Continental WinterContact TS 870 vs Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
The TS 870 repeatedly takes overall wins (7/7 tests), built on class-leading consistency in wet security, snow confidence, aquaplaning resistance and efficiency. The UGP3 counters with sharper responses in select dry and wet braking events and very strong all-round balance, often finishing a close second. Expect this comparison to clarify where the gaps are meaningful-ice and aquaplaning for Continental, and isolated braking edges for Goodyear-and what that means for daily winter driving.
Test Results
Independent comparison tire tests are the best source of data to get tire information from, and the good news is there have been seven tests which compare both tires directly!
| Tire | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Continental WinterContact TS 870 | seven |
While it might look like the Continental WinterContact TS 870 is better than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 purely based on the higher number of test wins, tires are very complicated objects which means where one tire is better than the other can be more important in real world use.
Let's look at how the two tires compare across multiple tire test categories.
Key Strengths
- Outstanding all-weather balance with 7/7 overall test wins
- Superior aquaplaning resistance and wet control (straight/curved)
- Stronger snow and markedly better ice braking performance
- Lower rolling resistance and solid wear for good running costs
- Sharp, confidence-inspiring braking in dry and some wet tests
- Consistently near the top across categories; enjoyable to drive
- Very good projected mileage and abrasion in several tests
- Competitive noise comfort and strong aquaplaning performance
Dry Braking
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during two dry braking tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 stopped the vehicle in 0.35% less distance than the Continental WinterContact TS 870.
Best In Dry Braking: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [s]
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during one dry handling [s] tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was 0.42% faster around a lap than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.
Best In Dry Handling [s]: Continental WinterContact TS 870
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during one dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was 0.9% faster around a lap than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Continental WinterContact TS 870
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during four wet braking tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 stopped the vehicle in 0.77% less distance than the Continental WinterContact TS 870.
Best In Wet Braking: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking - Concrete
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during one wet braking - concrete tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 stopped the vehicle in 1.79% less distance than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.
Best In Wet Braking - Concrete: Continental WinterContact TS 870
See how the Wet Braking - Concrete winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [s]
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during one wet handling [s] tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was 1.06% faster around a wet lap than the Continental WinterContact TS 870.
Best In Wet Handling [s]: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during one wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was 0.44% faster around a wet lap than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Continental WinterContact TS 870
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Circle
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during one wet circle tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was 0.97% faster around a wet circle than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.
Best In Wet Circle: Continental WinterContact TS 870
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during three straight aqua tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 floated at a 0.28% higher speed than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.
Best In Straight Aqua: Continental WinterContact TS 870
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during three curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 slipped out at a 1.3% higher speed than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Continental WinterContact TS 870
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
Snow Braking
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during one snow braking tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 stopped the vehicle in 2.23% less distance than the Continental WinterContact TS 870.
Best In Snow Braking: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
See how the Snow Braking winner was calculated >>
Snow Traction
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during one snow traction tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 accelerated 2.08% faster than the Continental WinterContact TS 870.
Best In Snow Traction: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
See how the Snow Traction winner was calculated >>
Snow Traction
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during one snow traction tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 had 0.22% better snow traction than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.
Best In Snow Traction: Continental WinterContact TS 870
See how the Snow Traction winner was calculated >>
Snow Handling [s]
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during two snow handling [s] tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was 2.75% faster around a lap than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.
Best In Snow Handling [s]: Continental WinterContact TS 870
See how the Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Snow Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during one snow handling [km/h] tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was 0.17% faster around a lap than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.
Best In Snow Handling [Km/H]: Continental WinterContact TS 870
See how the Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Snow Slalom
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during one snow slalom tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was 1.52% faster through a slalom than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.
Best In Snow Slalom: Continental WinterContact TS 870
See how the Snow Slalom winner was calculated >>
Ice Braking
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during one ice braking tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 stopped the vehicle 13.68% shorter than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.
Best In Ice Braking: Continental WinterContact TS 870
See how the Ice Braking winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during two noise tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 measured 0.16% quieter than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.
Best In Noise: Continental WinterContact TS 870
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Wear
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during one wear tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 is predicted to cover 5% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Continental WinterContact TS 870.
Best In Wear: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
See how the Wear winner was calculated >>
Value
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during one value tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 proved to have a 3.44% better value based on price/1000km than the Continental WinterContact TS 870.
Best In Value: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
See how the Value winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during three rolling resistance tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 had a 7.29% lower rolling resistance than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Continental WinterContact TS 870
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
Fuel Consumption
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during one fuel consumption tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 used 1.92% less fuel than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.
Best In Fuel Consumption: Continental WinterContact TS 870
See how the Fuel Consumption winner was calculated >>
Abrasion
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during one abrasion tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 emitted 3.39% less particle wear matter than the Continental WinterContact TS 870.
Best In Abrasion: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
See how the Abrasion winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
Continental WinterContact TS 870 Driver Reviews
Drivers of the Continental WinterContact TS 870 overwhelmingly praise its exceptional wet grip and braking, superb aquaplaning resistance, and confident dry-road handling for a winter tire. Comfort and low noise are frequently highlighted, and many report strong traction in fresh or soft snow. A minority note that traction can be weaker on hard-packed snow or ice-particularly on steep hills or heavier vehicles-compared to expectations. Overall sentiment is strongly positive, with most users feeling safe and confident in varied winter conditions.
Based on 22 reviews with an average rating of 84%
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 Driver Reviews
Drivers rate the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 very highly, praising its excellent grip and braking on dry and wet roads, strong traction in snow, and a quiet, comfortable, and predictable ride. Handling is often described as stable and confidence-inspiring, with several noting good highway manners. A minority mention weaker performance on pure ice and a softer, less sporty steering feel at the limit. Overall sentiment is strongly positive with only a few caveats.
Based on 13 reviews with an average rating of 87%
Conclusion
Goodyear's UGP3 remains a superb choice. It frequently edges isolated braking runs (dry and some wet tests), posts excellent noise and mileage scores in several programs, and feels secure and engaging. If you prize incisive braking feel and value a UHP-style steering character with strong durability, the UGP3 makes sense. For most drivers facing mixed European winters, the TS 870's broader safety net and efficiency tip the balance.
Key Differences
- Overall results: TS 870 won every shared test (7/7) while UGP3 placed close behind
- Ice braking advantage to TS 870 (ADAC: ~13.7% shorter stop)
- Aquaplaning margins favor TS 870 (straight and curved across multiple tests)
- UGP3 edges select braking events (e.g., TUV dry/wet, AE snow braking)
- Efficiency: TS 870 shows lower rolling resistance; UGP3 often counters with longer wear
- Snow handling consistency leans TS 870; UGP3 shows strong but slightly less consistent snow results
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.Similar Comparisons
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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 %s and %s, 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.