Comparison: Pirelli Cinturato P7 vs. Kumho Ecsta HS51

When comparing Pirelli Cinturato P7 and Kumho Ecsta HS51 in independent summer tyre tests, the data consistently favors the Pirelli for overall balance, while the Kumho shows niche strengths — especially in aquaplaning — but trails in overall test positions. This head-to-head review summarizes results from ADAC, Teknikens, and Autozeitung, highlights each tyre’s strengths and weaknesses, and gives a clear verdict for drivers shopping summer tyres.

Test summary (positions across three tests)

• Pirelli Cinturato P7: ADAC 4/12, Teknikens 5/10, Autozeitung 4/10 — consistently top‑quarter finishes.


• Kumho Ecsta HS51: ADAC 10/12, Teknikens 7/10, Autozeitung 9/10 — mid-to-rear pack, with sporadic strengths.

Aggregate impression: the Pirelli delivers a more convincing overall performance across wet and dry handling, noise and comfort. The Kumho can perform well in specific aquaplaning tests and shows decent fuel-efficiency cues in some assessments, but it lacks the balanced results needed to beat the Pirelli in comparative tyre tests.

Pirelli Cinturato P7 — strengths & weaknesses

• Strengths: notable for low interior noise, strong dry braking and dry driving behaviour (ADAC), plus good wet handling noted by Teknikens. Autozeitung highlights comfort — a useful combination for everyday driving and long motorway trips.


• Weaknesses: while generally well-balanced, the P7 is not top in every wet metric (other patterns may slightly outperform it in some specific wet braking or curve tests). Overall rating on our site: 75%, reflecting a dependable all-round summer tyre.

Kumho Ecsta HS51 — strengths & weaknesses

• Strengths: frequent positives in aquaplaning (longitudinal tests across ADAC, Teknikens and Autozeitung) and some good marks for wet cornering and fuel efficiency in ADAC. Exterior noise and certain wet-circle cornering metrics are also highlighted.


• Weaknesses: test positions (10/12, 7/10, 9/10) show it generally trails competitors on overall balance — especially on dry braking, handling refinement and comfort where the Pirelli scores higher. Our site lists no consolidated rating for the HS51 (0%), and the model has been replaced by the Kumho Ecsta HS52.

Which tyre is better in tests overall? Across the sampled publications the Pirelli Cinturato P7 outperforms the Kumho Ecsta HS51 in aggregated test positions and in perceived real-world traits such as noise, comfort and dry performance. The Kumho’s specialism — aquaplaning resistance — is useful in wet seasons, but it does not compensate for its lower overall placings.

Recommendation: If you want a balanced, quiet, and comfortable summer tyre that scores well across independent tests, choose the Pirelli (Pirelli manufacturer). If your priority is cost-conscious aquaplaning performance and you’re willing to accept trade-offs in dry handling and comfort, consider the Kumho lineage but prefer the updated Ecsta HS52 or review current Kumho offerings at Kumho summer tyres.