Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
The data sketches a clear pattern: Michelin consistently stops shorter on dry and snow, is quieter and more comfortable, and feels especially secure on snow. Continental counters with class-leading rolling resistance, outstanding curved aquaplaning safety, and very balanced wet/dry handling that frequently matches or edges Michelin. The choice hinges on whether you prioritize snow-led security and refinement (Michelin) or efficiency and wet safety margins (Continental).
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 | one | |
| Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV | two | |
| one draws in one tests | ||
While it might look like the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV is better than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P purely based on the higher number of test wins, 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
- Lowest rolling resistance on test (≈10-26% advantage), strong for EV range and fuel economy
- Outstanding curved aquaplaning resistance; very safe wet margins
- Balanced handling with dynamic dry stability; frequent wins in dry/wet handling laps
- Competitive across conditions while maintaining efficiency-led value
- Best-in-test snow package (braking, traction, handling) across all shared tests
- Consistently shortest dry braking; very strong wet braking
- Lowest exterior noise and highest subjective comfort
- Precise steering and safe, balanced behavior in all weathers
Dry Braking
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV was better during four dry braking tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV stopped the vehicle in 1.73% less distance than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Dry Braking: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
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 0.5% faster around a lap than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV.
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 three tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during two dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was 0.85% faster around a lap than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Dry Handling
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P and Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV performed equally well in subj. dry handling tests.
Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Both tires performed equally well
See how the Subj. Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV was better during three wet braking tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV stopped the vehicle in 0.4% less distance than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Wet Braking: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
See how the Wet Braking 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 0.14% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV.
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 three tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV was better during two wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV was 0.26% faster around a wet lap than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Wet Handling
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P and Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV performed equally well in subj. wet handling tests.
Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Both tires performed equally well
See how the Subj. Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Circle
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV was better during one wet circle tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV was 0.56% faster around a wet circle than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Wet Circle: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV was better during three straight aqua tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV floated at a 0.74% higher speed than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Straight Aqua: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during four curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P slipped out at a 9.6% higher speed than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV.
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 Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV was better during four snow braking tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV stopped the vehicle in 2.65% less distance than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Snow Braking: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
See how the Snow Braking winner was calculated >>
Snow Traction
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV was better during one snow traction tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV accelerated 4.08% faster than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Snow Traction: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
See how the Snow Traction winner was calculated >>
Snow Traction
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV was better during three snow traction tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV had 4.18% better snow traction than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Snow Traction: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
See how the Snow Traction winner was calculated >>
Snow Handling [s]
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV was better during one snow handling [s] tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV was 2.42% faster around a lap than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Snow Handling [s]: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
See how the Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Snow Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV was better during three snow handling [km/h] tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV was 2.16% faster around a lap than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Snow Handling [Km/H]: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
See how the Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Snow Handling
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV was better during one subj. snow handling tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV scored 5% more points than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Subj. Snow Handling: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
See how the Subj. Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Snow Circle
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during one snow circle tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P provided 0.23% more lateral grip than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV.
Best In Snow Circle: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Snow Circle winner was calculated >>
Snow Slalom
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV was better during one snow slalom tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV was 1.63% faster through a slalom than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Snow Slalom: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
See how the Snow Slalom winner was calculated >>
Subj. Comfort
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV was better during one subj. comfort tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV scored 5% more points than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Subj. Comfort: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
Subj. Noise
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV was better during one subj. noise tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV scored 5% more points than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Subj. Noise: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
See how the Subj. Noise winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV was better during four noise tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV measured 2.11% quieter than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Noise: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Price
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV was better during one price tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV cost 7.38% less than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Price: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
See how the Price winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during four rolling resistance tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P had a 16.99% lower rolling resistance than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Rolling Resistance 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 Pilot Alpin 5 SUV Driver Reviews
Most drivers rate the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV highly, praising its exceptionally quiet ride, strong wet and snow traction, confident handling, and comfortable ride. Many also highlight low wear and long tread life. A minority of users, however, report inconsistent traction on snow/slush with certain vehicles. Overall sentiment is strongly positive for winter performance and refinement.
Based on 13 reviews with an average rating of 83%
Conclusion
If you drive mostly in cold, mixed conditions with regular snow and value quiet refinement, choose Michelin. If your winters are wet/cold with occasional snow-or you prioritize range/fuel economy and high-speed wet security-choose Continental. The practical takeaway: Michelin maximizes grip and comfort; Continental maximizes efficiency and wet reserves, while staying very close on overall grip.
Key Differences
- Snow performance: Michelin wins all snow braking/traction/handling metrics; Continental is good but second-best on snow grip
- Efficiency: Continental leads rolling resistance in every test (≈10-24% lower), key for EVs and fuel savings
- Wet safety emphasis: Continental repeatedly tops curved aquaplaning; Michelin can be weaker in wet corner aquaplaning
- Braking focus: Michelin consistently stops shorter on dry and wet; Continental's braking is solid but not class-leading
- Refinement: Michelin is quieter and more comfortable; Continental can be noisier
- Value view: Continental often costs slightly less or similar and offsets higher prices with efficiency; Michelin sometimes cheaper in a test but carries higher energy cost over time
Overall Winner: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
Based on the tire test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV 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
Looking for more tire comparisons? Here are other direct comparisons involving these tires:
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P Top Comparisons
No other comparisons available for this tire.
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV Top Comparisons
No other comparisons available for this tire.
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.