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
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:
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.
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.
Best In Dry Braking: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
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 |
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.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Kumho Ecsta PS71
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
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 |
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.
Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Kumho Ecsta PS71
See how the Subj. Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
2018 Test World Summer Tire Test 225/45 R17 |
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:6 Points | ✓ Kumho Ecsta PS71: 7 Points |
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.
Best In Wet Braking: Kumho Ecsta PS71
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
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 |
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.
Best In Wet Braking - Concrete: Kumho Ecsta PS71
See how the Wet Braking - Concrete winner was calculated >>
2025 ADAC Summer Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:38.1M | ✓ Kumho Ecsta PS71: 36M |
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.
Best In Wet Handling [s]: Kumho Ecsta PS71
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
2018 Test World Summer Tire Test 225/45 R17 |
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:27.9s | ✓ Kumho Ecsta PS71: 27.8s |
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.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Kumho Ecsta PS71
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
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 |
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.
Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
See how the Subj. Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
2018 Test World Summer Tire Test 225/45 R17 |
✓ Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:8 Points | Kumho Ecsta PS71: 6 Points |
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.
Best In Wet Circle: Kumho Ecsta PS71
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:14.98s | ✓ Kumho Ecsta PS71: 14.73s |
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.
Best In Straight Aqua: Kumho Ecsta PS71
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
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 |
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.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
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 |
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.
Best In Subj. Comfort: Kumho Ecsta PS71
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
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 |
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.
Best In Noise: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
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 |
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.
Best In Wear: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
See how the Wear winner was calculated >>
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 |
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.
Best In Value: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
See how the Value winner was calculated >>
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 |
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.
Best In Price: Kumho Ecsta PS71
See how the Price winner was calculated >>
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 |
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.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
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 |
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.
Best In Fuel Consumption: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
See how the Fuel Consumption winner was calculated >>
2025 ADAC Summer Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
✓ Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:5.6l/100km | Kumho Ecsta PS71: 5.7l/100km |
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.
Best In Abrasion: Kumho Ecsta PS71
See how the Abrasion winner was calculated >>
2025 ADAC Summer Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2:91mg/km/t | ✓ Kumho Ecsta PS71: 85.7mg/km/t |
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.
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.
Looking for more tire comparisons? Here are other direct comparisons involving these tires:
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.