Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 vs Kumho Ecsta V730 tires

Continental Tires and Kumho Tires are two popular tire manufacturers that offer a range of tires for various fitments including passenger vehicles, CUVs, SUVs, light trucks, Jeeps, and commercial vehicles. Established in 1871, Continental is a leading innovator in the tire industry and offers top-quality, safe, affordable, and environmentally friendly tires. Kumho was founded in 1960 and is a versatile and affordable tire manufacturer that is a Premium Partner for AC Milan and Tottenham Football Club. Both tire manufacturers offer a range of tires in different categories, such as all-season, all-terrain, winter, highway, Ultra-high-performance tires, and so on.

UHP Summer tires are commonly used on sports, super, and performance-oriented vehicles and are ideal for use in warmer weather conditions. These tires offer sporty handling, quicker braking, and accelerating with responsive steering for overall excellent performance. Today, we will be looking at two leading UHP Summer tires from the brands - Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 and Kumho Ecsta V730. Both these tires are UHP summer tires designed for use on performance-oriented coupes and sedans, sports cars, and supercars. We will be looking at a few of the similarities and differences between these two tires in this Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 vs Kumho Ecsta V730 tire comparison.

Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 tires

The Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 is a high-performance summer tire designed for use on sports, luxury performance, and muscle cars and offers superb traction, handling, and braking performance in wet and dry conditions. The tire is also backed by a 30,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty and Continental’s Total Confidence Plan. Additionally, the tire is built using SPORTPlus+ Technology which allows for responsive handling, better wet grip, and a longer tread life.

All of these features have allowed us to give the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 an average SimpleScore of 9.3 out of 10.

Kumho Ecsta V730 tires

The Kumho Ecsta V730 is an ultra-high-performance summer tire designed for use on performance-oriented, sports, and supercars, and offers drivers excellent handling and traction in wet and dry road conditions. With a tread designed to be used in warmer weather conditions, the tire is engineered with an ultra-high grip rubber compound that improves grip and handling performance.

All of these features have allowed us to give the Kumho Ecsta V730 an average SimpleScore of 8.2 out of 10.

Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 vs Kumho Ecsta V730 tires on traction

When investing in tires, it's essential to prioritize traction. Traction plays a pivotal role in several driving dynamics, encompassing braking effectiveness, resistance against hydroplaning, and overall maneuverability, all of which are critical factors to bear in mind. The tire's capacity to deliver traction is shaped by various factors, including its tread design, pattern, and the composition of its rubber compound, all operating harmoniously to enhance performance.

The Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 scored an excellent score of 9.8 out of 10, thanks to the SPORTPlus+ technology that allows for better wet grip paired with three wide and one narrow grooves which drain water out of the tread to reduce the risk of hydroplaning in wet weather conditions.

In traction, the Kumho Ecsta V730 scored a great score of 8.4 thanks to the ultra-high grip rubber compound that improves grip and handling performance, and wide circumferential grooves that quickly remove water from the tread to reduce the risk of hydroplaning.

While both tires offer great traction while driving at high speeds, the ExtremeContact Sport 02 has an edge over the Ecsta V730 based on SimpleScore and will deliver better performance.

ADVANTAGE: Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02

Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 vs Kumho Ecsta V730 tires on handling

When choosing tires, handling emerges as a crucial aspect to consider, given its direct influence on your capacity to manage the vehicle, particularly during high-speed journeys. Exceptional handling guarantees seamless maneuvering, effortless lane transitions, and enjoyable driving encounters. Handling of the tire is shaped by diverse components, such as tread configuration, rubber formulation, and the integration of cutting-edge technology into the tire's construction.

In handling, the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 scored an impressive score of 9.7 thanks to the asymmetrical tread pattern and optimized tire design that allows for faster acceleration and handling performance.

The Kumho Ecsta V730 scored a great score of 8.6 in handling thanks to the unique rubber compound that enhances grip and handling performance for your vehicle.

Both ExtremeContact Sport 02 and Ecsta V730 offer great handling performance when driving at higher speeds. However, the former scores better on SimpleScore significantly, and offers much better handling performance than the Ecsta V730.

ADVANTAGE: Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02

Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 vs Kumho Ecsta V730 tires on longevity

Longevity holds significant importance for drivers when choosing tires, as it directly affects the mileage they can achieve on a single set. Continuous use gradually erodes the tread, highlighting the importance of tires that offer extended longevity to sustain optimal handling and traction over time. Elements like tread design, rubber composition, and tire structure collectively shape the tire's durability.

In longevity, the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 scored a great score of 8.5 thanks to the SPORTPlus+ technology that allows for a longer tread life. Additionally, the tire comes with Tuned Performance Indicators to visually check the tire’s tread. The tire is also backed by a 30,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty for standard fitments and 15,000 miles for rear or staggered fitments.

The Kumho Ecsta V730 scored a good score of 7.8 in longevity thanks to the unique tire design that evenly distributes pressure to reduce uneven tread wear and offer longer tread life.

In longevity, the ExtremeContact Sport 02 is again a clear winner as it scores much better and is also backed by a limited manufacturer tread life warranty as well.

ADVANTAGE: Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02

When to use each

Both Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 and Kumho Ecsta V730 are ultra-high-performance summer tires designed to be used on performance-oriented, sports, and supercars. As these tires are designed with treads best suited for warmer weather conditions, they should not be used in weather conditions consistently below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, these tires are designed for use on passenger vehicles and will bring out the sporty performance in your vehicles. Moreover, the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 comes with a mileage warranty, adding to the value of the tire.

Which one should you choose?

So which UHP summer tire might be the right choice for you? Well, the answer depends solely on your personal preference as both tires have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages. That being said, both tires will deliver overall great performance in wet or dry road conditions with responsive and sporty handling for your vehicle. However, a few key differences can help you make a decision. For instance, the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 scores better in overall SimpleScore, traction, handling, and longevity and they are backed by a limited manufacturer tread life warranty.

However, the Kumho Ecsta V730 is a more affordable tire. The Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 costs $163.99 per tire or $655.96 for a set, while the Kumho tire costs $149 per tire or $596 for a set.

Based on SimpleScore, you should choose Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 if you:

• Drive a car like the 2019 Audi S5 or something like the 2022 Porsche 911
• Want a tire with better overall SimpleScore (9.3 v 8.2)
• Want a tire with better Traction (9.8 v 8.4), handling (9.7 v 8.6) and longevity (8.5 v 7.8)
• Want a tire with a mileage warranty of 30,000
• Are willing to pay more for a better set of tires

Based on SimpleScore, you should choose the Kumho Ecsta V730 if you:

• Drive a car like the 2009 Honda S2000, or a 2018 Mazda Mx-5 Miata
• Want a set of ultra-high-performance summer tires that are more affordable

Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help as our helpful agents are more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.