GT vs. Kumho vs. Yokohama

[jut703]

My tires are due for replacement and I'm looking for new tires that best suit my needs. I drive 30,000 km a year, most of which is expressway/provincial driving. I regularly drive spiritedly and enjoy twisty roads, but I try to drive gently as much as I can. I also attend 2-3 track days a year.

I currently have the Achilles 2233, which has lasted me 42,000 km including track use. I've had no complaints with its performance in daily driving and even the occasional mountain road. It doesn't do very well on the track though, and is a bit noisy on the highway. Am looking to upgrade to a more established brand that offers more grip and comfort without sacrificing durability too much.

After several days of research, I've narrowed my choices down to 3 tires:

1. GT Radial Champiro SX2
- P5,900 each
- 200 treadwear rating
- Extreme performance tire, suited for track use but can also double for daily driver duties



2. Kumho Ecsta LE Sport KU39
- P5,500 each
- 280 treadwear rating
- Ultra high performance tire, for more spirited driving compared to touring tires



3. Yokohama BluEarth-A AE50
- P5,500 each
- 320 treadwear rating
- Touring tire, designed for everyday driving with an emphasis on comfort and durability



The GT SX2 is renowned in racing circles as the best-value track day tire that you can still use on a daily basis. It has phenomenal grip compared to UHPs and touring tires, and would certainly improve lap times and make carving mountain roads easier. Unlike other extreme performance tires, the SX2 is affordable, has good grip in the wet, and is pretty durable. However, even as a long-wearing track tire, it still won't match the longevity of a good UHP or touring tire. They say it's good for about 25,000 km, which won't even last me a year. Also, as a track tire, it's pretty noisy for daily use. If I had a weekend car like a Miata, no doubt this would be my first choice, but for a daily driver like my Altis, I'm not sure if it's the ideal option.

The Yokohama BluEarth is on the other end of the spectrum - it's a touring tire designed for regular driving. It will definitely last me at least 40,000 km like my current set of tires, and it's quiet and comfortable as well. However, it's not exactly the most inspiring tire to use for spirited driving on twisty roads, much less the track. That said, I've survived with my low-end Achilles touring tires, so this is still somewhat of an upgrade. Another factor is that this is a Yokohama (though made in the PH). It's a low-end Japanese model going against high-end Korean and Indonesian tires.

The Kumho Ecsta lies somewhere in the middle of the SX2 and BluEarth. It's still good for daily driver duties and I'm confident I can get at least 30,000 km from it. It's definitely grippier than the Yokohama, but surely not as good as the SX2. For a UHP, it's pretty quiet too. It's certainly more suited for spirited driving, and I think it can hold its own for occasional track days as well.

Thoughts? [emoji5]


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[Egan101]

Since the car will be primarily used a daily driver but with some spirited driving plus a few track days, the Kumho KU39 will be the best choice.

[jut703]

Since the car will be primarily used a daily driver but with some spirited driving plus a few track days, the Kumho KU39 will be the best choice.

Playing devil's advocate, why not the SX2? It's definitely more suited for spirited driving, and compared to all other track tires, it's known to be durable. It might lose out 5,000 km or so compared to a UHP, but that's just 2 months worth of driving.

[Egan101]

Playing devil's advocate, why not the SX2? It's definitely more suited for spirited driving, and compared to all other track tires, it's known to be durable. It might lose out 5,000 km or so compared to a UHP, but that's just 2 months worth of driving.

I am merely suggesting the practical or reasonable option. However, a spirited driver will always opt for the sportier option. Who wouldn't want more grip on your daily commute?

[jut703]

I am merely suggesting the practical or reasonable option. However, a spirited driver will always opt for the sportier option. Who wouldn't want more grip on your daily commute?

Great question bro. How much grip is really necessary? I reviewed my daily drives - EDSA traffic, NLEX cruising, overtaking on provincial roads, tackling corners at higher than usual speed. This kind of driving doesn't seem to necessitate the highest grip available - anything higher than normal is already a tangible improvement.

I've been leaning towards the KU39 but I was just wondering if there was any compelling reason to sway towards the track tire or touring tire.

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[Egan101]

Sometimes, thinking too much on coming up with a decision (analysis paralysis) can be stressful and counter-productive. A decision based off instinct or gut feeling can be rewarding.

[Wh1stl3r2]

I'd choose the Kumhos as well. Another concern for me is tire carcass durability. Unfortunately only users with past experience with the tires can vouch for them here. Past GT's in general were prone to road hazard induced separations. The new generation GT's look a lot better though, specially in the tread area. The GT Savero SUVs we tested in their event were much grippier than the last gen Montero's OEM Yokohamas for example. We couldn't smoke them from standstill. But only actual use will tell if they hold up well against things like potholes.

[dcph172]

We had the gt champiro on our fiesta, maybe its just me, pero "umuungol" sia. I can hear a humming sound which it didnt have nung stock continentals pa ang nakakabit.

I stay away from yokohamas. Twice na na oblong ang yokohamas samin on our pajero. Nagwiwigle tuloy between 80-100kph.


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[ninjababez]

Ma segway ko lang bro jut, gaano ka kadali ma annoy sa tire/road noise? naalala ko lang dun sa duraplus nun swift, hirap ako madinig ng kausap ko vs. yokohama nun vios. Nga lang stock insulation nun vios mas maganda vs. dun sa swift. Di ko ma compare ng straight up pero obvious na mas tahimik yung 2013 yoko.

[jut703]

Ma segway ko lang bro jut, gaano ka kadali ma annoy sa tire/road noise? naalala ko lang dun sa duraplus nun swift, hirap ako madinig ng kausap ko vs. yokohama nun vios. Nga lang stock insulation nun vios mas maganda vs. dun sa swift. Di ko ma compare ng straight up pero obvious na mas tahimik yung 2013 yoko.

My Achilles 2233 tires are quite noisy on the highway and I'd appreciate a bit less road noise if possible. This is another reason why the KU39 scores high on my list - it's quiet even if it's a performance tire.


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[jut703]

Finally bit the bullet. [emoji38]



Thanks to everyone who chimed in. [emoji106]

First observation - thicker sidewalls for the Kumho. The Achilles looks like a lower profile tire even if they're both the same size. I had the same observation with our old Kumho Ecsta SPT compared to the stock Dunlop 205/55R16 on our 10th gen Altis before. Good for me though - more protection for my rims which had a lot of dings with the old Achilles.



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[ninjababez]

Finally bit the bullet. [emoji38]



Thanks to everyone who chimed in. [emoji106]

First observation - thicker sidewalls for the Kumho. The Achilles looks like a lower profile tire even if they're both the same size. I had the same observation with our old Kumho Ecsta SPT compared to the stock Dunlop 205/55R16 on our 10th gen Altis before. Good for me though - more protection for my rims which had a lot of dings with the old Achilles.



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congrats bro jut sa purchase. one less thing to think about lol

[Wh1stl3r2]

Congrats! Must feel good to finally have it done.

Wow, the Achilles looks really undersized.

[jodski]

Medyo OT...

Meron pa ba nabibilihan ng para sa size 10 ? Para sa Minica

Nagtatanong kumpare ko hindi ko masagot [emoji29]

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[jut703]

Medyo OT...

Meron pa ba nabibilihan ng para sa size 10 ? Para sa Minica

Nagtatanong kumpare ko hindi ko masagot [emoji29]

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Yup, the Yokohama A008:



Passenger Car Summer Tyres - Car Tyres - Tyres - Yokohama Europe - Tyre company

165/70R10. Just not sure if it's locally available. You can call different Yokohama dealers to check. 😊

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[jodski]

Yup, the Yokohama A008:



Passenger Car Summer Tyres - Car Tyres - Tyres - Yokohama Europe - Tyre company

165/70R10. Just not sure if it's locally available. You can call different Yokohama dealers to check. 😊

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Nice. Thanks bro

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[jut703]

Feedback after 500 km: the Ecsta KU39 is a great tire!



Just to put it out there - budget tires like my old Achilles 2233 are good enough for most people. If you don't push your car anywhere near its limits, tires from respectable budget brands will get the job done at a low price. In fact, between the Achilles and the Kumho, you won't really notice the difference unless you pay attention to them.

That said, there are improvements in many aspects, and the higher price of the Kumho Ecsta LE Sport (KU39) is worth it over the Achilles.

First, there's the ride quality. Perhaps due to the thicker sidewalls, the Kumho absorbed road imperfections better than the Achilles. Near the end of the 2233's tread life, potholes really sent judders through my cabin. Now, it feels a bit more subdued, though getting smaller wheels like the 215/45R17 which I have on my other cars will help improve ride comfort more.

Second improvement is highway noise and comfort. The KU39 is quieter, as 120 kph just felt like 100 kph on my old tires. Again, not that noticeable unless you look for it.

Lastly, the handling is also better with the KU39 vs the 2233. On my favorite sweeper at the Dinalupihan SCTEX on-ramp, I was able to do 100 kph with the car still feeling very grippy compared to the old tire that was already beginning to lose poise at 90 kph. Will try to see next time how fast I can take that corner before the KU39s lose grip. There's also a bit more steering feedback which is very welcome since the Altis has inherently dull steering.

The noise improvement makes me happy that I chose this over the noisier GT SX2, and the increased grip makes me happy I chose this over the Yokohama Bluearth.

Feedback from other users will say that the Goodyear Asymmetric 2, Michelin Pilot Sport 3, and Bridgestone Potenza RE003 are better tires, and no doubt they are. But all those tires are priced around 9k each, making them over 60% more expensive than the Kumhos. Surely they aren't 60% better, so the Kumhos still offer better value at 5.5k per tire.


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