Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 vs Kumho Ecsta PS71

In this article we will be looking at independent tire test data, and real world driver reviews of the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 and the Kumho Ecsta PS71 to find out which tire is best for your own driving.

There are a few basic differences between the two tires. The Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 is an Max-Performance Summer tire designed to be fitted to Passenger-Cars, and the Kumho Ecsta PS71 is an Ultra-High-Performance Summer tire designed to be fitted to Passenger-Cars

SportMaxx-RT-2 VS Ecsta-PS71

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 eleven tests which compare both tires directly!

Out of these eleven tests:

  • Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 finished ahead of the Kumho Ecsta PS71 in four of the tests
  • Kumho Ecsta PS71 finished ahead of the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 in five of the tests
  • The Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 and Kumho Ecsta PS71 drew in two of the tests

While it might look like the Kumho Ecsta PS71 is better than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 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.

Dry Braking

Looking at data from ten tire tests, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 was better during seven dry braking tests. On average the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 stopped the vehicle in 0.4% less distance than the Kumho Ecsta PS71.

Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
34.93M
Kumho Ecsta PS71
35.07M
Dry braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Dry Braking: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2

2018 Test World Summer Tire Test
225/45 R17
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:32.6M Kumho Ecsta PS71: 33.4M
2019 Summer 53 Tire Braking Shootout
225/45 R17
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:35.4M Kumho Ecsta PS71: 37.1M
2019 Auto Bild Summer Tire Test
225/45 R17
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:35.4M Kumho Ecsta PS71: 37.1M
2020 Tire Market Overview Braking Test
245/45 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:34.3M Kumho Ecsta PS71: 34.9M
2020 Auto Bild Summer Tire Test
245/45 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:34.3M Kumho Ecsta PS71: 34.9M
2023 Summer Tire Market Overview
225/45 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:34.8M Kumho Ecsta PS71: 35.1M
2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test
225/45 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:34.8M Kumho Ecsta PS71: 35.1M
2025 Summer Tire Test Shootout
225/40 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:35.2M Kumho Ecsta PS71: 34.2M
2025 ADAC Summer Tire Test
225/40 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:37.3M Kumho Ecsta PS71: 34.8M
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test
225/40 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:35.2M Kumho Ecsta PS71: 34.1M

Dry Handling [Km/H]

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta PS71 was better during two dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta PS71 was 0.13% faster around a lap than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.

Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
116.75Km/H
Kumho Ecsta PS71
116.9Km/H
Dry Handling Average Speed, higher is better

Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Kumho Ecsta PS71

2019 Auto Bild Summer Tire Test
225/45 R17
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:117Km/H Kumho Ecsta PS71: 116.3Km/H
2020 Auto Bild Summer Tire Test
245/45 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:114.6Km/H Kumho Ecsta PS71: 114.3Km/H
2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test
225/45 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:117.2Km/H Kumho Ecsta PS71: 118.4Km/H
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test
225/40 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:118.2Km/H Kumho Ecsta PS71: 118.6Km/H

Subj. Dry Handling

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta PS71 was better during one subj. dry handling tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta PS71 scored 14.29% more points than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.

Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
6 Points
Kumho Ecsta PS71
7 Points
Subjective Dry Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Kumho Ecsta PS71

2018 Test World Summer Tire Test
225/45 R17
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:6 Points Kumho Ecsta PS71: 7 Points

Wet Braking

Looking at data from eleven tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta PS71 was better during nine wet braking tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta PS71 stopped the vehicle in 6.52% less distance than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.

Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
35.89M
Kumho Ecsta PS71
33.55M
Wet braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Wet Braking: Kumho Ecsta PS71

2018 Test World Summer Tire Test
225/45 R17
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:28.2M Kumho Ecsta PS71: 27.5M
2019 Summer 53 Tire Braking Shootout
225/45 R17
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:31.4M Kumho Ecsta PS71: 31.6M
2019 Auto Bild Summer Tire Test
225/45 R17
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:31.4M Kumho Ecsta PS71: 31.6M
2020 Tire Market Overview Braking Test
245/45 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:33M Kumho Ecsta PS71: 29M
2020 Auto Bild Summer Tire Test
245/45 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:51.6M Kumho Ecsta PS71: 45.3M
2021 ADAC Summer Tire Test - 225/50 R17
225/50 R17
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:37.9M Kumho Ecsta PS71: 35.5M
2023 Summer Tire Market Overview
225/45 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:27M Kumho Ecsta PS71: 26.6M
2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test
225/45 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:42.2M Kumho Ecsta PS71: 41.6M
2025 Summer Tire Test Shootout
225/40 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:31.5M Kumho Ecsta PS71: 27.4M
2025 ADAC Summer Tire Test
225/40 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:31.5M Kumho Ecsta PS71: 30.2M
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test
225/40 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:49.1M Kumho Ecsta PS71: 42.8M

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 5.51% less distance than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.

Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
38.1M
Kumho Ecsta PS71
36M
Wet braking on Concrete in meters, lower is better

Best In Wet Braking - Concrete: Kumho Ecsta PS71

2025 ADAC Summer Tire Test
225/40 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:38.1M Kumho Ecsta PS71: 36M

Wet Handling [s]

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta PS71 was better during one wet handling [s] tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta PS71 was 0.36% faster around a wet lap than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.

Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
27.9s
Kumho Ecsta PS71
27.8s
Wet handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Wet Handling [s]: Kumho Ecsta PS71

2018 Test World Summer Tire Test
225/45 R17
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:27.9s Kumho Ecsta PS71: 27.8s

Wet Handling [Km/H]

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta PS71 was better during four wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta PS71 was 2.65% faster around a wet lap than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.

Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
71.75Km/H
Kumho Ecsta PS71
73.7Km/H
Wet Handling Average Speed, higher is better

Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Kumho Ecsta PS71

2019 Auto Bild Summer Tire Test
225/45 R17
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:72.1Km/H Kumho Ecsta PS71: 73.2Km/H
2020 Auto Bild Summer Tire Test
245/45 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:68.8Km/H Kumho Ecsta PS71: 73.2Km/H
2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test
225/45 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:74.4Km/H Kumho Ecsta PS71: 74.6Km/H
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test
225/40 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:71.7Km/H Kumho Ecsta PS71: 73.8Km/H

Subj. Wet Handling

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 was better during one subj. wet handling tests. On average the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 scored 25% more points than the Kumho Ecsta PS71.

Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
8 Points
Kumho Ecsta PS71
6 Points
Subjective Wet Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2

2018 Test World Summer Tire Test
225/45 R17
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:8 Points Kumho Ecsta PS71: 6 Points

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 1.67% faster around a wet circle than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.

Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
14.98s
Kumho Ecsta PS71
14.73s
Wet Circle Lap Time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Wet Circle: Kumho Ecsta PS71

2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test
225/40 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:14.98s Kumho Ecsta PS71: 14.73s

Straight Aqua

Looking at data from six tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta PS71 was better during four straight aqua tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta PS71 floated at a 1.37% higher speed than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.

Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
90.28Km/H
Kumho Ecsta PS71
91.53Km/H
Float Speed in Km/H, higher is better

Best In Straight Aqua: Kumho Ecsta PS71

2018 Test World Summer Tire Test
225/45 R17
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:86.2Km/H Kumho Ecsta PS71: 86.5Km/H
2019 Auto Bild Summer Tire Test
225/45 R17
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:96.1Km/H Kumho Ecsta PS71: 95.5Km/H
2020 Auto Bild Summer Tire Test
245/45 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:93.2Km/H Kumho Ecsta PS71: 98.5Km/H
2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test
225/45 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:103.9Km/H Kumho Ecsta PS71: 103.7Km/H
2025 ADAC Summer Tire Test
225/40 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:81.2Km/H Kumho Ecsta PS71: 83.7Km/H
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test
225/40 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:81.1Km/H Kumho Ecsta PS71: 81.3Km/H

Curved Aquaplaning

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 was better during three curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 slipped out at a 10.25% higher speed than the Kumho Ecsta PS71.

Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
3.61m/sec2
Kumho Ecsta PS71
3.24m/sec2
Remaining lateral acceleration, higher is better

Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2

2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test
225/45 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:3.87m/sec2 Kumho Ecsta PS71: 3.63m/sec2
2025 ADAC Summer Tire Test
225/40 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:3.5m/sec2 Kumho Ecsta PS71: 3m/sec2
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test
225/40 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:3.45m/sec2 Kumho Ecsta PS71: 3.09m/sec2

Subj. Comfort

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta PS71 was better during one subj. comfort tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta PS71 scored 40.17% more points than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.

Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
3.5 Points
Kumho Ecsta PS71
5.85 Points
Subjective Comfort Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Comfort: Kumho Ecsta PS71

2019 Auto Bild Summer Tire Test
225/45 R17
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:2 Points Kumho Ecsta PS71: 7 Points
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test
225/40 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:5 Points Kumho Ecsta PS71: 4.7 Points

Noise

Looking at data from six tire tests, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 was better during five noise tests. On average the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 measured 1.45% quieter than the Kumho Ecsta PS71.

Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
71.12dB
Kumho Ecsta PS71
72.17dB
External noise in dB, lower is better

Best In Noise: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2

2018 Test World Summer Tire Test
225/45 R17
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:62.4dB Kumho Ecsta PS71: 62.2dB
2019 Auto Bild Summer Tire Test
225/45 R17
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:72.2dB Kumho Ecsta PS71: 74.1dB
2020 Auto Bild Summer Tire Test
245/45 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:72.1dB Kumho Ecsta PS71: 72.4dB
2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test
225/45 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:73.6dB Kumho Ecsta PS71: 75.3dB
2025 ADAC Summer Tire Test
225/40 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:72.8dB Kumho Ecsta PS71: 73.6dB
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test
225/40 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:73.6dB Kumho Ecsta PS71: 75.4dB

Wear

Looking at data from five tire tests, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 was better during four wear tests. On average the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 is predicted to cover 13.9% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Kumho Ecsta PS71.

Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
38850.8KM
Kumho Ecsta PS71
33450KM
Predicted tread life in KM, higher is better

Best In Wear: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2

2019 Auto Bild Summer Tire Test
225/45 R17
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:41730KM Kumho Ecsta PS71: 26520KM
2020 Auto Bild Summer Tire Test
245/45 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:29634KM Kumho Ecsta PS71: 22450KM
2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test
225/45 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:41600KM Kumho Ecsta PS71: 38800KM
2025 ADAC Summer Tire Test
225/40 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:41700KM Kumho Ecsta PS71: 37300KM
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test
225/40 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:39590KM Kumho Ecsta PS71: 42180KM

Value

Looking at data from five tire tests, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 was better during two value tests. On average the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 proved to have a 2.49% better value based on price/1000km than the Kumho Ecsta PS71.

Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
12.12Price/1000
Kumho Ecsta PS71
12.43Price/1000
Euros/1000km based on cost/wear, lower is better

Best In Value: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2

2019 Auto Bild Summer Tire Test
225/45 R17
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:9.11Price/1000 Kumho Ecsta PS71: 12.07Price/1000
2020 Auto Bild Summer Tire Test
245/45 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:16.87Price/1000 Kumho Ecsta PS71: 19.15Price/1000
2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test
225/45 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:13.82Price/1000 Kumho Ecsta PS71: 12.37Price/1000
2025 ADAC Summer Tire Test
225/40 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:11.7Price/1000 Kumho Ecsta PS71: 11.05Price/1000
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test
225/40 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:9.09Price/1000 Kumho Ecsta PS71: 7.49Price/1000

Price

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta PS71 was better during three price tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta PS71 cost 15.46% less than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.

Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
485
Kumho Ecsta PS71
410
Price in local currency, lower is better

Best In Price: Kumho Ecsta PS71

2019 Auto Bild Summer Tire Test
225/45 R17
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:380 Kumho Ecsta PS71: 320
2020 Auto Bild Summer Tire Test
245/45 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:500 Kumho Ecsta PS71: 430
2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test
225/45 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:575 Kumho Ecsta PS71: 480

Rolling Resistance

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 was better during two rolling resistance tests. On average the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 had a 7.17% lower rolling resistance than the Kumho Ecsta PS71.

Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
8.67kg / t
Kumho Ecsta PS71
9.34kg / t
Rolling resistance in kg t, lower is better

Best In Rolling Resistance: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2

2019 Auto Bild Summer Tire Test
225/45 R17
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:9.43kg / t Kumho Ecsta PS71: 11.06kg / t
2020 Auto Bild Summer Tire Test
245/45 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:7.4kg / t Kumho Ecsta PS71: 9.05kg / t
2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test
225/45 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:8.45kg / t Kumho Ecsta PS71: 8.06kg / t
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test
225/40 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:9.41kg / t Kumho Ecsta PS71: 9.19kg / t

Fuel Consumption

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 was better during one fuel consumption tests. On average the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 used 1.75% less fuel than the Kumho Ecsta PS71.

Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
5.6l/100km
Kumho Ecsta PS71
5.7l/100km
Fuel consumption in Litres per 100 km, lower is better

Best In Fuel Consumption: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2

2025 ADAC Summer Tire Test
225/40 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:5.6l/100km Kumho Ecsta PS71: 5.7l/100km

Abrasion

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta PS71 was better during one abrasion tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta PS71 emitted 5.82% less particle wear matter than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.

Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
91mg/km/t
Kumho Ecsta PS71
85.7mg/km/t
Weight of Tire Wear Particles Lost (mg/km/t), lower is better

Best In Abrasion: Kumho Ecsta PS71

2025 ADAC Summer Tire Test
225/40 R18
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:91mg/km/t Kumho Ecsta PS71: 85.7mg/km/t

Real World Driver Reviews

Tire Reviews also collects real world driver reviews for the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 and Kumho Ecsta PS71.

In total the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 has been reviewed 92 times and drivers have given the tire 77% overall.

The Kumho Ecsta PS71 has been reviewed 76 times and drivers have given the tire 78% overall.

This means in real world driving, people prefer the Kumho Ecsta PS71.

Best Review for the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
Given 93% 235/35 R19 W on a combination of roads for 3,000 spirited miles
I have changed my ContiSportContact 5Ps with these. Quite happy so far. The car feels like more responsive and quiter. I have preferred these over SportContact6s purely because of the price advantage but it doesnt feel like a wrong choice so far. The rim protectors, which dont exist on 5Ps, are also nice. I have just painted my rims before installing these and these protectors have already save me from scratching the rims couple of times.
Helpful 319 - tire reviewed on April 30, 2016
View all Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 driver reviews >>
Best Review for the Kumho Ecsta PS71
Given 83% 225/45 R17 on mostly motorways for 500 spirited miles
same kumho problem... balancing & egg shape. 245/45/18 100Y XL
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
Helpful 320 - tire reviewed on March 25, 2017
View all Kumho Ecsta PS71 driver reviews >>

Conclusion

In conclusion the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 performed better in dry braking, subj. wet handling, curved aquaplaning, noise, wear, value, rolling resistance and fuel consumption, while the Kumho Ecsta PS71 performed better in dry handling [km/h], subj. dry handling, wet braking, wet braking - concrete, wet handling [s], wet handling [km/h], wet circle, straight aqua, subj. comfort, price and abrasion.

Which tire is best for you depends a lot on your driving style and situation, plus what you want from the tire. Comparing all the data in the tire reviews database, on balance Kumho Ecsta PS71 seems to be the best tire overall.

However, it's important to note that both tires have their strengths.

Remember, the best tire for you might depend on which of these factors are most important for your specific driving needs and conditions.

Kumho Ecsta PS71

Overall Winner: Kumho Ecsta PS71

Based on the tire test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Kumho Ecsta PS71 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:


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.