Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
The Michelin repeatedly sets the pace in safety-critical grip metrics-especially dry and snow performance-and dominates overall test wins (13 vs. 2). The Continental counters with outstanding efficiency, class-leading aquaplaning reserves, and very balanced, communicative handling, particularly in the wet. If you're choosing between outright winter grip and long-term efficiency with wet-weather reassurance, this comparison will make the trade-offs clear.
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 seventeen tests which compare both tires directly!
| Tire | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Continental WinterContact TS 870 P | two | |
| Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 | thirteen | |
| two draws in two tests | ||
While it might look like the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 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
- Class-leading rolling resistance; best-in-test frequently (EV/MPG range advantage)
- Outstanding aquaplaning safety, especially in curved aquaplaning
- Consistent wet performance with precise, confidence-inspiring feedback
- Balanced, comfortable ride with competitive wear and value in several tests
- Best-in-class dry and snow braking across most tests; strong ice braking/traction
- High overall performance balance with frequent test wins
- Low noise and excellent projected mileage (wear) for strong cost per km
- Precise, stable handling across conditions with strong wet braking
Dry Braking
Looking at data from fifteen tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during fifteen dry braking tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 stopped the vehicle in 2.53% less distance than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Dry Braking: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [s]
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during four dry handling [s] tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was 0.81% faster around a lap than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Dry Handling [s]: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from nine tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during six dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was 0.29% faster around a lap than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Dry Handling
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during two subj. dry handling tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P scored 5.94% more points than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5.
Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Subj. Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from seventeen tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during eleven wet braking tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 stopped the vehicle in 0.25% less distance than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Wet Braking: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking - Cool
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during one wet braking - cool tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P stopped the vehicle in 1.38% less distance than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5.
Best In Wet Braking - Cool: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Wet Braking - Cool winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking - Concrete
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during one wet braking - concrete tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 stopped the vehicle in 2.89% less distance than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Wet Braking - Concrete: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Wet Braking - Concrete winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [s]
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during three wet handling [s] tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was 0.23% faster around a wet lap than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Wet Handling [s]: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from nine tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during six wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was 0.36% faster around a wet lap than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Wet Handling
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during one subj. wet handling tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P scored 0.97% more points than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5.
Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Subj. Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Circle
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during one wet circle tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P had 2.4% higher lateral wet grip than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5.
Best In Wet Circle: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from fifteen tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during six straight aqua tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P floated at a 0.04% higher speed than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5.
Best In Straight Aqua: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from twelve tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during eleven curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P slipped out at a 5.6% higher speed than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
Snow Braking
Looking at data from seventeen tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during fifteen snow braking tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 stopped the vehicle in 2.85% less distance than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Snow Braking: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Snow Braking winner was calculated >>
Snow Traction
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during four snow traction tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 accelerated 4.78% faster than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Snow Traction: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Snow Traction winner was calculated >>
Snow Traction
Looking at data from eleven tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during ten snow traction tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 had 4.15% better snow traction than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Snow Traction: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Snow Traction winner was calculated >>
Snow Handling [s]
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during five snow handling [s] tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was 2.24% faster around a lap than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Snow Handling [s]: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Snow Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from nine tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during eight snow handling [km/h] tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was 1.15% faster around a lap than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Snow Handling [Km/H]: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Snow Handling
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during three subj. snow handling tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 scored 4.97% more points than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Subj. Snow Handling: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Subj. Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Snow Circle
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during two snow circle tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 provided 2.37% more lateral grip than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Snow Circle: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Snow Circle winner was calculated >>
Snow Slalom
Looking at data from seven tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during five snow slalom tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was 1.49% faster through a slalom than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Snow Slalom: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Snow Slalom winner was calculated >>
Ice Braking
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during two ice braking tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 stopped the vehicle 11.9% shorter than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Ice Braking: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Ice Braking winner was calculated >>
Ice Traction
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during one ice traction tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 accelerated 15.41% faster than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Ice Traction: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Ice Traction winner was calculated >>
Subj. Comfort
Looking at data from six tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during four subj. comfort tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P scored 0.62% more points than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5.
Best In Subj. Comfort: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from fourteen tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during twelve noise tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 measured 0.81% quieter than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Noise: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Wear
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during five wear tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 is predicted to cover 13.16% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Wear: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Wear winner was calculated >>
Value
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during three value tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 proved to have a 3.09% better value based on price/1000km than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Value: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Value winner was calculated >>
Price
Looking at data from seven tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during seven price tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P cost 5.62% less than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5.
Best In Price: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Price winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from fourteen tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during thirteen rolling resistance tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P had a 5.9% lower rolling resistance than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5.
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 was better during one fuel consumption tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P used 3.45% less fuel than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5.
Best In Fuel Consumption: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Fuel Consumption winner was calculated >>
Abrasion
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during one abrasion tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 wore 20% less per 1000km driven than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Abrasion: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
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 26 reviews with an average rating of 87%
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 Driver Reviews
Drivers largely praise the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 for delivering near-summer-tire performance in winter, with excellent dry and wet grip, precise handling, and strong stability. Snow traction is reported as confidently good (especially on packed or light snow), and several high-scoring reviews note impressive tread life. However, multiple users caution that ice traction and braking are weaker than dedicated snow/ice tires, and the firm sidewall can make the ride feel harsh for some. Overall sentiment is strongly positive, especially for moderate winters and performance-oriented driving.
Based on 29 reviews with an average rating of 86%
Conclusion
The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P stands out for exceptional aquaplaning protection (often leading curved aquaplaning by double-digit margins), low rolling resistance (a consistent winner), and predictable, confidence-inspiring feedback-attributes that matter in heavy rain and for fuel/energy savings. It typically trails Michelin in the absolute shortest braking on snow/ice and in dry stops, but remains solidly competitive and often superior in wet braking consistency and efficiency metrics. In short: choose Michelin for maximum grip and all-round performance, Continental for rain safety and efficiency (including EV range gains).
Key Differences
- Overall wins: Michelin dominates (13 vs. 2), reflecting broader performance leadership
- Dry and snow/ice stopping: Michelin consistently shorter (e.g., ADAC dry 41.4 m vs. 42.6 m; ice 16.3 m vs. 18.1 m)
- Wet profile: Continental often equals or edges in wet braking consistency and wet handling in some tests; Michelin still very strong overall
- Aquaplaning: Continental clearly superior in curved aquaplaning by sizable margins across many tests
- Efficiency: Continental decisively lower rolling resistance in most tests; Michelin counters with longer wear/mileage
- Noise/comfort: Michelin generally quieter; Continental often matches or wins subjective comfort in certain tests
Overall Winner: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
Based on the tire test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 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 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.