Comparison: Kumho Ecsta HS52 vs. Bridgestone Turanza 6 vs. Vredestein ULTRAC

When it comes to investing in quality tyres, making the right decision is critical. Today, we’re comparing two popular models – the Kumho Ecsta HS52 and Bridgestone Turanza 6 – to help you make an informed choice.

The Kumho Ecsta HS52 comes from the previous and popular HS51 model while the Bridgestone Turanza 6 doesn't have any successor models. Both are excellent summer tyres from well-established manufacturers, Kumho and Bridgestone.

Looking at our testing data, the Kumho tyre received a rating of 78% while the Bridgestone scored slightly higher at 83%. This indicates that, across the main factors we assess, Bridgestone performed marginally better.

A dive into the data further reveals other critical details. In the Autobild test, with 55 tyres in total, the Kumho Ecsta HS52 secured a commendable 2^nd position with strengths including its dry braking, dry handling, and wet braking capacities. However, the Bridgestone Turanza 6 bagged 10^th position with no specific strong features pointed out.

When it came to test results reported by autobild 2024, reviewers praised the Kumho Ecsta HS52's superior performance on both wet and dry tracks, short braking distances, and its affordability but criticised the comfort of its rolling motion. The Bridgestone Turanza 6 was noted for its balanced driving properties, safe wet/dry handling, short braking distances, and excellent mileage. No negative aspects were highlighted.

In the ADAC test, out of 16 tyres, the HS52 placed 3^rd with strong features such as its mileage and Wet circle cornering. The Turanza 6 took the 6^th position showing strengths in Aquaplaning-longitudal and interior noise.

The ADAC 2024 provided the final comparative data, where the Kumho tyre was praised for its balanced performance, secure properties on both dry and wet roads, excellent projected mileage, low wear and tear, and reduced fuel consumption but had slight weaknesses in aquaplaning behaviour and its high weight. The Bridgestone tyres were applauded for good aquaplaning properties, excellent projected mileage, low wear and tear, very low weight and low fuel consumption, but showed slight weaknesses on dry and wet roads.

In conclusion, while both tyres have clear strengths, the Bridgestone Turanza 6 is arguably a superior tyre overall, but the Kumho Ecsta HS52 provides excellent coverage for those in search of a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing critical performance and safety features, especially in dry conditions.