza S001.
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Run either of these?
Your review is the part of this page no test can supply: how the tire wore, how it aged, what it was like in the rain in year three. It takes about five minutes.
Where this data comes from
Finishing positions and measurements are transcribed from each published test. A test only counts here when both tires ran in it, so every figure was recorded on the same car, size and day as the one it is compared to.
About the TR Score
The Tire Reviews Score rates each tire out of 10 from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold, so two tires can be compared even before a test has run them together.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tire Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tires independently since 2007.
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