Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Dunlop Winter Sport 5
- TR Score
- 9.3/10
- Owners say
- 85% · 33
- TR Score
- 8.9/10
- Owners say
- 83% · 47
In the 9 independent tests that ran both tires, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P finished ahead 5 times and the Winter Sport 5 4 times. The WinterContact TS 870 P had 7.7% lower rolling resistance; the Winter Sport 5 lasted 16.7% longer in the wear tests.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Continental TS 870 P for mixed winter with a premium on braking safety, wet control, refinement, and fuel efficiency. Choose Dunlop Winter Sport 5 for frequent snow/ice use, maximum mileage, and stronger value on a tighter budget.
Where the WinterContact TS 870 P is stronger
- Class-leading dry and wet braking across most tests (e.g., −5.9% dry vs Dunlop in AB 2023)
- Very balanced handling on dry, wet and snow; strong aquaplaning resistance
- Low noise and lower rolling resistance (efficiency edge)
Where the Winter Sport 5 is stronger
- Excellent mileage and wear (often 15-25% higher projected life)
- Strong snow traction and frequent ice-braking wins
- Competitive wet handling and aquaplaning, often close to best
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 Winter Sport 5 at a glance
| Category | WinterContact TS 870 P | Gap | Winter Sport 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won9 shared tests | 5 | 4 | |
| Dry11 measurements | 11 | The WinterContact TS 870 P stopped 3.1% shorter in the dry (7 tests) | 0 |
| Wet32 measurements | 22 | The WinterContact TS 870 P stopped 1.1% shorter in the wet (9 tests) | 8 |
| Snow24 measurements | 12 | The WinterContact TS 870 P averaged a 0.7% higher speed on the snow handling course (3 tests) | 11 |
| Ice3 measurements | 1 | The Winter Sport 5 stopped 2.8% shorter on ice (3 tests) | 2 |
| Comfort7 measurements | 6 | The WinterContact TS 870 P was 1.8 dB quieter (6 tests) | 1 |
| Value14 measurements | 7 | The WinterContact TS 870 P had 7.7% lower rolling resistance (4 tests) | 6 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.3/10 | The WinterContact TS 870 P by 0.4 | 8.9/10 |
| Owner rating33 and 47 reviews | 85% | The WinterContact TS 870 P by 2 points | 83% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 83% | Too close to call | 83% |
| Pricein the 5 tests that listed prices | +12.4% | The WinterContact TS 870 P was dearer in 5 of 5 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 121 | 33 sizes made in both | 49 |
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 9 tests, 2021 to 2025
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 | Winter Sport 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 ADAC Winter Tire Test | P6 of 31 | P4 of 31 | |
| 2024 Auto Bild Sportscars Winter Tire Test | P3 of 10 | P4 of 10 | |
| 2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test | P6 of 16 | P2 of 16 | |
| 2023 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P3 of 20 | P7 of 20 | |
| 2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tire Test | P4 of 16 | P1 of 16 | |
| 2023 Winter Tire Test 54 Set Braking Test | P7 of 54 | P15 of 54 | |
| 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P8 of 20 | P4 of 20 | |
| 2022 Winter Tire Market Overview | P2 of 56 | P8 of 56 | |
| 2021 Tire Reviews Winter Tire Test | P1 of 9 | P6 of 9 |
Performance profile
18 measurements from the 9 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
WinterContact TS 870 P
Winter Sport 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 96%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 8 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
Winter Sport 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
Winter Sport 5
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33 reviews and the Winter Sport 5 83% from 47. 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 | Winter Sport 5 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 139 | 3.1% | 144 | 7-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 45.51 | 1.1% | 46.01 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 70.2 | 1.7% | 69 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 133 | 1.1% | 134 | 7-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 126 | 0.2% | 127 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 49.94 | 1.5% | 50.72 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 49.4 | 0.2% | 49.3 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 6 | 11.1% | 6.7 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12.34 | 1.4% | 12.52 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 51.1 | 1.9% | 50.2 | 6-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 54.3 | = | 54.1 | 3-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 69 | 0.3% | 69 | 5-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.48 | 1.6% | 5.39 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 310 | 1.8% | 310 | 1-5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 88.22 | 1.1% | 89.18 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 36.1 | 0.7% | 35.9 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 34.76 | 3.2% | 35.92 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 9.5 | 0.3% | 9.4 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 11.6 | 1.8% | 11.4 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 60 | 2.8% | 58 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 5.3% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 70.97 | 1.8 dB | 72.73 | 6-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 25,502 | 16.7% | 29,762 | 0-5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.05 | 7.7% | 8.73 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.65 | 0.9% | 5.7 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 65 | 5% | 68.33 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 Winter Sport 5 8.9 out of 10.
| WinterContact TS 870 P | Category | Winter Sport 5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94 | Dry | 45 | ||
| 92 | Wet | 85 | ||
| 77 | Comfort | 18 | ||
| 76 | Value | 66 | ||
| 73 | Snow | 83 | ||
| 30 | Ice | 48 | ||
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 | Winter Sport 5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.6 | Dry Grip | 8.3 | ||
| 9 | Wet Grip | 8.5 | ||
| 8.1 | Road Feedback | 7.9 | ||
| 8.7 | Handling | 7.9 | ||
| 8.7 | Wear | 8.7 | ||
| 8.9 | Comfort | 8.4 | ||
| 8.7 | Snow Grip | 9.1 | ||
| 7.8 | Ice Grip | 8.2 | ||
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33 reviews and the Winter Sport 5 83% from 47. 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.
Dunlop Winter Sport 5
- 83%from 47 reviews
- 83%would buy again
- 485,102 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers largely praise the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 for outstanding snow and ice traction, strong wet grip in cold conditions, predictable handling, good comfort/low noise (for a winter tire), and excellent tread life. A minority report softer sidewalls and reduced dry performance or understeer as temperatures rise, with a few notes on noise increase over time and isolated quality/balance issues. Overall sentiment is strongly positive, with most buyers willing to repurchase.
- snow and ice grip
- wet grip in cold
- predictable handling
- ride comfort
- weaker dry grip/softer feel in warmer temps
- increased noise with age
- occasional balance/quality issues
Summarised by AI from 39 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 47 Winter Sport 5 reviewsYou must know, in 225/50/17 it is the best what you can buy in eurowinter tires
+ perfect rim protector
+ dry and wet grip at different temperatures including +17 Celsius
+ snow grip? Easy
+ treadwear 12000 km/per 1 mm (on my new set 8 mm, now 7,0-6,8 after 2 seasons and 14400 km)
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 121 sizes of the WinterContact TS 870 P and 49 of the Winter Sport 5, 33 of them made in both.
| Category | WinterContact TS 870 P | Winter Sport 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 121 sizes, 16 to 23 inch | 49 sizes, 15 to 21 inch |
| Made in both | 33 sizes 205/60 R16215/60 R16215/65 R16225/55 R16205/50 R17205/55 R17215/50 R17215/55 R17225/50 R17225/55 R17235/45 R17235/55 R17and 21 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B99%C1% | B52%C48% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C62%B37%D1% | C75%D24%B1% |
| EU label noise | 70-75 dB B100% | 70-74 dB B100% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 221 of 221 | 79 of 79 |
| On the market since | - | 2021 |
| Replaced | Continental WinterContact TS 860 S (2017) | Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D (2021) |
| 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 5 of the 5 tests that listed prices, by 12.4% 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.
Continental's WinterContact TS 870 P and Dunlop's Winter Sport 5 target the same ultra-high-performance winter segment, but they take different routes to winter competence. Across nine shared tests from 2021-2025, the Continental consistently scores at or near the front in dry and wet braking, handling precision, noise, and efficiency, while the Dunlop often counters with stronger snow/ice bite and outstanding longevity.
Recent test cycles sharpen the contrast: ADAC 2023-2025 repeatedly praises the Dunlop's wintry-road assurance and class-leading mileage, whereas Auto Bild and Tire Reviews highlight the Continental's across-the-board stability and short stopping distances. Price also diverges-Dunlop tends to be cheaper with better value scores, while Continental commands a premium for its balanced, safety-first performance.
Conclusion
If your winter driving mixes cold, wet motorways and dry-but-chilly commutes with occasional snow, the Continental TS 870 P is the safer all-rounder: it repeatedly delivers shorter dry/wet stops (often by 2-6%), calmer noise levels, and lower rolling resistance, with confident snow handling. If you face frequent snow/ice or prioritize longevity and cost, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 stands out with stronger snow traction and ice braking in several ADAC runs and a clear advantage in projected mileage and purchase price.
In value terms, Dunlop is the cost-effective winter specialist with high wear life and solid wet performance; Continental is the premium, no-weakness option that optimizes stopping distance, refinement, and efficiency. The practical takeaway: pick Continental for all-weather security and braking headroom; pick Dunlop for heavy-winter mileage and budget friendliness without major compromises.
WinterContact TS 870 P vs Winter Sport 5: your questions
Is the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P or the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 the better tire?
In the 9 independent tests that ran both tires, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P finished ahead 5 times and the Winter Sport 5 4 times. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the WinterContact TS 870 P scores 9.3 and the Winter Sport 5 8.9 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the WinterContact TS 870 P or the Winter Sport 5?
The WinterContact TS 870 P led 22 of the 32 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.1% shorter in the wet across 9 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The WinterContact TS 870 P led 11 of the 11 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 3.1% shorter in the dry across 7 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The WinterContact TS 870 P led 12 of the 24 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it averaged a 0.7% higher speed on the snow handling course across 3 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The WinterContact TS 870 P had 7.7% lower rolling resistance (4 tests), used 0.9% less fuel (2 tests) and shed 5% less rubber in the abrasion test (3 tests); the Winter Sport 5 lasted 16.7% longer in the wear tests (5 tests). Owners rate wear 8.7/10 for the WinterContact TS 870 P and 8.7/10 for the Winter Sport 5.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The WinterContact TS 870 P was 1.8 dB quieter (6 tests). Owners rate comfort 8.9/10 for the WinterContact TS 870 P and 8.4/10 for the Winter Sport 5.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33 reviews and the Winter Sport 5 83% from 47. 83% of WinterContact TS 870 P owners would buy it again, against 83% for the Winter Sport 5.
Which is more expensive?
In the 5 tests that listed prices, the WinterContact TS 870 P was the dearer tire in 5 of them, by 12.4% 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 Winter Sport 5 in 49 (15 to 21 inch). 33 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 Winter Sport 5 B 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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