Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Michelin Alpin 6
In brief, the Continental tends to lead on dry/wet control, aquaplaning safety, noise, and efficiency, while the Michelin counters with class-leading durability and consistently strong snow/ice security in several protocols. Overall rankings swung both ways (each with two overall wins), signaling that your ideal choice depends on whether you value dynamic road performance and efficiency (Continental) or all-season security with standout wear life (Michelin).
Test Results
Independent comparison tire tests are the best source of data to get tire information from, and the good news is there have been four tests which compare both tires directly!
| Tire | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Continental WinterContact TS 870 P | two | |
| Michelin Alpin 6 | two |
The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P and Michelin Alpin 6 have an equal number of test wins. However, tires are very complicated objects which means where one tire is better than the other can be more important in real world use.
Let's look at how the two tires compare across multiple tire test categories.
Key Strengths
- Best-in-group dry/wet road manners with short dry braking and agile wet handling
- Superior aquaplaning resistance (straight and curved) and lower noise
- Lowest rolling resistance in multiple tests, aiding fuel economy
- Generally better purchase price/value upfront
- Outstanding wear life and low abrasion for long-term value
- Strong snow/ice security (notably traction and ice braking in several tests)
- Comfortable, composed ride with predictable limit behavior
- Proven all-weather consistency; multiple overall test wins
Dry Braking
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during two dry braking tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P stopped the vehicle in 1.24% less distance than the Michelin Alpin 6.
Best In Dry Braking: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [s]
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during one dry handling [s] tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was 1.62% faster around a lap than the Michelin Alpin 6.
Best In Dry Handling [s]: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during one dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was 0.49% faster around a lap than the Michelin Alpin 6.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Michelin Alpin 6 was better during three wet braking tests. On average the Michelin Alpin 6 stopped the vehicle in 1.51% less distance than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Wet Braking: Michelin Alpin 6
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking - Concrete
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin Alpin 6 was better during one wet braking - concrete tests. On average the Michelin Alpin 6 stopped the vehicle in 1.27% less distance than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Wet Braking - Concrete: Michelin Alpin 6
See how the Wet Braking - Concrete winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [s]
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during one wet handling [s] tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was 2.14% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin Alpin 6.
Best In Wet Handling [s]: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P and Michelin Alpin 6 performed equally well in wet handling [km/h] tests.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Both tires performed equally well
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Circle
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during two wet circle tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was 1.44% faster around a wet circle than the Michelin Alpin 6.
Best In Wet Circle: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during three straight aqua tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P floated at a 1.41% higher speed than the Michelin Alpin 6.
Best In Straight Aqua: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during two curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P slipped out at a 7.03% higher speed than the Michelin Alpin 6.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
Snow Braking
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during three snow braking tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P stopped the vehicle in 2.68% less distance than the Michelin Alpin 6.
Best In Snow Braking: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Snow Braking winner was calculated >>
Snow Traction
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Michelin Alpin 6 was better during two snow traction tests. On average the Michelin Alpin 6 had 1.16% better snow traction than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Snow Traction: Michelin Alpin 6
See how the Snow Traction winner was calculated >>
Snow Handling [s]
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin Alpin 6 was better during one snow handling [s] tests. On average the Michelin Alpin 6 was 2.36% faster around a lap than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Snow Handling [s]: Michelin Alpin 6
See how the Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Snow Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during one snow handling [km/h] tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was 0.92% faster around a lap than the Michelin Alpin 6.
Best In Snow Handling [Km/H]: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Snow Circle
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin Alpin 6 was better during one snow circle tests. On average the Michelin Alpin 6 provided 0.44% more lateral grip than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Snow Circle: Michelin Alpin 6
See how the Snow Circle winner was calculated >>
Snow Slalom
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during one snow slalom tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was 2.12% faster through a slalom than the Michelin Alpin 6.
Best In Snow Slalom: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Snow Slalom winner was calculated >>
Ice Braking
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin Alpin 6 was better during one ice braking tests. On average the Michelin Alpin 6 stopped the vehicle 3.94% shorter than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Ice Braking: Michelin Alpin 6
See how the Ice Braking winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during three noise tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P measured 1.24% quieter than the Michelin Alpin 6.
Best In Noise: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Wear
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Michelin Alpin 6 was better during two wear tests. On average the Michelin Alpin 6 is predicted to cover 23.29% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Wear: Michelin Alpin 6
See how the Wear winner was calculated >>
Value
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin Alpin 6 was better during one value tests. On average the Michelin Alpin 6 proved to have a 26.79% better value based on price/1000km than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Value: Michelin Alpin 6
See how the Value winner was calculated >>
Price
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during one price tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P cost 7.65% less than the Michelin Alpin 6.
Best In Price: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Price winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during two rolling resistance tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P had a 11.65% lower rolling resistance than the Michelin Alpin 6.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
Fuel Consumption
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P and Michelin Alpin 6 performed equally well in fuel consumption tests.
Best In Fuel Consumption: Both tires performed equally well
See how the Fuel Consumption winner was calculated >>
Abrasion
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin Alpin 6 was better during one abrasion tests. On average the Michelin Alpin 6 emitted 28.17% less particle wear matter than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Abrasion: Michelin Alpin 6
See how the Abrasion winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P Driver Reviews
Most drivers rate the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P very highly, praising its outstanding wet grip and braking, strong snow traction, stable high-speed behavior, and quiet, comfortable ride. Many note predictable handling and good wear/longevity, with some EV owners highlighting low noise and rolling resistance. A minority mention softer steering feel and less sharp dry handling, and several point out a high price. One outlier reports poor snow/ice performance, which contrasts with the overwhelmingly positive winter feedback from others.
Based on 25 reviews with an average rating of 87%
Michelin Alpin 6 Driver Reviews
Drivers largely praise the Michelin Alpin 6 for excellent wet and dry cold grip, strong braking, high comfort, low noise, and outstanding longevity/wear. Snow performance is mixed: many report very good traction and control in snow, while a notable minority criticize snow/ice grip and especially snow braking as average or poor. Handling feel is generally stable, though a few note softness or vague steering at higher speeds. Overall sentiment is positive, with the Alpin 6 seen as a durable, refined winter tire that excels in wet/dry but can be inconsistent on deep snow/ice.
Based on 35 reviews with an average rating of 85%
Conclusion
Michelin's Alpin 6 delivers excellent winter security and a standout value over life: best-in-test wear in multiple studies (e.g., +28-34% more mileage vs TS 870 P) and strong ice braking and snow traction in several tests, with a composed, comfortable ride. It can understeer on dry and isn't as sharp or short-stopping on wet in some sizes, and it typically has higher rolling resistance and price, but its longevity and winter assurance make it a compelling long-term choice.
Bottom line: pick the Continental if you drive briskly on mixed dry/wet roads, value aquaplaning safety, quietness, and fuel economy, and don't demand the very strongest snow/ice margins. Choose the Michelin if you prioritize long tread life, consistent winter grip-including ice braking-and a calm, secure touring feel, accepting a softer dry/wet dynamic.
Key Differences
- Road dynamics: Continental feels sportier and more precise; Michelin skews toward secure touring with earlier understeer on dry.
- Dry braking: Continental typically stops shorter (e.g., 43.2 m vs 44.9 m in 2024).
- Wet control: Continental edges wet handling and aquaplaning in most tests; Michelin often wins isolated wet braking metrics in some sizes.
- Snow/ice: Michelin often leads in traction and ice braking; Continental sometimes leads snow braking/handling but can show weaker lateral snow grip in certain tests.
- Efficiency and noise: Continental has lower rolling resistance (~10-12% advantage) and runs quieter.
- Value proposition: Michelin costs more upfront but lasts significantly longer; Continental is cheaper to buy and more fuel-efficient.
Overall Winner: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
Based on the tire test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P has demonstrated better overall performance in this comparison. However, as you can see from the spider diagram above, each tire has its own strengths which should be considered in your final tire buying choice.Similar Comparisons
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Footnote
This page has been developed using tire industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tires in the same test.
Why is this important? Tire testing is heavily affected by things like surface grip levels and surface temperature, which means you can only compare values from the same day. During a tire test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tire tests performed on different days or at different locations.
As a result you will see other tests on Tire Reviews which feature both the %s and %s, but as they weren't conducted on the same day, the results are not comparable.
Lots of other websites do this sort of tire comparison, Tire Reviews doesn't.