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Continental WinterContact TS 870 vs Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2

Head-to-head comparisonPassenger CarWinter
Contents
  1. At a glance
  2. Driver Reviews
  3. Conclusion
  4. FAQ
  5. Similar Comparisons
Comparison overview

At a glance

Based on 8 independent tire tests. Data last updated April 2026.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 vs Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2

This head-to-head pitches two premium European winter touring tires with very similar briefs but clearly different executions: Continental's WinterContact TS 870 and Pirelli's Cinturato Winter 2. Across eight shared professional tests from 2022-2024 in core sizes (205/55 R16 and 225/45-50 R17), the Continental dominates overall results with seven test wins to Pirelli's one.

The data shows a consistent pattern: the TS 870 sets the benchmark in wet safety (especially aquaplaning), snow braking/traction, and longevity/efficiency, while the Pirelli often feels more playful subjectively and can shine in isolated braking or comfort metrics. If you drive through a wide mix of winter conditions-including heavy rain, slush and frequent snow-the performance gaps are meaningful, not marginal.

Shared test result8 direct tests
7 wins: Continental WinterContact TS 8701 wins: Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
Key strengthsWhat each tire does best
ContinentalWinterContact TS 870
  • Outstanding aquaplaning resistance; e.g., +10-23% advantage in ADAC/Auto Bild curved aquaplaning
  • Consistently shorter braking on snow/ice; multiple wins across ADAC, AZ, Auto Bild, Tire Reviews
  • High mileage and low wear; +24-29% wear advantage in 2024 ADAC/Auto Bild
PirelliCinturato Winter 2
  • Engaging, predictable handling feel with low cabin noise
  • Can excel in single-metric braking (e.g., wet or dry) in some tests
  • Good comfort and stability; favorable subjective scores in several 2022 tests
Performance map

Where each tire has the edge

Start here if you do not want to read every test line. The cards below group the evidence by driving priority, then the detailed source data stays available underneath.

Dry roadsContinental WinterContact TS 870Wet safetyContinental WinterContact TS 870Snow and iceContinental WinterContact TS 870Costs and longevityContinental WinterContact TS 870Comfort and refinementPirelli Cinturato Winter 2

Dry roads

Braking, steering response and handling pace in dry conditions.

Continental 3-1

Dry Handling [Km/H]

Continental
110.6Km/H
Pirelli
108.8Km/H
Dry Handling Average Speed, higher is better

Best hereWins 1/1Gap 1.63%Continental WinterContact TS 870

Source tests (1)
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test205/55 R16

Wet safety

Wet braking, wet handling and aquaplaning resistance.

Continental 8-0

Wet Braking - Concrete

Continental
38.5M
Pirelli
39M
Wet braking on Concrete in meters, lower is better

Best hereWins 1/1Gap 1.28%Continental WinterContact TS 870

Source tests (1)
2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tire Test205/55 R16

Wet Handling [Km/H]

Continental
75.14Km/H
Pirelli
74.89Km/H
Wet Handling Average Speed, higher is better

Best hereWins 1/1Gap 0.33%Continental WinterContact TS 870

Source tests (1)
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test205/55 R16

Wet Circle

Continental
12.29s
Pirelli
12.44s
Wet Circle Lap Time in seconds, lower is better

Best hereWins 1/1Gap 1.21%Continental WinterContact TS 870

Source tests (1)
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test205/55 R16

Snow and ice

Cold-weather traction, braking and handling where available.

Continental 6-0

Snow Handling [Km/H]

Continental
60Km/H
Pirelli
60Km/H
Snow handling average speed, higher is better

ResultEvenGap 0%Both tires performed equally well

Source tests (1)
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test205/55 R16

Snow Slalom

Continental
3.28m/sec2
Pirelli
3.25m/sec2
Lateral acceleration, higher is better

Best hereWins 1/1Gap 0.91%Continental WinterContact TS 870

Source tests (1)
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test205/55 R16

Costs and longevity

Wear, rolling resistance, price and economy-related measurements.

Continental 5-1

Comfort and refinement

Noise, ride comfort and subjective refinement results.

Pirelli 2-1

Full metric overview

Stronger tire = 100% per axis

Real World Driver Reviews

Tire Reviews also collects real world driver reviews for the Continental WinterContact TS 870 and Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.

In total the Continental WinterContact TS 870 has been reviewed 23 times and drivers have given the tire 84% overall.

The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 has been reviewed 3 times and drivers have given the tire 78% overall.

This means in real world driving, people prefer the Continental WinterContact TS 870.

Best Review for the Continental WinterContact TS 870
Given 69% 185/65 R15 on a combination of roads for 5,000 average miles
it was really nice, but on the hard snow, hill climbing is not really good, I am not sure about any other tires that can climb, all roads was good but I can park my to my home because it can't climb the %20-30 hill to my home
Helpful 1365 - tire reviewed on April 18, 2023
View all Continental WinterContact TS 870 driver reviews >>
Best Review for the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
Given 86% 225/40 R18 on a combination of roads for 4,000 average miles
I bought this tire last year after suggestions from my tire dealer. I was looking for a good tire for cold and rainy winters with some occasional trip to the mountains. These tires were highly satisfactory in terms of dry and wet performance, plus they felt great in terms of subjective road feedback and handling. Car seems attached to the ground in all situations. Downsides are higher noise and fuel consumption, but I say this with respect to my summer tires, which may not be a fair comparison. I only tried them on snow once and they were fine.
Helpful 1201 - tire reviewed on November 14, 2022
View all Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 driver reviews >>

Conclusion

Continental's WinterContact TS 870 is the objectively stronger all-round winter tire. It repeatedly tops overall rankings (Auto Express 2024, ADAC 2023 & 2024, Auto Bild 2024, AZ 2022) thanks to short snow and ice stopping distances, class-leading aquaplaning resistance (straight and curved), confident wet/dry handling, and standout wear and rolling resistance. In real-world terms, that means more margin in emergencies, greater stability in deep water and slush, and lower running costs over a longer life.

Pirelli's Cinturato Winter 2 is competitive and likeable to drive-often praised for subjective handling, low cabin noise, and occasional strong braking results-but it trails in aquaplaning, has weaker mileage, and usually finishes mid-pack overall. It can be a smart pick if you value a quieter, engaging feel and can find it at a lower price, but for broad winter security and value retention, the TS 870 is the safer, longer-lasting bet.

Key Differences

  • Overall results: TS 870 wins 7 tests; Winter 2 wins 1
  • Aquaplaning: TS 870 leads decisively (often 4-23% better straight/curved)
  • Snow/ice stopping: TS 870 consistently shorter; Pirelli mid-pack to good
  • Wet braking split: Pirelli occasionally ahead in single tests; TS 870 still stronger overall wet package
  • Wear/longevity: TS 870 substantially higher mileage (+24-29% in 2024 ADAC/Auto Bild)
  • Efficiency: TS 870 lower rolling resistance; Pirelli higher RR in multiple tests
  • Subjective feel: Pirelli often more enjoyable/quiet; Continental more precise/safe at the limit
  • Value over time: Continental's higher price offset by longer life and lower fuel use; Pirelli cheaper upfront
Continental WinterContact TS 870

Overall Winner: Continental WinterContact TS 870

Based on the tire test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Continental WinterContact TS 870 or Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 better?

Based on 8 independent tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 is the stronger overall performer, winning 7 to 1. The breakdown below shows the specific areas where the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 still has the edge.

Which tire has better wet braking, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 or Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2?

The Continental WinterContact TS 870 is better for wet braking, averaging 41.22M versus 41.4M across 6 independent tests.

Which tire has better dry braking, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 or Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2?

The Continental WinterContact TS 870 is better for dry braking, averaging 43.48M versus 43.52M across 5 independent tests.

Which tire has better wear, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 or Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2?

The Continental WinterContact TS 870 is better for wear, averaging 49223.33KM versus 41833.33KM across 3 independent tests.

Which tire has better rolling resistance, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 or Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2?

The Continental WinterContact TS 870 is better for rolling resistance, averaging 8.11kg / t versus 8.78kg / t across 3 independent tests.

Which tire has better snow braking, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 or Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2?

The Continental WinterContact TS 870 is better for snow braking, averaging 21.9M versus 23.03M across 6 independent tests.

Which tire do owners rate higher, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 or Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2?

The Continental WinterContact TS 870 has the higher owner-review score: the Continental WinterContact TS 870 scores 84% from 23 reviews versus the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 at 78% from 3 reviews.

Similar Comparisons

Looking for more tire comparisons? Here are other direct comparisons involving these tires:

Continental WinterContact TS 870 Top Comparisons

Bridgestone Blizzak 6 vs Continental WinterContact TS 870 Bridgestone Blizzak 6 VS Continental WinterContact TS 870 Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 vs Continental WinterContact TS 870 Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 VS Continental WinterContact TS 870 Continental WinterContact TS 870 vs Hankook Winter I cept RS3 Continental WinterContact TS 870 VS Hankook Winter I cept RS3
View All Continental WinterContact TS 870 Comparisons

Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 Top Comparisons

Bridgestone Blizzak 6 vs Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 Bridgestone Blizzak 6 VS Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 Hankook Winter I cept RS3 vs Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 Hankook Winter I cept RS3 VS Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 vs Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 VS Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
View All Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 Comparisons

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 Continental WinterContact TS 870 and Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2, 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.

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