Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 vs Kumho Ecsta PS71
- TR Score
- 8.9/10
- Owners say
- 76% · 85
- TR Score
- 8.5/10
- Owners say
- 77% · 94
In the 7 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 finished ahead 4 times and the Ecsta PS71 3 times. The Ventus S1 evo 3 lasted 22.2% longer in the wear tests; the Ecsta PS71 resisted straight aquaplaning at a 1% higher speed.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Pick Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 for drivers prioritizing maximum grip, shortest braking, and quieter refinement. Choose Kumho Ecsta PS71 if you want a lower-cost, well-balanced tyre with stronger aquaplaning security and good overall value, especially for wet-prone highways and budget-sensitive buyers.
Where the Ventus S1 evo 3 is stronger
- Class-leading braking: 6/6 dry wins and multiple wet wins with 5-9% shorter stops
- Consistent handling precision: quicker laps in dry and often in wet
- Lower noise and rolling resistance in several tests
Where the Ecsta PS71 is stronger
- Lower purchase price and frequent value wins
- Strong aquaplaning resistance (straight/curved) in multiple tests
- Balanced performance with high overall placement in 2023 (5/21)
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.
Ventus S1 evo 3 vs Ecsta PS71 at a glance
| Category | Ventus S1 evo 3 | Gap | Ecsta PS71 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won7 shared tests | 4 | 3 | |
| Dry9 measurements | 9 | The Ventus S1 evo 3 stopped 3.6% shorter in the dry (6 tests) | 0 |
| Wet13 measurements | 6 | Level between the two. | 6 |
| Comfort4 measurements | 3 | The Ventus S1 evo 3 was 1.9 dB quieter (3 tests) | 1 |
| Value7 measurements | 5 | The Ventus S1 evo 3 lasted 22.2% longer in the wear tests (4 tests) | 2 |
| Tyre Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.9/10 | The Ventus S1 evo 3 by 0.4 | 8.5/10 |
| Owner rating85 and 94 reviews | 76% | Too close to call | 77% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 68% | The Ventus S1 evo 3 by 5 points | 63% |
| Pricein the 3 tests that listed prices | +10.5% | The Ventus S1 evo 3 was dearer in 3 of 3 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 110 | 59 sizes made in both | 133 |
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 7 tests, 2019 to 2023
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 | Ventus S1 evo 3 | Field | Ecsta PS71 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tyre Test | P12 of 20 | P5 of 20 | |
| 2023 Summer Tyre Market Overview | P1 of 50 | P12 of 50 | |
| 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | P12 of 20 | P17 of 20 | |
| 2020 ADAC 18 Inch Summer Tyre Test | P14 of 16 | P9 of 16 | |
| 2020 Tyre Market Overview Braking Test | P10 of 50 | P5 of 50 | |
| 2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | P3 of 20 | P20 of 20 | |
| 2019 Summer 53 Tyre Braking Shootout | P3 of 53 | P18 of 53 |
Performance profile
8 measurements from the 7 shared tests, each tyre shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Ventus S1 evo 3
Ecsta PS71
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 94%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 2 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Ventus S1 evo 3
Ecsta PS71
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
Ventus S1 evo 3
Ecsta PS71
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Owners rate the Ventus S1 evo 3 76% from 85 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 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 | Ventus S1 evo 3 | Gap | Ecsta PS71 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34.4 | 3.6% | 35.7 | 6-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 117.7 | 1.2% | 116.3 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 33.08 | 3.9% | 34.28 | 4-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 73.67 | = | 73.67 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 98.27 | 1% | 99.23 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3.53 | 2.8% | 3.63 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| scored | 16.7% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 72.07 | 1.9 dB | 73.93 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 34,596 | 22.2% | 28,993 | 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8.57 | 8% | 9.39 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 Ventus S1 evo 3 scores 8.9 and the Ecsta PS71 8.5 out of 10.
| Ventus S1 evo 3 | Category | Ecsta PS71 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 84 | Dry | 73 | ||
| 87 | Wet | 92 | ||
| 55 | Comfort | 11 | ||
| 38 | Value | 18 | ||
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
| Ventus S1 evo 3 | Category | Ecsta PS71 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.4 | Dry Grip | 8.5 | ||
| 8.2 | Wet Grip | 8 | ||
| 7.3 | Road Feedback | 8 | ||
| 7.5 | Handling | 8 | ||
| 7 | Wear | 7 | ||
| 7.7 | Comfort | 7.4 | ||
Owners rate the Ventus S1 evo 3 76% from 85 reviews and the Ecsta PS71 77% from 94. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3
- 76%from 85 reviews
- 68%would buy again
- 952,278 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners generally rate the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 as a strong all-rounder, with nearly two thirds of reviews scoring it positively (73% average). The most consistent praise is for secure dry and wet grip, backed up by good comfort and relatively low road noise for a UHP tyre. Wear is more mixed: many report good mileage, but around one in eight owners complain of faster-than-expected tread life. The standout drawback is feel at the wheel, with roughly a quarter of owners describing muted or vague steering response, and a smaller group mentioning earlier aquaplaning than rivals.
- Strong dry grip
- Reassuring wet grip
- Quiet running for its class
- Comfortable, absorbs bumps well
- Muted or vague steering response and feedback
- Tread life can be disappointing for some
- Aquaplanes sooner than some rivals in standing water
Summarised by AI from 78 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 85 Ventus S1 evo 3 reviewsGiven this is one of extremly few tires in the size i needed its a great tire. pushing 420 hp to the rear wheels of my porsche 911 it never let go until it was worn down, and then just in wet conditions. its a safe well handling tire with great even wear, the 911 is know for wearing down the insides.
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 tyre, 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 tyre 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 tyre: 110 sizes of the Ventus S1 evo 3 and 133 of the Ecsta PS71, 59 of them made in both.
| Category | Ventus S1 evo 3 | Ecsta PS71 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer | Summer |
| Sizes made | 110 sizes, 17 to 22 inch | 133 sizes, 16 to 22 inch |
| Made in both | 59 sizes 205/45 R17205/55 R17215/45 R17225/45 R17225/50 R17225/55 R17245/45 R17215/40 R18215/45 R18225/40 R18225/45 R18225/55 R18and 47 more | |
| EU label wet grip | A79%B17%C5% | A71%B24%C5%D0% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C65%A14%B13%D8% | C41%B22%D21%A17% |
| EU label noise | 67-75 dB B79%A21% | 68-75 dB B96%A4% |
| On the market since | 2021 | 2016 |
| Replaced | Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 (2021) | - |
| Replaced by | Hankook Ventus Evo | Kumho Ecsta Sport S PS72 |
| Awards | Commended: Best Tyres for Hot Hatches (DriverReviews, 2024/25) | - |
| Price in the shared tests | The Ventus S1 evo 3 was the dearer tyre in 3 of the 3 tests that listed prices, by 10.5% on average. Each test priced the tyres 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 two proven Korean summer tyres with different briefs: the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 targets max-performance precision, while the Kumho Ecsta PS71 aims for well-rounded ultra-high-performance at a sharper price. Across seven shared tests from 2019-2023, both tyres show credible results, but they excel in different areas that matter day to day.
Hankook repeatedly delivers standout grip, especially in braking. It swept all dry braking matchups and led most wet stops, translating to shorter, more confidence-inspiring stopping distances and slightly higher dry and wet handling speeds. Kumho counters with stronger value metrics-lower purchase price, frequent value wins, and in some tests better aquaplaning resistance-plus a notably good overall ranking in AutoBild 2023 driven by balanced performance.
Conclusion
If your priority is outright road performance and safety margins, the Ventus S1 evo 3 is the clear choice. It consistently stops shorter in the dry (e.g., 33.3 m vs 35.1 m, 5% better) and usually in the wet (6-9% gains in several tests), with quieter operation and lower rolling resistance in multiple years. This pattern held even when overall rankings fluctuated due to single-category penalties.
Choose the Ecsta PS71 if you want solid, balanced performance at a lower price and are frequently exposed to deep-water conditions-its aquaplaning resistance often edges Hankook, and it delivered an excellent 5/21 overall in AutoBild 2023 alongside strong value and competitive wet braking that year. Value swings with wear: PS71 showed both higher and lower wear than Hankook depending on test, so local pricing and size-specific wear data matter. Bottom line: Hankook for maximum grip and refinement, Kumho for wallet-friendly all-roundability and aquaplaning confidence.
Ventus S1 evo 3 vs Ecsta PS71: your questions
Is the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 or the Kumho Ecsta PS71 the better tyre?
In the 7 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 finished ahead 4 times and the Ecsta PS71 3 times. On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Ventus S1 evo 3 scores 8.9 and the Ecsta PS71 8.5 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Ventus S1 evo 3 or the Ecsta PS71?
Across the shared tests the wet measurements are split 6-6 between the Ventus S1 evo 3 and the Ecsta PS71.
Which is better in the dry?
The Ventus S1 evo 3 led 9 of the 9 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 3.6% shorter in the dry across 6 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Ventus S1 evo 3 lasted 22.2% longer in the wear tests (4 tests) and had 8% lower rolling resistance (3 tests). Owners rate wear 7/10 for the Ventus S1 evo 3 and 7/10 for the Ecsta PS71.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The Ventus S1 evo 3 was 1.9 dB quieter (3 tests). Owners rate comfort 7.7/10 for the Ventus S1 evo 3 and 7.4/10 for the Ecsta PS71.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Ventus S1 evo 3 76% from 85 reviews and the Ecsta PS71 77% from 94. 68% of Ventus S1 evo 3 owners would buy it again, against 63% for the Ecsta PS71.
Which is more expensive?
In the 3 tests that listed prices, the Ventus S1 evo 3 was the dearer tyre in 3 of them, by 10.5% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Ventus S1 evo 3 is made in 110 sizes (17 to 22 inch) and the Ecsta PS71 in 133 (16 to 22 inch). 59 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Ventus S1 evo 3 is graded A for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Ecsta PS71 A and C.
Which is the newer tyre?
The Ventus S1 evo 3 is the newer design: it reached the market in 2021, the Ecsta PS71 in 2016. The Ventus S1 evo 3 replaced the Hankook Ventus S1 evo2.
More comparisons with these tyres
vs 
Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 vs Michelin Pilot Sport 5
1-6 in 7 shared tests
vs
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 vs Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3
8-1 in 9 shared tests
vs
Kumho Ecsta PS71 vs Michelin Pilot Sport 5
0-5 in 5 shared tests
vs 
Kumho Ecsta PS71 vs Nexen N Fera Sport SU2
6-3 in 9 shared tests
vs
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 vs Kumho Ecsta PS71
4-1 in 5 shared tests
vs 
Kumho Ecsta PS71 vs Yokohama Advan Sport V107
3-2 in 5 shared tests
vs
Bridgestone Potenza Sport vs Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3
7-3 in 11 shared tests
vs
Giti GitiSportS2 vs Kumho Ecsta PS71
0-5 in 5 shared tests
Run either of these?
Your review is the part of this page no test can supply: how the tyre 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 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.
Discussion