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Last updated 9/12/2024 - Originally published 9/12/2024
Written by SimpleTire
Firestone Tires and Kumho Tires are two well-known tire manufacturers popular for their versatile range of passenger and commercial tires designed keeping performance and affordability in mind. Firestone, a part of the Bridgestone family, is a big name in the racing industry and offers a variety of passenger tires. On the other hand, Kumho Tires was founded in 1960 and offers next-gen tires for passenger and commercial vehicles in its versatile catalog of tire families.
Both brands offer a range of tires in different categories and today we will be looking at two leading UHP summer tires from these brands - Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 vs Kumho Ecsta PS31. UHP summer tires are designed for use in warmer weather conditions and should not be used in temperatures consistently below 45 Degrees Fahrenheit. We will compare these two tires based on SImpleScore, their similarities and differences, and our views on the tire to help you make a more informed decision, in this Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 vs Kumho Ecsta PS31 tire comparison.
Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 tires
Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 is an ultra-high-performance summer tire designed for use on compact cars, sedans, coupes, sports cars, and muscle cars. The tire is optimized for impressive handling, hydroplaning resistance, and braking performance and is backed by Firestone’s 90-day Buy and Try Guarantee on tires sold in sets of 4 or more (certain restrictions and limitations apply).
Additionally, the tire is an ideal choice for performance seekers and the tire features different tire elements such as a wider footprint, robust tread compound, Pulse Groove Channel, and more, which all work together to improve the tire’s performance. Thanks to these features the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 scored an average SimpleScore of 8.2 out of 10.
Kumho Ecsta PS31 tires
The Kumho Ecsta PS31 is also a UHP summer tire designed for use on sport sedans and coupes and offers drivers enhanced wet braking, reduced hydroplaning, and longer tread life. The tire is designed with a 3D dimple design for improved high-speed durability and is backed by Kumho’s Road Hazard Warranty (restrictions and limitations apply).
Kumho equipped the Ecsta PS31 with various tire features such as a solid center rib, stylish lateral grooves, four wide circumferential grooves, and a 3D dimple design, resulting in an overall SimpleScore of 8.1 out of 10.
Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 vs Kumho Ecsta PS31 tires on traction
Traction is essential for all tire categories, as it dictates a tire's performance on both wet and dry roads. It ensures vehicle control, especially when driving at high speeds or on slippery surfaces such as water, slush, mud, snow, and ice. The traction of a tire is influenced by its innovative rubber compound, tread pattern, and internal construction.
In traction, the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 received an average score of 8.5 out of 10 thanks to the Pulse Groove Channel in the tread which helps channel water out of the tread for improved wet traction. Additionally, the improved rubber compound and optimized tread pattern reduce the stopping distance of the tire on wet roads by 20% as compared to its predecessor.
The Kumho Ecsta PS31 also received an average score of 8.5 in traction thanks to the solid center rib, stylish lateral grooves, and four wide circumferential grooves which all work together to reduce the risk of hydroplaning on wet roads and enhance grip.
As both tires received identical scores in traction, you cannot go wrong with either choice.
ADVANTAGE: Tie
Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 vs Kumho Ecsta PS31 tires on handling
Handling of a tire is vital it significantly affects vehicle control, especially at higher speeds. Superior handling ensures smooth maneuvering and effortless lane changes, enhancing your overall driving experience. This vital aspect is influenced by several factors, including tread design, rubber composition, and the use of advanced tire manufacturing technologies.
The Firestone Firehawk Indy 500’s handling is improved by wider shoulders which increases the tire’s stiffness to improve cornering performance leading to a great score of 8.7.
In handling, the Kumho Ecsta PS31 also received a great score of 8.7 thanks to the 3D dimple design of the tire, which reduces heat build-up for improved handling, paired with a direction tread pattern.
Again, both tires are neck-to-neck in handling and offer similar performance, making the choice simpler for you.
ADVANTAGE: Tie
Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 vs Kumho Ecsta PS31 tires on longevity
For drivers, generally tire longevity is a top priority as it determines the number of miles you can drive on a single set. As the tread wears down over time, the value of durable tires becomes evident, providing consistent handling and traction. Key factors influencing a tire's lifespan include tread design, rubber composition, and tire construction.
UHP tires are not known for their longevity as they are designed for performance. However, the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 ensures several miles out of the tire thanks to the robust tread compound and wider footprint which reduces uneven tread wear for longer tread life, resulting in a score of 7.6.
The Kumho Ecsta PS31 also received a 7.6 in longevity as the 3D dimple design also promotes even tread wear for a longer tread life while improving the handling performance of the tire.
Both Kumho Ecsta PS31 and Firehawk Indy 500 received a sore of 7.6 in longevity, which is not as good as handling and traction, yet still strong for a UHP summer tire.
ADVANTAGE: Tie
When to use each
Both Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 and Kumho Ecsta PS31 are UHP summer tires designed for use in warmer weather conditions. These tires generally feature a heat-resistant rubber compound to reduce the risk of burnout when driving at high speeds. This rubber compound is not ideal for use in temperatures consistently below 45 degrees Fahrenheit as the tire can lose its flexibility and experience poor performance in traction and handling. UHP all-season tires are more suitable for use throughout the year and winter tires are ideal for use in areas experiencing moderate to heavy snowfall.
Which one should you choose?
So which UHP summer tire might be the right fit for you? Well, the answer depends solely on your personal preference as both the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 and Kumho Ecsta PS31 deliver identical performance when talking about SimpleScore. We noticed in this comparison that both tires feature innovative features leading to similar scores in longevity, traction, and, handling and both tires feature a brand warranty. However, the key difference between these two tires lies in the pricing.
The Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 is priced around $179.99 per tire or $719.96 for a set of four and the Kumho Ecsta will cost you around $117 per tire or $468 for a set of four depending on the tire size.
Based on SimpleScore, you should choose Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 if you:
- Drive a car like the Dodge Challenger or something like the Subaru BRZ
- Are willing to pay slightly more for a tire from Firestone
Based on SimpleScore, you should choose the Kumho Ecsta if you:
- Drive a car like the Audi A4, or a Ford Mustang
- Want similar performance at a lower price
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.