Kumho Ecsta Sport S PS72 vs Pirelli P Zero PZ5
- TR Score
- 9.3/10
- Owners say
- 83% · 9
- TR Score
- 9.4/10
- Owners say
- 94% · 20
The Kumho Ecsta Sport S PS72 and the Pirelli P Zero PZ5 have met in 2 independent tests and the record is level at 1-1. The Ecsta Sport S PS72 stopped 1.6% shorter in the dry; the P Zero PZ5 was 0.5 dB quieter.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose the Kumho Ecsta Sport S PS72 if you want the best real-world confidence per dollar-especially strong braking (including a big wet-braking win in one test), good aquaplaning security, and the most comfortable ride. Choose the Pirelli P Zero PZ5 if you prioritise a sharper, more precise feel with strong lateral grip and lower noise/rolling resistance, and you're willing to accept that braking performance (especially in wet-heavy evaluations) may be the limiting factor.
Where the Ecsta Sport S PS72 is stronger
- Shorter braking performance overall (wins dry braking in both tests; strong wet braking advantage in Top Tyre Review: 34.2 m vs 38.8 m)
- More comfortable ride in both tests (6.5 vs 6.0; 8.0 vs 7.3 subjective comfort)
- Strong straight-line aquaplaning resistance in Top Tyre Review (76.4 vs 74.9 km/h) and generally balanced wet behaviour
Where the P Zero PZ5 is stronger
- Sharper dry performance/response potential (wins dry handling time in Top Tyre Review: 47.68 s vs 48.35 s; slightly higher subjective dry score)
- Stronger wet cornering/lateral grip metrics (wins wet circle in both tests: 0.897 g vs 0.874 g; 12.7 s vs 14.0 s)
- Lower noise in both tests (65.4 vs 65.6 dB; 72.6 vs 73.4 dB)
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.
Ecsta Sport S PS72 vs P Zero PZ5 at a glance
| Category | Ecsta Sport S PS72 | Gap | P Zero PZ5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won2 shared tests | 1 | 1 | |
| Dry5 measurements | 3 | The Ecsta Sport S PS72 stopped 1.6% shorter in the dry (2 tests) | 2 |
| Wet10 measurements | 4 | 6 | |
| Comfort4 measurements | 2 | Level between the two. | 2 |
| Value2 measurements | 1 | Level between the two. | 1 |
| Tyre Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.3/10 | The P Zero PZ5 by 0.1 | 9.4/10 |
| Owner rating9 and 20 reviews | 83% | The P Zero PZ5 by 11 points | 94% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 78% | The P Zero PZ5 by 22 points | 100% |
Wins count every measurement the shared tests recorded for both tyres; a tick marks the tyre 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 2 tests in 2026
Each row is one published test in which both tyres ran on the same car, in the same size, on the same day. The line is the whole field, winner on the left.
| Test | Ecsta Sport S PS72 | Field | P Zero PZ5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top Tire Review 2026 UUHP Tyre Test | P2 of 3 | P3 of 3 | |
| 2026 Autobild Sports Cars Summer Tyre Test | P5 of 8 | P3 of 8 |
Performance profile
6 measurements from the 2 shared tests, each tyre shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Ecsta Sport S PS72
P Zero PZ5
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
In each test the better of the two figures counts as 100% and the other as its share of it, so a 36 m stop against 34.2 m is 95%; each spoke averages the shared tests that recorded it. The scale stops at 97%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 9 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Ecsta Sport S PS72
Not ahead in any category
P Zero PZ5
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Category scores are percentiles among tyres of the same season and class: 90 means this tyre out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
Where owners rate each higher
Ecsta Sport S PS72
Not ahead in any category
P Zero PZ5
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Owners rate the Ecsta Sport S PS72 83% from 9 reviews and the P Zero PZ5 94% from 20. 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 tyres 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 | Ecsta Sport S PS72 | Gap | P Zero PZ5 | Wins | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34.5 | 1.6% | 35.05 | 2-0 | |||||||||
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| 48.35 | 1.4% | 47.68 | 0-1 | |||||||||
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| 106.1 | 0.1% | 106 | 1-0 | |||||||||
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| scored | 1.4% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||
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| 40.6 | 5.6% | 42.75 | 1-1 | |||||||||
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| 83.1 | 2% | 84.8 | 1-0 | |||||||||
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| 72 | 6.3% | 76.5 | 0-1 | |||||||||
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| scored | 5% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||
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| 14 | 9.3% | 12.7 | 0-1 | |||||||||
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| 0.87 | 2.6% | 0.9 | 0-1 | |||||||||
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| 82.35 | 0.7% | 81.9 | 1-1 | |||||||||
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| 2.93 | 2.7% | 3.01 | 0-1 | |||||||||
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| scored | 9% | scored | 2-0 | |||||||||
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| 69.5 | 0.5 dB | 69 | 0-2 | |||||||||
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| 9.66 | 2.2% | 9.44 | 1-1 | |||||||||
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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 tyres 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 Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Ecsta Sport S PS72 scores 9.3 and the P Zero PZ5 9.4 out of 10.
| Ecsta Sport S PS72 | Category | P Zero PZ5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94 | Dry | 95 | ||
| 95 | Wet | 95 | ||
| 32 | Comfort | 37 | ||
| 12 | Value | 19 | ||
Category scores are percentiles among tyres of the same season and class: 90 means this tyre out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
What owners say
| Ecsta Sport S PS72 | Category | P Zero PZ5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.4 | Dry Grip | 9.9 | ||
| 8.8 | Wet Grip | 9.6 | ||
| 8.8 | Road Feedback | 9.6 | ||
| 9.6 | Handling | 9.6 | ||
| 4.8 | Wear | 8.8 | ||
| 6.7 | Comfort | 8.7 | ||
Owners rate the Ecsta Sport S PS72 83% from 9 reviews and the P Zero PZ5 94% from 20. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
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 tyre 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.
Pirelli P Zero PZ5
- 94%from 20 reviews
- 100%would buy again
- 120,924 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners are overwhelmingly happy with the Pirelli P Zero PZ5, praising its strong dry grip and confident, sporty handling, with many also highlighting improved comfort for a UHP tyre. Around two in five owners comment on steering feel, and while the balance is generally positive, a noticeable minority report a softer or more muted initial response compared with sharper rivals. A smaller group mentions trade-offs such as higher rolling resistance and slightly weaker dry braking, while road noise feedback is mixed rather than clearly better or worse.
- Outstanding dry grip and traction
- Sporty, confidence-inspiring dry handling
- More comfortable than expected for a UHP tyre
- Strong wet grip and confidence in rain
- Steering can feel muted or slower on initial turn-in
- Rolling resistance higher, hurting fuel economy
- Dry braking can feel a bit longer than key rivals
Summarised by AI from 17 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 20 P Zero PZ5 reviewsPreviously had continental sportcontact 5p and michelin pilot supersports and the pirellis are way better especially in the wet. So much confidence.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
| Category | Ecsta Sport S PS72 | P Zero PZ5 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer | Summer |
| On the market since | 2024 | - |
| Replaced | Kumho Ecsta PS71 (2016) | Pirelli P Zero PZ4 |
| Awards | - | Winner: Supersports Tyre of the Year (WhatTyre, 2025) |
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 two Max-Performance summer tyres with very different “personalities”: the value-led Kumho Ecsta Sport S PS72 versus the premium-badged Pirelli P Zero PZ5. Both target fast road driving in sizes like 255/35 R19, where buyers expect sharp steering and strong wet safety without sacrificing refinement.
Across two independent 2026 tests (Top Tyre Review UUHP and Auto Bild Sportscars), the data shows a consistent theme: the Kumho tends to score through balance, braking and comfort, while the Pirelli tends to score through precision feel, wet cornering/grip metrics, low noise and (in one test) efficiency. The interesting twist is that each test “weights” performance differently-so the same strengths can translate into very different overall finishing positions.
Conclusion
Looking across both tests, the Kumho Ecsta Sport S PS72 comes through as the safer all-rounder for everyday fast-road use, mainly because it repeatedly brakes shorter-especially in the wet when it matters most. The standout result is Top Tyre Review's wet braking gap: 34.2 m for the Kumho vs 38.8 m for the Pirelli (about 11.9% longer for the PZ5), backed up by the Kumho also leading wet handling time there (83.1 s vs 84.8 s) and straight-line aquaplaning (76.4 vs 74.9 km/h). Add in best-in-comparison comfort scores in both tests, and the PS72 makes a strong case as the “liveable” performance tyre-particularly given its positioning as the value option.
The Pirelli P Zero PZ5 is more nuanced. It can feel sharp and is genuinely competitive in certain performance metrics-quickest dry handling lap in Top Tyre Review (47.68 s vs 48.35 s) and consistently stronger wet cornering/grip measures (wet circle wins in both tests; e.g., 0.897 g vs 0.874 g in Top Tyre Review, and 12.7 s vs 14.0 s in Auto Bild). It's also the quieter tyre in both datasets (65.4 vs 65.6 dB; 72.6 vs 73.4 dB). However, the PZ5's braking results are the recurring concern: it loses dry braking in both tests and, depending on the test, can give away meaningful wet stopping distance-enough to drag its overall standing when wet safety is weighted heavily.
Practical takeaway: if you want the more confidence-inspiring, cost-effective tyre for mixed real-world driving (commutes, spirited road use, variable rain), the Kumho PS72 is the smarter pick. If your priority is steering crispness, low noise, and strong lateral grip feel-especially for drivers who value cornering support over ultimate braking numbers-the Pirelli PZ5 can still make sense, but it's a more conditional recommendation than its name suggests.
Ecsta Sport S PS72 vs P Zero PZ5: your questions
Is the Kumho Ecsta Sport S PS72 or the Pirelli P Zero PZ5 the better tyre?
The Kumho Ecsta Sport S PS72 and the Pirelli P Zero PZ5 have met in 2 independent tests and the record is level at 1-1. On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Ecsta Sport S PS72 scores 9.3 and the P Zero PZ5 9.4 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Ecsta Sport S PS72 or the P Zero PZ5?
The P Zero PZ5 led 6 of the 10 wet measurements the shared tests recorded.
Which is better in the dry?
The Ecsta Sport S PS72 led 3 of the 5 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.6% shorter in the dry across 2 tests.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The P Zero PZ5 was 0.5 dB quieter (2 tests). Owners rate comfort 6.7/10 for the Ecsta Sport S PS72 and 8.7/10 for the P Zero PZ5.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Ecsta Sport S PS72 83% from 9 reviews and the P Zero PZ5 94% from 20. 78% of Ecsta Sport S PS72 owners would buy it again, against 100% for the P Zero PZ5.
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Where this data comes from
Finishing positions and measurements are transcribed from each published test. A test only counts here when both tyres 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 Tyre Reviews Score rates each tyre out of 10 from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold, so two tyres can be compared even before a test has run them together.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tyre Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tyres independently since 2007.
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