Comparison: Hankook Ventus Prime3 K125 vs. Kumho Ecsta HS51

Let's compare two popular summer tyres: the Hankook Ventus Prime3 K125 and the Kumho Ecsta HS51. These two models have respectively been replaced by the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 and the Kumho Ecsta HS52, with the latest versions inheriting the strong points of the earlier models while aiming to address their limitations.

Lean manufacturing decisions have led to Hankook producing their Ventus Prime3 K125 tyres in Hungary (HU), while Kumho manufactures their Ecsta HS51 tyres in China (CN).

In our internal rating, the Hankook Ventus Prime3 K125 received 77%, outperforming the Kumho Ecsta HS51's 50% rating, suggesting superior performance and quality.

Test Performances
In the Autobild test, which included 50 tyres, the Ventus Prime3 K125 took a strong second place, performing particularly well in dry braking and handling, as well as wet braking. The Ecsta HS51, on the other hand, landed in 17th position, but shined in categories such as aquaplaning (both cross and longitudinal) and price to value ratio, as well as wet handling and side guide.

The ADAC test, which featured 16 tyres, saw the Ventus Prime3 K125 in fifth place, excelling in wet circle cornering and dry braking. The Ecsta HS51 secured the eighth position, showing strong performance in aquaplaning (cross and longitudinal), fuel efficiency, exterior noise, and wet circle cornering.

Finally, the Teknikens test, which involved 10 tyres, ranked the Ventus Prime3 K125 sixth, and the Ecsta HS51 seventh.

Summary
In summary, the Hankook Ventus Prime3 K125 offers superior dry braking and handling, as well as wet braking, ranking consistently higher in tests. Meanwhile, the Kumho Ecsta HS51 stands out in categories such as aquaplaning and fuel efficiency, offering good value for money. Both tyres serve as reliable summer tyre options, designed with specific strengths to suit different sorts of drivers.