Continental SportContact 7 vs Kumho Ecsta Sport S PS72
- TR Score
- 9.7/10
- Owners say
- 84% · 134
- TR Score
- 9.3/10
- Owners say
- 83% · 9
In the 3 independent tests that ran both tires, the Continental SportContact 7 finished ahead 3 times and the Ecsta Sport S PS72 not once. The SportContact 7 stopped 5.1% shorter in the wet; the Ecsta Sport S PS72 resisted straight aquaplaning at a 1.6% higher speed.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose the Continental SportContact 7 if you want the highest grip ceiling with the shortest wet stops and the most precise, confidence-inspiring handling-especially for spirited driving or performance-focused cars. Choose the Kumho Ecsta Sport S PS72 if you want strong real-world performance at a lower price with better hydroplaning resistance and often better ride comfort, accepting a clear step back in wet-cornering grip, wet braking margin, and sharpness at the limit.
Where the SportContact 7 is stronger
- Consistently best wet braking across all shared tests (e.g., 42.4 m vs 47.0 m in Autobild; 33.4 m vs 34.2 m in Top Tire Review)
- Top-tier wet handling and cornering grip (e.g., 78.9 vs 72.0 km/h wet handling in Autobild; 0.906g vs 0.874g wet circle in Top Tire Review)
- Stronger dry performance and driver confidence at the limit: wins dry handling in all three tests and leads subjective dry feel where measured
Where the Ecsta Sport S PS72 is stronger
- Better aquaplaning resistance: wins straight aquaplaning in two tests and curved aquaplaning where measured (Top Tire Review)
- Strong value positioning (noted as the cheapest/budget-friendly option in Autobild and a lower-priced alternative in AutoView/Top Tire Review)
- Comfort/refinement can be a highlight: higher comfort scores in Top Tire Review and AutoView, with competitive noise levels in those tests
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.
SportContact 7 vs Ecsta Sport S PS72 at a glance
| Category | SportContact 7 | Gap | Ecsta Sport S PS72 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won3 shared tests | 3 | 0 | |
| Dry8 measurements | 7 | The SportContact 7 stopped 2.5% shorter in the dry (3 tests) | 1 |
| Wet11 measurements | 8 | The SportContact 7 stopped 5.1% shorter in the wet (3 tests) | 3 |
| Comfort6 measurements | 2 | 4 | |
| Value2 measurements | 2 | The SportContact 7 had 2.5% lower rolling resistance (2 tests) | 0 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.7/10 | The SportContact 7 by 0.4 | 9.3/10 |
| Owner rating134 and 9 reviews | 84% | Too close to call | 83% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 80% | The SportContact 7 by 2 points | 78% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 123 | 56 sizes made in both | 60 |
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 3 tests, 2025 to 2026
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 | SportContact 7 | Field | Ecsta Sport S PS72 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top Tire Review 2026 UUHP Tire Test | P1 of 3 | P2 of 3 | |
| 2026 Autobild Sports Cars Summer Tire Test | P1 of 8 | P5 of 8 | |
| 2025 AutoView Sports Tire Test | P2 of 5 | P3 of 5 |
Performance profile
8 measurements from the 3 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
SportContact 7
Ecsta Sport S PS72
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 96%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 7 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
SportContact 7
Ecsta Sport S PS72
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
SportContact 7
Ecsta Sport S PS72
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the SportContact 7 84% from 134 reviews and the Ecsta Sport S PS72 83% from 9. 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 | SportContact 7 | Gap | Ecsta Sport S PS72 | Wins | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 109 | 2.5% | 112 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 67.35 | 0.4% | 67.67 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 67.4 | 2.2% | 65.9 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 9.1% | scored | 2-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 107 | 5.1% | 114 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 81.33 | 2.1% | 83.1 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 49 | 9.6% | 44.7 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 11.1% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 12.6 | 10% | 14 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 0.91 | 3.7% | 0.87 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 50.4 | 1.6% | 51.2 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||
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| 8.6 | 12.3% | 9.6 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 0.4% | scored | 1-2 | |||||||||||||
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| 66.8 | 0.3 dB | 67.07 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||
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| 9.42 | 2.5% | 9.66 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||
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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 SportContact 7 scores 9.7 and the Ecsta Sport S PS72 9.3 out of 10.
| SportContact 7 | Category | Ecsta Sport S PS72 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99 | Dry | 94 | ||
| 98 | Wet | 95 | ||
| 29 | Comfort | 32 | ||
| 39 | Value | 12 | ||
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
| SportContact 7 | Category | Ecsta Sport S PS72 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.5 | Dry Grip | 9.4 | ||
| 9.1 | Wet Grip | 8.8 | ||
| 8.7 | Road Feedback | 8.8 | ||
| 9 | Handling | 9.6 | ||
| 6.7 | Wear | 4.8 | ||
| 7.7 | Comfort | 6.7 | ||
Owners rate the SportContact 7 84% from 134 reviews and the Ecsta Sport S PS72 83% from 9. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Continental SportContact 7
- 84%from 134 reviews
- 80%would buy again
- 1,308,502 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners rate the Continental SportContact 7 very highly overall (average 83%), with the strongest agreement around outstanding dry and wet grip, backed up by confident handling and strong steering response. Comfort and noise are often described as better than expected for a UHP summer tire, though experiences vary by car and set-up. The main recurring drawback is wear: around a third of owners who mention tread life report rapid wear, meaning running costs can be high if you drive hard or run a heavier, high-torque car.
- Exceptional dry grip and traction
- Very strong wet grip and confidence in rain
- Sharp, secure dry handling
- Good steering feel and feedback
- Rapid tread wear and short life for many drivers
- Ride can feel harsh or uncomfortable on some set-ups
- Road noise can be intrusive on rough surfaces
Summarised by AI from 117 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 134 SportContact 7 reviewsIn comparison with non sport tires like the Continental PremiumContact 6 the grip in dry conditions is outstanding and better like other tires I have driven (e.g. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymetric). The Wet-Grip is surprisingly good and did not fade with lower tread depth (yet). No disturbing noise while driving.
Kumho Ecsta Sport S PS72
- 83%from 9 reviews
- 78%would buy again
- 25,350 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers report the Kumho Ecsta Sport S PS72 delivers strong, sporty performance with high confidence dry and wet grip, quick/precise steering response, and good feedback-often comparing it favorably to more expensive premium options for the price. Most reviews also praise its value for money and stable handling, helped by a notably stiff sidewall. Minority drawbacks center on a firmer ride/comfort trade-off from the stiff construction and some reports of slightly higher road noise versus competitors.
- Strong dry grip/traction
- Very good wet grip and confidence in rain
- Precise handling, steering response, and road feedback
- Excellent value for money versus premium competitors
- Firmer ride/less comfort due to very stiff sidewalls (especially when cold)
- Slightly higher road noise than some competitors
Summarised by AI from 9 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 9 Ecsta Sport S PS72 reviewsKumho's feel very sporty and grippy, as they should. Sidewall is quite stiff for a road tire. Dry grip is awesome and should be more than enough for normal driving in traffic, even for spirited drivers. Wet grip also very good, I've never had any issues in the rain with these. (Yes, they are new tires.) Only downside is road noise which is not their best quality, but noise is not very loud, maybe average in their class.
Car came with almost new Minerva F205's and Kumho's beat these in every category hands on. Kumho is excellent tire and I highly recommend this. True value for money as they are cheaper than competitors (Michelin, Continental, etc) but offer same quality and driving characteristics.
I mostly drive city traffic and motorway in mixed conditions sun or rain.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 123 sizes of the SportContact 7 and 60 of the Ecsta Sport S PS72, 56 of them made in both.
| Category | SportContact 7 | Ecsta Sport S PS72 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer | Summer |
| Sizes made | 123 sizes, 18 to 24 inch | 60 sizes, 18 to 22 inch |
| Made in both | 56 sizes 225/40 R18265/35 R18225/35 R19225/40 R19235/35 R19245/30 R19245/35 R19245/40 R19245/45 R19255/30 R19255/35 R19255/40 R19and 44 more | |
| EU label wet grip | A85%B15% | A100% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C61%D16%A14%B9% | C79%D21% |
| EU label noise | 70-75 dB B98%A2% | 71-75 dB B100% |
| On the market since | - | 2024 |
| Replaced | Continental Sport Contact 6 (2015) | Kumho Ecsta PS71 (2016) |
| Awards | Highly Recommended: Best Tires for High Performance Cars (DriverReviews, 2026/27) Highly Recommended: Best Tires for Hot Hatches (Compact Sports Cars) (DriverReviews, 2026/27) Commended: Best Tires for High Performance Cars (DriverReviews, 2024/25) Highly Recommended: Best Tires for Hot Hatches (DriverReviews, 2024/25) Winner: Best Tires for Large Family Cars (DriverReviews, 2024/25) Winner: Supersports Tire of the Year (WhatTire, 2024) Winner: Supersports Tire of the Year (WhatTire, 2023) Winner: Supersports Tire of the Year (WhatTire, 2022) Winner: Tire of the Year (WhatTire, 2022) | - |
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 is a straight fight in the max-performance summer category between a widely accepted class benchmark-the Continental SportContact 7-and a newer, value-leaning challenger, the Kumho Ecsta Sport S PS72. Both target the same buyer: drivers who want strong dry grip and dependable wet security in modern, powerful passenger cars on 19-inch fitments.
Across three shared professional tests, the pattern is consistent: the SportContact 7 is the performance reference point, especially when braking and when being pushed hard on a wet circuit. The Kumho doesn't try to outgun it everywhere-instead it builds its case with aquaplaning resistance, comfort/refinement in some tests, and a typically lower purchase price, making the comparison largely about “ultimate grip and precision” versus “very good performance with stronger value and hydroplaning margins.”
Conclusion
If you're buying on outright performance and safety-critical stopping power, the Continental SportContact 7 is the clear winner across the shared evidence. It wins all three overall comparisons and is repeatedly best where it matters most for fast-road confidence: wet braking (notably 42.4 m vs 47.0 m in Autobild, ~9.8% shorter) and wet handling (e.g., 78.9 vs 72.0 km/h in Autobild). It also keeps an edge in dry performance, typically pairing slightly shorter dry braking (e.g., 32.1 m vs 33.6 m at Top Tire Review) with sharper steering/handling ratings and the quickest dry handling results in every shared test.
The Kumho Ecsta Sport S PS72 earns its place by being the pragmatic alternative. It consistently shows stronger aquaplaning resistance (wins straight-line aquaplaning in two tests and curved aquaplaning where measured) and can be quieter/more comfortable depending on the test (Top Tire Review and AutoView both favored it for comfort and/or noise). It even nicks a win in dry braking in AutoView (33.38 m vs 33.5 m), showing it's not a “budget compromise” in basic safety terms-rather, it gives up the last layer of wet-corner grip, steering precision and lap-time authority that separates top-tier UUHP tires.
The practical takeaway: SportContact 7 is the choice for drivers who regularly use the tire's performance envelope (spirited road driving, powerful cars, track days) and want the shortest wet stops and most precise responses. The PS72 is the smart buy for daily-driven performance cars where price, comfort, and hydroplaning security are prioritized-accepting that at the limit, especially in the wet, it won't feel as locked-in or stop as hard as the Continental.
SportContact 7 vs Ecsta Sport S PS72: your questions
Is the Continental SportContact 7 or the Kumho Ecsta Sport S PS72 the better tire?
In the 3 independent tests that ran both tires, the Continental SportContact 7 finished ahead 3 times and the Ecsta Sport S PS72 not once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the SportContact 7 scores 9.7 and the Ecsta Sport S PS72 9.3 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the SportContact 7 or the Ecsta Sport S PS72?
The SportContact 7 led 8 of the 11 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 5.1% shorter in the wet across 3 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The SportContact 7 led 7 of the 8 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2.5% shorter in the dry across 3 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The SportContact 7 had 2.5% lower rolling resistance (2 tests). Owners rate wear 6.7/10 for the SportContact 7 and 4.8/10 for the Ecsta Sport S PS72.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 7.7/10 for the SportContact 7 and 6.7/10 for the Ecsta Sport S PS72.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the SportContact 7 84% from 134 reviews and the Ecsta Sport S PS72 83% from 9. 80% of SportContact 7 owners would buy it again, against 78% for the Ecsta Sport S PS72.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The SportContact 7 is made in 123 sizes (18 to 24 inch) and the Ecsta Sport S PS72 in 60 (18 to 22 inch). 56 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the SportContact 7 is graded A for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Ecsta Sport S PS72 A and C.
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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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