Kumho vs Nitto
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 136
Likes: 1
From: Florence Mississippi
Kumho vs Nitto
Here we go again I'm sure. Been looking to find a comparison between these two brands. It' probably in here somewhere but i haven't found it. How about comparing these two brands for a weekiend driver. Of course am concerned with durability, traction and treadwear but would also like comments about road noise and ride comfort. I'm 63 so i am finished with my gear jamming days (for the most part). Any help greatly appreciated.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 627
Likes: 1
From: North Carolina
I put Kumho Ecstas on my C5, and the difference between the runflats that were on there, and these is night and day. WAY smoother, quieter, ride great, don't "track" with rain grooves in the road surface. As far as traction and cornering grip, lets just say the tires have more capability than I do.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,315
Likes: 15
From: Richmond Virginia
Can't give you a straight answer, but I have some experience with the Kumho runcraps. My grandpa has them on his C5. I had to drive home in a hard rain storm and had NO traction in the rain. Would never put them on any car that I own. They seem decent on dry roads (for a runflat).
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,351
Likes: 222
From: Delta B.C. Canada
2023 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
2015 C4 of Year Finalist
I've had both.
Kuhmo Ecsta: great grip, a bit noisy, not the greatest tread life.
Nitto 555: Only put on about 2000 miles on them so far, but....also good grip, but a smoother and quieter ride. They seem to give you some warning when they're about to break loose. If looks matter, the Nittos have a nice tread pattern.
Kuhmo Ecsta: great grip, a bit noisy, not the greatest tread life.
Nitto 555: Only put on about 2000 miles on them so far, but....also good grip, but a smoother and quieter ride. They seem to give you some warning when they're about to break loose. If looks matter, the Nittos have a nice tread pattern.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Riverside County Southern California
Co-winner 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
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St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
I just drove 1,600 miles on a road trip with my brother. The Nittos NT05 in the Ghost are hard and make a lot of noise. Now they have the proper "break in" I can say they are louder, harder, and do not have the grip the Good Years F1 GS-D3 had. I had to do a hardcore take off, and The Ghost spun them like butter, that never happened with the Good Years, but the Nittos are a lot cheaper than the Good Years.
The 315/35ZR17 tire is becoming a difficult item to be found.
The 315/35ZR17 tire is becoming a difficult item to be found.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 3
From: Huntsville AL
When I first started buying Kumho years ago, they were a really good tire for the money. Unfortunately, it seems their QC has gone down or something, because the last two sets I bought were junk (two different cars). Hard, noisy, flat spotted, squirmy in the corners.
I might consider looking at other brands...
I might consider looking at other brands...
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 34,988
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From: Riverside County Southern California
Co-winner 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C4 of Year
2016 C7 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
Quality control has gone to hell on many products. I will take a picture of a car item (s) I have, and there is a significant difference between the product from 10 years ago, and today.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
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From: Woodland CA
When I first started buying Kumho years ago, they were a really good tire for the money. Unfortunately, it seems their QC has gone down or something, because the last two sets I bought were junk (two different cars). Hard, noisy, flat spotted, squirmy in the corners.
I might consider looking at other brands...
I might consider looking at other brands...
