Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Michelin Alpin 6
- TR Score
- 9.3/10
- Owners say
- 85% · 33
- TR Score
- 9.1/10
- Owners say
- 85% · 35
The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P and the Michelin Alpin 6 have met in 4 independent tests and the record is level at 2-2. The WinterContact TS 870 P had 11.6% lower rolling resistance; the Alpin 6 lasted 30.8% longer in the wear tests.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Continental WinterContact TS 870 P for spirited road driving, strong wet safety, aquaplaning resistance, lower noise, and better fuel economy. Choose Michelin Alpin 6 for maximum winter assurance (including ice) and substantially longer tread life, with a comfortable, secure touring feel.
Where the WinterContact TS 870 P is stronger
- 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
Where the Alpin 6 is stronger
- 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
The bullet points are analysis of the shared tests and of owner reviews; the measured wins in each discipline are in the tables below. Where the two disagree, the figures are right.
WinterContact TS 870 P vs Alpin 6 at a glance
| Category | WinterContact TS 870 P | Gap | Alpin 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won4 shared tests | 2 | 2 | |
| Dry5 measurements | 4 | The WinterContact TS 870 P stopped 1.2% shorter in the dry (3 tests) | 1 |
| Wet14 measurements | 9 | The WinterContact TS 870 P held 7.4% more grip in curved aquaplaning (2 tests) | 4 |
| Snow11 measurements | 6 | The WinterContact TS 870 P stopped 3% shorter on snow (4 tests) | 5 |
| Ice1 measurement | 0 | 1 | |
| Comfort3 measurements | 3 | The WinterContact TS 870 P was 0.9 dB quieter (3 tests) | 0 |
| Value6 measurements | 2 | The Alpin 6 lasted 30.8% longer in the wear tests (2 tests) | 3 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.3/10 | The WinterContact TS 870 P by 0.2 | 9.1/10 |
| Owner rating33 and 35 reviews | 85% | Too close to call | 85% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 83% | The WinterContact TS 870 P by 7 points | 76% |
| Pricein the 2 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The Alpin 6 was dearer in 1 of 2 | +6.8% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 121 | 17 sizes made in both | 42 |
Wins count every measurement the shared tests recorded for both tires; a tick marks the tire ahead on that line. Subjective driver scores count as wins but are never averaged, because each test uses its own scale.
Head to head in 4 tests, 2022 to 2024
Each row is one published test in which both tires ran on the same car, in the same size, on the same day. The line is the whole field, winner on the left.
| Test | WinterContact TS 870 P | Field | Alpin 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 All Season and Winter Tire Test | P3 of 10 | P6 of 10 | |
| 2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tire Test | P4 of 16 | P2 of 16 | |
| 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P8 of 20 | P1 of 20 | |
| 2022 Winter Tire Market Overview | P2 of 56 | P3 of 56 |
Performance profile
10 measurements from the 4 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
WinterContact TS 870 P
Alpin 6
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
In each test the better of the two figures counts as 100% and the other as its share of it, so a 118 ft stop against 112 ft is 95%; each spoke averages the shared tests that recorded it. The scale stops at 92%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 12 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
WinterContact TS 870 P
Alpin 6
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
Where owners rate each higher
WinterContact TS 870 P
Alpin 6
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33 reviews and the Alpin 6 85% from 35. Each spoke is one question owners answer out of 10; reviews are vetted by hand before publication.
Every measurement, side by side
Averages of the figures both tires posted in the same tests. The gap is the average of each test's own gap, so figures from different cars and years are never mixed. Open a discipline for its measurements, and a measurement for every test's figure.
| Measurement | WinterContact TS 870 P | Gap | Alpin 6 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 142 | 1.2% | 143 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 73 | 1.6% | 74.2 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 76.6 | 0.5% | 76.2 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 146 | 1.7% | 144 | 1-3 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 129 | 1.3% | 128 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 87 | 2.1% | 88.9 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 44.8 | = | 44.8 | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 12.34 | 1.4% | 12.52 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 50.1 | 1.4% | 49.4 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 10.3 | 7.4% | 9.5 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 68 | 3% | 70 | 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 449 | 2.6% | 454 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 67.9 | 2.4% | 66.3 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 33.7 | 0.9% | 33.4 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 15 | 0.4% | 15.1 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 12.4 | 2.2% | 12.1 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 67 | 3.9% | 64 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 71.4 | 0.9 dB | 72.3 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 22,459 | 30.8% | 29,277 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 7.28 | 11.6% | 8.24 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 5.7 | = | 5.7 | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 71 | 28.2% | 51 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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Braking distances and lap times are better when lower; speeds, wear and grip figures when higher. A test's figures are its own: sizes, cars, surfaces and temperatures differ from one to the next, which is why the averages here are only ever of tests the two tires shared. "Scored" rows are subjective driver ratings: each test uses its own scale, so only the wins are counted.
Scores beyond the shared tests
On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the WinterContact TS 870 P scores 9.3 and the Alpin 6 9.1 out of 10.
| WinterContact TS 870 P | Category | Alpin 6 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94 | Dry | 68 | ||
| 92 | Wet | 88 | ||
| 77 | Comfort | 56 | ||
| 76 | Value | 67 | ||
| 73 | Snow | 59 | ||
| 30 | Ice | 43 | ||
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
What owners say
| WinterContact TS 870 P | Category | Alpin 6 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.6 | Dry Grip | 8.9 | ||
| 9 | Wet Grip | 9.1 | ||
| 8.1 | Road Feedback | 8.5 | ||
| 8.7 | Handling | 8.4 | ||
| 8.7 | Wear | 8.7 | ||
| 8.9 | Comfort | 9 | ||
| 8.7 | Snow Grip | 8.1 | ||
| 7.8 | Ice Grip | 7.3 | ||
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33 reviews and the Alpin 6 85% from 35. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
- 85%from 33 reviews
- 83%would buy again
- 294,700 milesdriven by reviewers
Across 26 owner reviews averaging 85.8%, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P is most consistently praised for strong, confidence-inspiring grip in both the wet and the dry, often paired with a notably quiet, comfortable ride. Many owners also report good longevity for a winter tire, with several noting healthy tread remaining after substantial mileage. Winter performance is generally rated as capable, but a meaningful minority (around two in five of those mentioning it) found snow traction lacking, and opinions are split on ice grip and steering feel; a small number also note it can feel softer when temperatures rise.
- Strong wet grip and confident wet cornering
- Strong dry grip with secure traction
- Noticeably quiet on the road
- Comfortable, supple ride quality
- Snow traction not as strong as expected for some drivers
- Ice grip is inconsistent depending on conditions
- Steering feel not the sharpest
Summarised by AI from 26 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 33 WinterContact TS 870 P reviewsI've driven the tires in the winter, but on roads devoid of snow and ice so I can't comment on that. They made me feel very secure, however, I have to say that they are far too sporty for my driving style and needs. They carry a lot of responsibility for my decision to buy the car, as they are very comfortable, quiet and make the car feel very surefooted and responsive in the dry and in the wet.
There is one gripe, though, they have absolutely no rim protection, so I blame them for all the scratching on my wheels. I would expect more from a tire of this class from a reputable brand, and, honestly, it is a strong enough reason (albeit the only one) for me not to buy them again. In every other aspect they are brilliant, they even equal summer tires in fuel consumption.
Michelin Alpin 6
- 85%from 35 reviews
- 76%would buy again
- 257,110 milesdriven by reviewers
Across 30 reviews, the Michelin Alpin 6 is most often praised for strong dry and especially wet-road grip, high comfort, and generally low noise, with many drivers highlighting excellent longevity and slow wear over multiple seasons. Most users describe it as a confidence-inspiring winter tire for cold, wet, and highway driving. The main recurring complaint is that snow and ice performance can be only average (and for some, notably weak in braking/traction and lateral stability), making it feel better suited to mild winters than frequent deep-snow conditions.
- Strong wet grip and wet-road stability (including aquaplaning resistance)
- Good dry/cold grip and confident roadholding
- High comfort/ride quality
- Long tread life / excellent wear resistance
- Mixed to weak snow/ice performance for a notable share of drivers (traction/braking/lateral stability), better suited to mild-winter conditions
Summarised by AI from 30 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 35 Alpin 6 reviewsAfter 6 years and ~37.000km of use, the tire still looks good, has a usable tread left. From the beginning till now it performance excellent in dry and wet conditions. Yesterday I've covert 300km of motorway in a very strong storm and they felt really good on a tarmac that was soaked.
On the other hand, the tire really disappointed on snow covered roads. We live in the mountains and when the roads are covered with snow, the tire loses traction very easily uphill.
So, the tire is really great if you live in areas that don't see a lot of snow.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 121 sizes of the WinterContact TS 870 P and 42 of the Alpin 6, 17 of them made in both.
| Category | WinterContact TS 870 P | Alpin 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 121 sizes, 16 to 23 inch | 42 sizes, 15 to 20 inch |
| Made in both | 17 sizes 205/60 R16215/60 R16215/65 R16225/55 R16225/60 R16205/45 R17205/50 R17205/55 R17205/60 R17215/50 R17215/55 R17215/60 R17and 5 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B99%C1% | B100% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C62%B37%D1% | C74%D26% |
| EU label noise | 70-75 dB B100% | 69 dB A90%B10% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 221 of 221 | 72 of 72 |
| On the market since | - | 2018 |
| Replaced | Continental WinterContact TS 860 S (2017) | Michelin Alpin 5 (2014) |
| Replaced by | Continental WinterContact 8 S | - |
| Awards | Highly Recommended: Best Winter SUV Tire (DriverReviews, 2025/26) Winner: Best Winter SUV Tires (DriverReviews, 2024/25) Winner: Winter Tire of the Year (WhatTire, 2024) | Winner: Best Winter Tires (DriverReviews, 2024/25) |
| Price in the shared tests | The Alpin 6 was the dearer tire in 1 of the 2 tests that listed prices, by 6.8% on average. Each test priced the tires in its own market at the time; only the gap is comparable. | |
Label grades are shown as the share of registered sizes carrying each grade, so "B (88%), C (12%)" means most sizes are B. Grades vary by size; check the label for yours.
Reading the results
Written from the test results and owner reviews above. It is analysis, not a measurement: where it and the tables disagree, the tables are right.
This head-to-head pits two very different winter philosophies against each other: Continental's WinterContact TS 870 P, an ultra-high-performance winter tire aimed at sporty passenger cars, versus Michelin's Alpin 6, a premium-touring winter tire designed to prioritize security and longevity. Across four shared tests from 2022-2024, both tires proved broadly excellent, but they deliver their strengths in different places.
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).
Conclusion
Continental's TS 870 P is the more athletic and balanced road tire: it brakes shorter on dry (e.g., 43.2 m vs 44.9 m in 2024), feels more precise on wet handling (+2.14% faster in 2024), resists aquaplaning better (multiple straight/curved wins), runs quieter, and posts notably lower rolling resistance (≈10-12% lower in key tests), often at a lower purchase price. Its main weakness is variable snow/ice performance in some evaluations, where lateral grip and self-stability can lag the best.
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.
WinterContact TS 870 P vs Alpin 6: your questions
Is the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P or the Michelin Alpin 6 the better tire?
The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P and the Michelin Alpin 6 have met in 4 independent tests and the record is level at 2-2. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the WinterContact TS 870 P scores 9.3 and the Alpin 6 9.1 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the WinterContact TS 870 P or the Alpin 6?
The WinterContact TS 870 P led 9 of the 14 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it held 7.4% more grip in curved aquaplaning across 2 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The WinterContact TS 870 P led 4 of the 5 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.2% shorter in the dry across 3 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The WinterContact TS 870 P led 6 of the 11 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 3% shorter on snow across 4 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The WinterContact TS 870 P had 11.6% lower rolling resistance (2 tests); the Alpin 6 lasted 30.8% longer in the wear tests (2 tests). Owners rate wear 8.7/10 for the WinterContact TS 870 P and 8.7/10 for the Alpin 6.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The WinterContact TS 870 P was 0.9 dB quieter (3 tests). Owners rate comfort 8.9/10 for the WinterContact TS 870 P and 9/10 for the Alpin 6.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33 reviews and the Alpin 6 85% from 35. 83% of WinterContact TS 870 P owners would buy it again, against 76% for the Alpin 6.
Which is more expensive?
In the 2 tests that listed prices, the Alpin 6 was the dearer tire in 1 of them, by 6.8% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The WinterContact TS 870 P is made in 121 sizes (16 to 23 inch) and the Alpin 6 in 42 (15 to 20 inch). 17 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the WinterContact TS 870 P is graded B for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Alpin 6 B and C.
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Where this data comes from
Finishing positions and measurements are transcribed from each published test. A test only counts here when both tires ran in it, so every figure was recorded on the same car, size and day as the one it is compared to.
About the TR Score
The Tire Reviews Score rates each tire out of 10 from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold, so two tires can be compared even before a test has run them together.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tire Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tires independently since 2007.
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