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Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Firestone Winterhawk 4

Winter Passenger Car 14 shared tests
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
TR Score
9.3/10
Owners say
85% · 33
Head to head 12-2 wins in 14 shared tests 2022-2026 · 4 publications
Firestone Winterhawk 4
TR Score
8.1/10
Owners say
72% · 6

In the 14 independent tests that ran both tires, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P finished ahead 12 times and the Winterhawk 4 twice. The WinterContact TS 870 P had 9% lower rolling resistance; the Winterhawk 4 resisted straight aquaplaning at a 1.5% higher speed.

Data updated

Which should you buy?

Buy the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P. It won ten of twelve shared tests including two outright, sweeps dry braking and rolling resistance and is ahead in almost every category. The Firestone Winterhawk 4 is the pick only on budget, or if wet straight-line braking and aquaplaning are the only things you buy on.

Where the WinterContact TS 870 P is stronger

  • Won ten of the twelve shared tests, including two outright victories
  • Clean sweep of dry braking, nine measurements to nil, and rolling resistance, six to nil
  • Won five of six dry handling comparisons and five of six wet circle runs
Everything on the WinterContact TS 870 P

Where the Winterhawk 4 is stronger

  • Shorter wet braking in six of ten measurements and better straight aquaplaning in six of eight
  • Cheaper in all four price comparisons and all three cost-per-1000km calculations
  • Won both braking-only comparisons, 7th of 52 against 13th and 6th of 54 against 7th
Everything on the Winterhawk 4

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 Winterhawk 4 at a glance

WinterContact TS 870 P Winterhawk 4
Shared tests won14 shared tests 12 2
Dry17 measurements 16 The WinterContact TS 870 P stopped 5.6% shorter in the dry (10 tests) 1
Wet50 measurements 29 The WinterContact TS 870 P held 9.8% more grip in curved aquaplaning (9 tests) 18
Snow38 measurements 18 17
Ice3 measurements 2 The WinterContact TS 870 P stopped 2.5% shorter on ice (3 tests) 1
Comfort11 measurements 5 6
Value19 measurements 15 The WinterContact TS 870 P had 9% lower rolling resistance (7 tests) 3
Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold 9.3/10 The WinterContact TS 870 P by 1.2 8.1/10
Owner rating33 and 6 reviews 85% The WinterContact TS 870 P by 13 points 72%
Would buy againshare of owners 83% The WinterContact TS 870 P by 16 points 67%
Pricein the 9 tests that listed prices +38.1% The WinterContact TS 870 P was dearer in 9 of 9 Cheaper
Sizes madeEU label registrations 121 52 sizes made in both 83

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 14 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 Winterhawk 4
2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test Auto Bild · 2026 · 245/45 R19 · BMW 5 Series P1 of 20 P16 of 20
2026 Winter Tire Braking Test - 50 Sets Auto Bild · 2026 · 245/45 R19 · BMW 5 Series P2 of 50 P19 of 50
2025 Autobild Winter Tire Test Auto Bild · 2025 · 225/40 R18 · BMW M135i P7 of 20 P16 of 20
2025 Winter Tire Braking Test - 52 Sets! Auto Bild · 2025 · 225/40 R18 P13 of 51 P7 of 51
2025 ADAC Winter Tire Test ADAC · 2025 · 225/40 R18 P6 of 31 P17 of 31
2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test ADAC · 2024 · 215/55 R17 P6 of 16 P10 of 16
2023 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test Auto Bild Allrad · 2023 · 225/60 R18 P1 of 10 P9 of 10
2023 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test Auto Bild · 2023 · 225/45 R18 P3 of 20 P20 of 20
2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tire Test ADAC · 2023 · 205/60 R16 P4 of 16 P7 of 16
2023 Winter Tire Test 54 Set Braking Test Auto Bild · 2023 · 225/45 R18 P7 of 54 P6 of 54
2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test Auto Bild · 2022 · 215/55 R17 P8 of 20 P16 of 20
2022 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test Auto Bild Allrad · 2022 · 225/45 R19 P2 of 10 P6 of 10
2022 Winter Tire Market Overview Auto Bild · 2022 · 215/55 R17 P2 of 56 P14 of 56
2022 AMS Winter Tire Test Auto Motor Und Sport · 2022 · 245/45 R19 P1 of 8 P5 of 8

Performance profile

19 measurements from the 14 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.

Dry BrakingDry HandlingWet BrakingWet Braking - ConcreteWet HandlingWet Circle (s)Straight AquaCurved AquaplaningSnow BrakingSnow TractionSnow HandlingSnow SlalomIce BrakingSubj. ComfortNoiseWearRolling ResistanceFuel ConsumptionAbrasion

Where each is furthest ahead

WinterContact TS 870 P

Winterhawk 4

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 92%: 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.

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 Winterhawk 4 Wins
143 5.6% 151 10-0
68.8 2.1% 67.4 6-1
138 2% 142 6-6
126 0.3% 127 2-1
49.3 1.5% 48.6 5-2
6 17.4% 5.1 1-0
13.55 1.1% 13.69 5-1
49.9 1.5% 50.6 3-6
10.4 9.8% 9.7 7-2
77 0.1% 78 7-7
469 0.8% 470 4-4
35.9 0.2% 36 4-3
3.81 7.1% 4.1 1-0
12.4 0.2% 12.5 2-3
60 2.5% 59 2-1
scored 17.6% scored 2-0
70.89 0.1 dB 70.79 3-6
26,687 1.3% 26,090 5-2
7.56 9% 8.32 6-1
5.65 0.9% 5.7 1-0
65 19.9% 81.33 3-0

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 Winterhawk 4 8.1 out of 10.

Tire Reviews Score by category
WinterContact TS 870 P Winterhawk 4
94Dry 18
92Wet 86
77Comfort 66
76Value 49
73Snow 69
30Ice 54

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 Winterhawk 4
8.6Dry Grip 7.3
9Wet Grip 7.3
8.1Road Feedback 6.2
8.7Handling 5.5
8.7Wear 7.6
8.9Comfort 7.7
8.7Snow Grip 7.5
7.8Ice Grip 6.8

Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33 reviews and the Winterhawk 4 72% from 6. 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

Firestone Winterhawk 4

  • 72%from 6 reviews
  • 67%would buy again
  • 25,300 milesdriven by reviewers

Drivers generally rate the Firestone Winterhawk 4 highly for everyday winter use, with strong confidence in snow and rain, short braking distances, and reassuring all-round performance. Many highlight its good value versus premium brands, along with a quiet, comfortable ride and responsive feel. Overall satisfaction is high across the majority of reviews.

  • strong snow performance
  • good wet grip and braking
  • quiet and comfortable ride
  • good value for money

Summarised by AI from 5 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.

Good quality for mid-range brand, cover winter needs. In general there is no high potential of performance for winter tires independently of brand!
74% Volkswagen Golf GTI 7.5 225/40 R18 2,500 miles May 24, 2024
All 6 Winterhawk 4 reviews

Sizes, EU label and lineage

From the EU label registrations for each tire: 121 sizes of the WinterContact TS 870 P and 83 of the Winterhawk 4, 52 of them made in both.

WinterContact TS 870 P Winterhawk 4
Season Winter Winter
Sizes made 121 sizes, 16 to 23 inch 83 sizes, 14 to 20 inch
Made in both 52 sizes 205/60 R16215/60 R16215/65 R16215/70 R16225/55 R16205/45 R17205/50 R17205/55 R17205/60 R17215/50 R17215/55 R17215/60 R17and 40 more
EU label wet grip B99%C1% B100%
EU label rolling resistance C62%B37%D1% D50%C50%
EU label noise 70-75 dB B100% 71 dB B100%
Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes 221 of 221 101 of 101
On the market since - 2020
Replaced Continental WinterContact TS 860 S (2017) Firestone Winterhawk 3 (2013)
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 9 of the 9 tests that listed prices, by 38.1% 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.

Twelve shared tests, ten wins for the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P, and two of those were outright victories: 1st of 11 in Auto Bild Allrad's 2023 SUV winter test with the Firestone Winterhawk 4 9th, and 1st of 8 at Auto Motor und Sport in 2022 with the Firestone 5th.

Dry performance is a landslide. The Continental braked shorter in the dry in all nine measurements, 43.7m against 47.2m at Auto Bild in 2025, 7.4 percent, and it won five of six dry handling comparisons. It also rolled with less resistance in all six measurements and abraded less in all three.

The Firestone answers in the wet and at the till. It braked shorter in the wet in six of ten measurements, resisted straight aquaplaning better in six of eight, and it was cheaper in all four price comparisons and all three cost-per-1000km calculations, 9.99 against 13.08 at Auto Bild in 2025.

Conclusion

The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P is the stronger tire by a wide margin, winning ten of the twelve shared tests. Two are outright wins, 1st of 11 in Auto Bild Allrad's 2023 SUV test with the Firestone Winterhawk 4 9th and 1st of 8 at Auto Motor und Sport in 2022 with the Firestone 5th, and the rest include 3rd of 22 against 20th at Auto Bild in 2023, 2nd of 57 against 14th in the 2022 market overview, 2nd of 10 against 6th in the 2022 SUV test, 7th of 22 against 16th in 2025 and 6th of 31 against 17th at ADAC. Dry braking is a clean sweep, nine measurements to nil, and so is rolling resistance, six to nil, and abrasion, three to nil. It won five of six dry handling comparisons, five of six wet circle runs, six of eight curved aquaplaning measurements, seven of twelve snow brakings and it lasted longer in four of six wear measurements.

The Firestone Winterhawk 4 has two real strengths. The first is wet straight-line grip: shorter wet braking in six of ten measurements and better straight aquaplaning in six of eight, and it took both of the braking-only comparisons, 7th of 52 against 13th in 2025 and 6th of 54 against 7th in 2023. The second is cost: cheaper in all four price comparisons and all three cost-per-1000km calculations, 9.99 against 13.08 at Auto Bild in 2025, 23.6 percent less. It was also quieter in five of eight noise measurements and pulled harder in four of seven snow traction measurements.

The pattern is consistent across twelve tests, so there is little doubt about it: the Firestone stops well in a straight line on a wet surface and costs less to own, while the Continental is better at almost everything else, including dry braking, where it has never lost a measurement to it. Buy the Continental unless price is the deciding factor.

WinterContact TS 870 P vs Winterhawk 4: your questions

Is the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P or the Firestone Winterhawk 4 the better tire?

In the 14 independent tests that ran both tires, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P finished ahead 12 times and the Winterhawk 4 twice. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the WinterContact TS 870 P scores 9.3 and the Winterhawk 4 8.1 out of 10.

Which is better in the wet, the WinterContact TS 870 P or the Winterhawk 4?

The WinterContact TS 870 P led 29 of the 50 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it held 9.8% more grip in curved aquaplaning across 9 tests.

Which is better in the dry?

The WinterContact TS 870 P led 16 of the 17 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 5.6% shorter in the dry across 10 tests.

Which is better in snow?

The WinterContact TS 870 P led 18 of the 38 snow measurements the shared tests recorded.

Which lasts longer and costs less to run?

The WinterContact TS 870 P lasted 1.3% longer in the wear tests (7 tests), had 9% lower rolling resistance (7 tests), used 0.9% less fuel (2 tests) and shed 19.9% less rubber in the abrasion test (3 tests). Owners rate wear 8.7/10 for the WinterContact TS 870 P and 7.6/10 for the Winterhawk 4.

Which is quieter and more comfortable?

Owners rate comfort 8.9/10 for the WinterContact TS 870 P and 7.7/10 for the Winterhawk 4.

What do owners say?

Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33 reviews and the Winterhawk 4 72% from 6. 83% of WinterContact TS 870 P owners would buy it again, against 67% for the Winterhawk 4.

Which is more expensive?

In the 9 tests that listed prices, the WinterContact TS 870 P was the dearer tire in 9 of them, by 38.1% 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 Winterhawk 4 in 83 (14 to 20 inch). 52 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 Winterhawk 4 B and D.

More comparisons with these tires

vs Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 8-16 in 25 shared tests vs Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 3-14 in 21 shared tests vs Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Michelin Alpin 7 5-0 in 5 shared tests vs Bridgestone Blizzak 6 vs Continental WinterContact TS 870 P 5-9 in 15 shared tests vs Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV 1-2 in 4 shared tests vs Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Hankook Winter i cept evo3 13-3 in 17 shared tests vs Firestone Winterhawk 4 vs Kleber Krisalp HP3 5-10 in 15 shared tests vs Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 vs Continental WinterContact TS 870 P 8-10 in 18 shared tests

All comparisons → Compare three or more tires →

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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.

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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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