Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Semperit Speed Grip 5
- TR Score
- 9.3/10
- Owners say
- 85% · 33
- TR Score
- 8.5/10
- Owners say
- 92% · 3
In the 10 independent tests that ran both tires, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P finished ahead 9 times and the Speed Grip 5 once. The WinterContact TS 870 P stopped 5.4% shorter in the dry; the Speed Grip 5 resisted straight aquaplaning at a 1.2% higher speed.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Continental WinterContact TS 870 P if you prioritize all-round safety, snow capability, quietness and efficiency-ideal for mixed or severe winters and dynamic driving. Pick Semperit Speed-Grip 5 if you want strong value, long mileage and competent wet/dry manners for milder climates with occasional snow.
Where the WinterContact TS 870 P is stronger
- Consistently shorter dry braking and better dry handling (wins 5/5 dry braking categories reported)
- Stronger snow capability: traction, handling and slalom wins across multiple tests
- Lower noise and rolling resistance with solid fuel efficiency
Where the Speed Grip 5 is stronger
- Compelling value: lower purchase price and frequent value-category wins
- Often excellent mileage and low abrasion in select sizes/tests
- Competitive wet braking in some rounds and good aquaplaning straight-line performance
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 Speed Grip 5 at a glance
| Category | WinterContact TS 870 P | Gap | Speed Grip 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won10 shared tests | 9 | 1 | |
| Dry10 measurements | 10 | The WinterContact TS 870 P stopped 5.4% shorter in the dry (6 tests) | 0 |
| Wet32 measurements | 21 | The WinterContact TS 870 P stopped 3.7% shorter in the wet (10 tests) | 10 |
| Snow24 measurements | 17 | The WinterContact TS 870 P stopped 1.2% shorter on snow (10 tests) | 4 |
| Ice2 measurements | 1 | Level between the two. | 1 |
| Comfort7 measurements | 6 | The WinterContact TS 870 P was 1.3 dB quieter (5 tests) | 0 |
| Value13 measurements | 8 | The WinterContact TS 870 P had 1.9% lower rolling resistance (4 tests) | 5 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.3/10 | The WinterContact TS 870 P by 0.8 | 8.5/10 |
| Owner rating33 and 3 reviews | 85% | The Speed Grip 5 by 7 points | 92% |
| Pricein the 6 tests that listed prices | +28.4% | The WinterContact TS 870 P was dearer in 6 of 6 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 121 | 59 sizes made in both | 90 |
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 10 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 | Speed Grip 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P1 of 20 | P12 of 20 | |
| 2026 Winter Tire Braking Test - 50 Sets | P2 of 50 | P13 of 50 | |
| 2025 Autobild Winter Tire Test | P7 of 20 | P11 of 20 | |
| 2025 Winter Tire Braking Test - 52 Sets! | P13 of 51 | P15 of 51 | |
| 2025 ADAC Winter Tire Test | P6 of 31 | P15 of 31 | |
| 2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test | P6 of 16 | P4 of 16 | |
| 2023 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P3 of 20 | P16 of 20 | |
| 2023 Winter Tire Test 54 Set Braking Test | P7 of 54 | P19 of 54 | |
| 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P8 of 20 | P9 of 20 | |
| 2022 Winter Tire Market Overview | P2 of 56 | P10 of 56 |
Performance profile
18 measurements from the 10 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
WinterContact TS 870 P
Speed Grip 5
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 95%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 2 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
Speed Grip 5
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
Speed Grip 5
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33 reviews and the Speed Grip 5 92% from 3. 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 | Speed Grip 5 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 142 | 5.4% | 150 | 6-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 72.1 | 1.1% | 71.3 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 139 | 3.7% | 145 | 8-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 125 | 2% | 128 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 49.9 | 4% | 48 | 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 6 | 3.8% | 5.8 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12.36 | 2.8% | 12.71 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 50.8 | 1.2% | 51.3 | 1-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 9.1 | 1.9% | 9 | 3-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 81 | 1.2% | 82 | 6-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 512 | 2.3% | 492 | 5-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 35.7 | 1.5% | 35.1 | 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 11 | 2.9% | 10.8 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 57 | 1% | 56 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 21% | scored | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 70.46 | 1.3 dB | 71.8 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 26,817 | 6.3% | 28,176 | 3-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 7.87 | 1.9% | 8.02 | 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.6 | 3.4% | 5.8 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 62 | 0.6% | 62.5 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 Speed Grip 5 8.5 out of 10.
| WinterContact TS 870 P | Category | Speed Grip 5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94 | Dry | 62 | ||
| 92 | Wet | 80 | ||
| 77 | Comfort | 25 | ||
| 76 | Value | 73 | ||
| 73 | Snow | 51 | ||
| 30 | Ice | 32 | ||
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 | Speed Grip 5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.6 | Dry Grip | 9.3 | ||
| 9 | Wet Grip | 9.7 | ||
| 8.1 | Road Feedback | 9 | ||
| 8.7 | Handling | 9 | ||
| 8.7 | Wear | 9 | ||
| 8.9 | Comfort | 8.3 | ||
| 8.7 | Snow Grip | 9.3 | ||
| 7.8 | Ice Grip | 9.3 | ||
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33 reviews and the Speed Grip 5 92% from 3. 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.
Semperit Speed Grip 5
- 92%from 3 reviews
- 20,500 milesdriven by reviewers
All 3 Speed Grip 5 reviewsSehr guter Winterreifen im mittleren Preissegment. Fahre 100 km täglich durchs Mittelgebirge (Stadt, BAB, Bundesstraßen) und hatte nun alle Bedingungen: Schnee, Eis, Regen, Trockene Fahrbahn. Toller Grip auf Schnee und Eis bedeckten Straßen. Habe mich stehts sicher gefühlt.
215/55 R18 99V XL. Made in France. Neuprofiltiefe gemessene 8,7 mm. Nach 10500 km vorn 8,2 mm, hinten 8,0 mm bei sehr ruhigem, entspanntem Fahrstil. D. h. sehr wenig Verschleiß und hohe zu erwartende Laufleistung. Laufgeräusch ist wie bei allen Winterreifen hörbar, aber nicht sonderlich auffällig.
Bin sehr zufrieden, würde sie wieder kaufen.
Meine vorherigen Reifen Bridgestone LM001 mit 5 mm Profil, 2 Jahre alt, waren auf nasser und trockener Fahrbahn top, hatten aber bei Schnee und Matsch null Grip und drehten durch.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 121 sizes of the WinterContact TS 870 P and 90 of the Speed Grip 5, 59 of them made in both.
| Category | WinterContact TS 870 P | Speed Grip 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 121 sizes, 16 to 23 inch | 90 sizes, 14 to 21 inch |
| Made in both | 59 sizes 205/60 R16215/60 R16215/65 R16215/70 R16225/60 R16205/45 R17205/50 R17205/55 R17215/50 R17215/55 R17215/60 R17215/65 R17and 47 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B99%C1% | C76%B24% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C62%B37%D1% | C70%D18%B12% |
| EU label noise | 70-75 dB B100% | 71-75 dB B100% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 221 of 221 | 137 of 137 |
| On the market since | - | 2021 |
| Replaced | Continental WinterContact TS 860 S (2017) | Semperit Speed Grip 3 (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 6 of the 6 tests that listed prices, by 28.4% 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 pitches Continental's ultra-high-performance WinterContact TS 870 P against Semperit's high-performance Speed-Grip 5 in the crucial 17-18-inch winter sizes. Across eight shared tests from ADAC, Auto Bild and large-sample braking shootouts, both tires show competent all-round winter manners, but they take different paths: Continental leans into premium balance, efficiency and snow assurance, while Semperit counters with attractive pricing and mileage.
Conclusion
Across the test body, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P is the more rounded and higher-performing winter tire, consistently stopping shorter on dry and usually on wet, delivering stronger snow traction/handling, better noise comfort, lower rolling resistance and longer projected life in several tests. Its few soft spots-occasional wet-braking blips and average lateral aquaplaning-don't outweigh its broad competence. The Semperit Speed-Grip 5 offers credible wet performance, respectable all-weather control and standout value through lower purchase price and often better mileage, but it trails the Continental in critical safety metrics like dry/wet stopping consistency and on-snow composure.
WinterContact TS 870 P vs Speed Grip 5: your questions
Is the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P or the Semperit Speed Grip 5 the better tire?
In the 10 independent tests that ran both tires, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P finished ahead 9 times and the Speed Grip 5 once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the WinterContact TS 870 P scores 9.3 and the Speed Grip 5 8.5 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the WinterContact TS 870 P or the Speed Grip 5?
The WinterContact TS 870 P led 21 of the 32 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 3.7% shorter in the wet across 10 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The WinterContact TS 870 P led 10 of the 10 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 5.4% shorter in the dry across 6 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The WinterContact TS 870 P led 17 of the 24 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.2% shorter on snow across 10 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The WinterContact TS 870 P had 1.9% lower rolling resistance (4 tests). Owners rate wear 8.7/10 for the WinterContact TS 870 P and 9/10 for the Speed Grip 5.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The WinterContact TS 870 P was 1.3 dB quieter (5 tests). Owners rate comfort 8.9/10 for the WinterContact TS 870 P and 8.3/10 for the Speed Grip 5.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33 reviews and the Speed Grip 5 92% from 3.
Which is more expensive?
In the 6 tests that listed prices, the WinterContact TS 870 P was the dearer tire in 6 of them, by 28.4% 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 Speed Grip 5 in 90 (14 to 21 inch). 59 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 Speed Grip 5 C and C.
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Run either of these?
Your review is the part of this page no test can supply: how the tire wore, how it aged, what it was like in the rain in year three. It takes about five minutes.
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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