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Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6

Winter Passenger Car 12 shared tests
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
TR Score
9.3/10
Owners say
85% · 33
Head to head 12-0 wins in 12 shared tests 2022-2026 · 5 publications
Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6
TR Score
6.6/10
Owners say
71% · 8

In the 12 independent tests that ran both tires, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P finished ahead 12 times and the Premitra Snow WP6 not once. The WinterContact TS 870 P stopped 9.6% shorter in the wet; the Premitra Snow WP6 resisted straight aquaplaning at a 1.9% higher speed.

Data updated

Which should you buy?

Choose the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P if you want the safer, more confidence-inspiring winter tire across the conditions that most often matter in real driving-especially wet braking and balanced handling-while also benefiting from low rolling resistance. Consider the Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6 mainly if budget is the overriding constraint and you drive in heavy-rain conditions where aquaplaning resistance is a priority, but be aware that multiple tests show materially longer wet braking distances and weaker wet/dry handling that can negate the cost advantage.

Where the WinterContact TS 870 P is stronger

  • Class-leading wet braking consistency (wins 11/11 shared wet-braking results; e.g., 33.9 m vs 41.0 m in the 2026 50-tire braking test)
  • Stronger dry safety margins and steering precision (wins all recorded shared dry braking/handling comparisons; frequent top-third overall finishes)
  • More rounded winter capability with generally better snow traction/handling balance (wins snow traction 6-1 and snow handling 5-0 in the category summary)
Everything on the WinterContact TS 870 P

Where the Premitra Snow WP6 is stronger

  • Very strong aquaplaning resistance, especially straight-line (wins 5-2 in straight aquaplaning; standout results like 78.2 vs 72.9 km/h in Auto Bild Sportscars 2026)
  • Competitive (sometimes winning) snow braking in certain test formats, often by small margins (category summary snow braking wins split 4-4)
  • Lower purchase price / stronger value metrics (wins both recorded Value comparisons; repeatedly among the cheapest options in tests)
Everything on the Premitra Snow WP6

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 Premitra Snow WP6 at a glance

Category WinterContact TS 870 P Gap Premitra Snow WP6
Shared tests won12 shared tests 12 0
Dry15 measurements 15 The WinterContact TS 870 P stopped 4.3% shorter in the dry (8 tests) 0
Wet41 measurements 31 The WinterContact TS 870 P stopped 9.6% shorter in the wet (12 tests) 9
Snow30 measurements 23 The WinterContact TS 870 P averaged a 3.4% higher speed on the snow handling course (5 tests) 6
Ice2 measurements 1 Level between the two. 1
Comfort10 measurements 7 3
Value15 measurements 8 The WinterContact TS 870 P had 11% lower rolling resistance (6 tests) 5
Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold 9.3/10 The WinterContact TS 870 P by 2.7 6.6/10
Owner rating33 and 8 reviews 85% The WinterContact TS 870 P by 14 points 71%
Would buy againshare of owners 83% The WinterContact TS 870 P by 20 points 63%
Pricein the 7 tests that listed prices +70% The WinterContact TS 870 P was dearer in 7 of 7 Cheaper
Sizes madeEU label registrations 121 37 sizes made in both 63

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 12 tests, 2022 to 2026

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 Premitra Snow WP6
2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test Auto Bild · 2026 · 245/45 R19 · BMW 5 Series P1 of 20 P15 of 20
2026 Auto Bild Sportscars Winter Tire Test Auto Bild Sportscars · 2026 · 225/45 R18 · BMW M235i xDrive Gran Coupé and BMW M240i P4 of 12 P10 of 12
2026 Winter Tire Braking Test - 50 Sets Auto Bild · 2026 · 245/45 R19 · BMW 5 Series P2 of 50 P20 of 50
2025 AZ Performance Winter Tire Test Auto Zeitung · 2025 · 245/45 R19 · BMW 520d Touring P5 of 10 P10 of 10
2025 Winter Tire Braking Test - 52 Sets! Auto Bild · 2025 · 225/40 R18 P13 of 51 P44 of 51
2025 ADAC Winter Tire Test ADAC · 2025 · 225/40 R18 P6 of 31 P19 of 31
2024 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test Auto Bild Allrad · 2024 · 245/45 R18 P2 of 12 P11 of 12
2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test ADAC · 2024 · 215/55 R17 P6 of 16 P13 of 16
2023 Winter Tire Test 54 Set Braking Test Auto Bild · 2023 · 225/45 R18 P7 of 54 P34 of 54
2022 Sports Car UHP Winter Tire Test Auto Bild Sportscars · 2022 · 245/40 R19 P3 of 9 P8 of 9
2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test Auto Bild · 2022 · 215/55 R17 P8 of 20 P15 of 20
2022 Winter Tire Market Overview Auto Bild · 2022 · 215/55 R17 P2 of 56 P11 of 56

Performance profile

18 measurements from the 12 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.

Dry BrakingDry Handling (mph)Wet BrakingWet Braking - ConcreteWet Handling (mph)Wet Circle (s)Straight AquaCurved AquaplaningSnow BrakingSnow TractionSnow Handling (mph)Snow SlalomIce BrakingSubj. ComfortNoiseWearRolling ResistanceAbrasion (mg/km/t)

Where each is furthest ahead

WinterContact TS 870 P

Premitra Snow WP6

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 90%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 10 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.

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 Premitra Snow WP6 Wins
141 4.3% 148 8-0
75.9 0.9% 76.6 1-0
67.7 1.3% 66.8 5-0
scored 55.6% scored 1-0
135 9.6% 150 12-0
125 8.9% 137 2-0
86.3 5.7% 91.5 1-0
49.1 2.9% 47.7 5-0
scored 100% scored 1-0
6 = 6 0-0
13.69 3.1% 14.13 5-0
50.1 1.9% 50.9 2-6
9.6 2.6% 9.3 3-3
75 0.9% 76 4-5
553 0.9% 548 7-1
70.7 0.7% 71.2 1-0
36 3.4% 34.8 5-0
scored 50% scored 1-0
12.1 6.3% 11.4 1-0
12.7 4.5% 12.2 4-0
57 3.5% 59 1-1
scored 19.1% scored 3-0
72.07 0.2 dB 72.26 4-3
26,910 1.7% 27,378 2-3
7.66 11% 8.66 5-1
5.6 = 5.6 0-0
62 0.8% 61.5 0-1
0.15 28.3% 0.21 1-0

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 Premitra Snow WP6 6.6 out of 10.

Tire Reviews Score by category
WinterContact TS 870 P Category Premitra Snow WP6
94Dry 44
92Wet 63
77Comfort 46
76Value 50
73Snow 36
30Ice 12

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

What owners rate
WinterContact TS 870 P Category Premitra Snow WP6
8.6Dry Grip 8.4
9Wet Grip 8.4
8.1Road Feedback 7.7
8.7Handling 7.7
8.7Wear 7.9
8.9Comfort 6.8
8.7Snow Grip 8.4
7.8Ice Grip 7.8

Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33 reviews and the Premitra Snow WP6 71% from 8. 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.

I'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.

79% Honda Civic Hybrid Sport Touring 235/40 R18 8,000 miles October 17, 2026
All 33 WinterContact TS 870 P reviews

Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6

  • 71%from 8 reviews
  • 63%would buy again
  • 30,000 milesdriven by reviewers

Drivers generally report the Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6 as a strong-performing winter tire, with frequent praise for confident grip in snow/ice and capable wet-road handling, especially considering the price. Most high-scoring reviews are very satisfied and would buy it again. A smaller minority report notable road noise/humming, sometimes described as a growl or drone, which can undermine overall comfort.

  • strong snow traction
  • good ice grip
  • confident wet handling/grip
  • good value for money
  • increased road noise/humming

Summarised by AI from 8 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.

The Maxxis WP6 is good enough for normal Dutch winter driving. Straight-line aquaplaning resistance is good and overall grip levels are acceptable.

However, on dry and wet roads the tires lack feedback when cornering. Steering feel is vague and the car feels slightly floaty, especially in faster bends and motorway exits.

Snow traction is good and steering on snow is acceptable. On icy roads the rear of the car felt unstable, with a subtle side-to-side movement.

Previously driven on Firestone Winterhawk 2, Michelin Alpin A4 and Dunlop Winter Sport 5. Of those, the Dunlop offered the best overall balance and driver confidence.

Overall I’m satisfied, but I would not buy them again. Next time I would try the Kumho WP52 or return to a premium brand.
61% Fiat Tipo 225/40 R18 9,000 miles January 4, 2026
All 8 Premitra Snow WP6 reviews

Sizes, EU label and lineage

From the EU label registrations for each tire: 121 sizes of the WinterContact TS 870 P and 63 of the Premitra Snow WP6, 37 of them made in both.

Category WinterContact TS 870 P Premitra Snow WP6
Season Winter Winter
Sizes made 121 sizes, 16 to 23 inch 63 sizes, 14 to 20 inch
Made in both 37 sizes 205/60 R16215/60 R16215/65 R16225/55 R16205/45 R17205/50 R17205/55 R17205/60 R17215/50 R17215/55 R17225/50 R17225/55 R17and 25 more
EU label wet grip B99%C1% B70%C28%A1%
EU label rolling resistance C62%B37%D1% D79%C21%
EU label noise 70-75 dB B100% 69-72 dB B73%A27%
Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes 221 of 221 71 of 71
On the market since - 2020
Replaced Continental WinterContact TS 860 S (2017) -
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) -
Price in the shared tests The WinterContact TS 870 P was the dearer tire in 7 of the 7 tests that listed prices, by 70% 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.

Continental's WinterContact TS 870 P and Maxxis' Premitra Snow WP6 often end up on the same shortlist because they target mainstream passenger cars with a winter focus, but they arrive there from different directions. The TS 870 P is positioned as a more performance-leaning UHP winter tire, aiming to keep braking/handling sharp in cold wet and dry conditions while still delivering credible snow traction. The WP6 is pitched more as a premium-touring style winter option where price-per-tire and everyday usability tend to be part of the appeal.

Across 11 shared professional tests, the story is unusually consistent: the Continental repeatedly lands in the top third (e.g., 4/12 Auto Bild Sportscars 2026, 6/31 ADAC 2025, 2/12 Auto Bild SUV 2024, and an impressive 2/50 in the 2026 braking mega-test), while the Maxxis is typically mid-pack to near the back (10/12, 11/12, 13/16, 19/31, and as low as 44/51). The interesting twist is that the Maxxis does show a real, repeatable talent for aquaplaning resistance, sometimes outperforming the Continental-so the comparison isn't “good at everything vs. bad at everything,” it's “safer all-rounder vs. budget tire with a specific rain-strength but major dynamic compromises.”

Conclusion

If you care about the core safety metrics that decide near-misses-especially wet braking and predictable handling-the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P is the clear winner across this dataset. Wet braking is the biggest divider: in the 2026 50-tire braking test the TS 870 P stops in 33.9 m vs 41.0 m for the WP6 (a ~17% gap), and the same pattern repeats in every shared wet-braking result (11/11 wins). Dry performance also consistently favors Continental (dry braking wins 7/7 where measured, plus better dry handling), which matches the TS 870 P's more performance-oriented positioning.

The Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6's strongest counterpunch is aquaplaning resistance, particularly in straight-line aquaplaning where it wins more often (5 wins vs 2). In Auto Bild Sportscars 2026 it posts 78.2 km/h vs 72.9 km/h and is also stronger in curved aquaplaning (2.72 vs 2.37 m/s²). However, that advantage doesn't translate into better wet control once grip is required-multiple reports describe weak wet handling and, most critically, significantly longer wet braking distances (including a severe last-place showing in the AZ 2025 test). On snow, results are mixed: the WP6 can be competitive in snow braking in some tests (several narrow wins), but it lacks consistency and can fall to the bottom on snow handling/traction in more performance-focused test formats.

Value is the only area where the Maxxis can make a rational case: it is repeatedly cheaper on price-per-distance metrics (e.g., better “Value” scores in both Auto Bild 2022 and AZ 2025). But the practical takeaway is simple: the Continental's consistent braking and handling advantages-especially in the wet-are large enough to outweigh the purchase price for most drivers, because they represent meaningful reductions in stopping distance and more stable avoidance behavior. The WP6 is best viewed as a budget-oriented winter tire with standout aquaplaning resistance, but with too many dynamic compromises to recommend where wet braking and confident handling are priorities.

WinterContact TS 870 P vs Premitra Snow WP6: your questions

Is the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P or the Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6 the better tire?

In the 12 independent tests that ran both tires, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P finished ahead 12 times and the Premitra Snow WP6 not once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the WinterContact TS 870 P scores 9.3 and the Premitra Snow WP6 6.6 out of 10.

Which is better in the wet, the WinterContact TS 870 P or the Premitra Snow WP6?

The WinterContact TS 870 P led 31 of the 41 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 9.6% shorter in the wet across 12 tests.

Which is better in the dry?

The WinterContact TS 870 P led 15 of the 15 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 4.3% shorter in the dry across 8 tests.

Which is better in snow?

The WinterContact TS 870 P led 23 of the 30 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it averaged a 3.4% higher speed on the snow handling course across 5 tests.

Which lasts longer and costs less to run?

The WinterContact TS 870 P had 11% lower rolling resistance (6 tests); the Premitra Snow WP6 lasted 1.7% longer in the wear tests (5 tests) and shed 0.8% less rubber in the abrasion test (2 tests). Owners rate wear 8.7/10 for the WinterContact TS 870 P and 7.9/10 for the Premitra Snow WP6.

Which is quieter and more comfortable?

Owners rate comfort 8.9/10 for the WinterContact TS 870 P and 6.8/10 for the Premitra Snow WP6.

What do owners say?

Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33 reviews and the Premitra Snow WP6 71% from 8. 83% of WinterContact TS 870 P owners would buy it again, against 63% for the Premitra Snow WP6.

Which is more expensive?

In the 7 tests that listed prices, the WinterContact TS 870 P was the dearer tire in 7 of them, by 70% 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 Premitra Snow WP6 in 63 (14 to 20 inch). 37 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 Premitra Snow WP6 B and D.

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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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