Continental WinterContact TS 870 vs Vredestein Wintrac
- TR Score
- 9.2/10
- Owners say
- 83% · 26
- TR Score
- 9.3/10
- Owners say
- 88% · 5
In the 10 independent tests that ran both tires, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 finished ahead 10 times and the Wintrac not once. The WinterContact TS 870 lasted 29% longer in the wear tests; the Wintrac stopped 2% shorter in the dry.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Continental WinterContact TS 870 for the safest all-weather winter performance, superior wet/aquaplaning reserves, stronger snow control, and much longer tread life. Choose Vredestein Wintrac if you mainly drive in cold, mostly dry conditions, value short dry stops and lower rolling resistance, and want a lower upfront price.
Where the WinterContact TS 870 is stronger
- Outstanding wet grip and aquaplaning resistance (e.g., +4-22% in aquaplaning metrics)
- Best-in-class snow performance across braking, traction, and handling
- Significantly higher mileage and lower abrasion (often +20-45% wear advantage)
Where the Wintrac is stronger
- Strong dry braking in multiple tests (often shortest stops)
- Low rolling resistance aiding fuel efficiency
- Good overall balance with safe, neutral handling
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 vs Wintrac at a glance
| Category | WinterContact TS 870 | Gap | Wintrac |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won10 shared tests | 10 | 0 | |
| Dry8 measurements | 4 | Level between the two. | 4 |
| Wet24 measurements | 18 | The WinterContact TS 870 held 20.3% more grip in curved aquaplaning (5 tests) | 6 |
| Snow16 measurements | 13 | The WinterContact TS 870 stopped 4.4% shorter on snow (7 tests) | 3 |
| Ice2 measurements | 1 | Level between the two. | 1 |
| Comfort5 measurements | 2 | 3 | |
| Value11 measurements | 9 | The WinterContact TS 870 lasted 29% longer in the wear tests (4 tests) | 1 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.2/10 | The Wintrac by 0.1 | 9.3/10 |
| Owner rating26 and 5 reviews | 83% | The Wintrac by 5 points | 88% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 83% | The Wintrac by 17 points | 100% |
| Pricein the 5 tests that listed prices | +16.3% | The WinterContact TS 870 was dearer in 4 of 5 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 44 | 21 sizes made in both | 28 |
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, 2021 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 | Field | Wintrac |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 | P1 of 16 | P8 of 16 | |
| 2024 Auto Express Winter Tire Test | P1 of 7 | P5 of 7 | |
| 2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P1 of 20 | P11 of 20 | |
| 2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tire Test | P1 of 12 | P10 of 12 | |
| 2024 Winter 55 Tire Braking Test | P8 of 55 | P17 of 55 | |
| 2022 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 | P1 of 15 | P5 of 15 | |
| 2022 ADAC SUV Winter Tire Test - 215/60 R16 | P1 of 17 | P7 of 17 | |
| 2021 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P1 of 20 | P3 of 20 | |
| 2021 AMS Winter Tire Test | P2 of 10 | P3 of 10 | |
| 2021 Winter Tire Market Overview | P4 of 50 | P9 of 50 |
Performance profile
17 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
Wintrac
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 94%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 1 measurement recorded in only one shared test is left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
WinterContact TS 870
Wintrac
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
Wintrac
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 83% from 26 reviews and the Wintrac 88% from 5. 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 | Gap | Wintrac | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 148 | 2% | 145 | 1-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 75.3 | 0.9% | 74.6 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 134 | 0.2% | 134 | 4-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 128 | 2.7% | 131 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 45 | 0.8% | 45.4 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12.53 | 1% | 12.66 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 53.4 | 5.4% | 50.6 | 5-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12 | 20.3% | 10 | 5-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 78 | 4.4% | 82 | 6-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 376 | 1.2% | 368 | 3-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 35.4 | 3% | 34.4 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 10.8 | 1.9% | 10.6 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 65 | 1.7% | 66 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 71.12 | 0.3 dB | 70.8 | 2-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 26,637 | 29% | 20,723 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 7.92 | 3.9% | 8.26 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.3 | 0.9% | 5.35 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 70.5 | 3.5% | 72.5 | 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 scores 9.2 and the Wintrac 9.3 out of 10.
| WinterContact TS 870 | Category | Wintrac | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 84 | Dry | 82 | ||
| 98 | Wet | 86 | ||
| 53 | Comfort | 77 | ||
| 68 | Value | 50 | ||
| 70 | Snow | 44 | ||
| 16 | Ice | 72 | ||
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 | Category | Wintrac | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.8 | Dry Grip | 8.4 | ||
| 9 | Wet Grip | 9.2 | ||
| 7.3 | Road Feedback | 7.5 | ||
| 8.1 | Handling | 7 | ||
| 8.8 | Wear | 8 | ||
| 8.4 | Comfort | 8.8 | ||
| 7.9 | Snow Grip | 9.8 | ||
| 7.3 | Ice Grip | 9 | ||
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 83% from 26 reviews and the Wintrac 88% from 5. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Continental WinterContact TS 870
- 83%from 26 reviews
- 83%would buy again
- 166,321 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers generally rate the Continental WinterContact TS 870 very highly, highlighting strong wet-road grip, impressive aquaplaning resistance, and a secure, confidence-inspiring feel at speed. Many also report good comfort/low noise and solid all-round performance across typical European winter conditions, with several noting decent wear. A smaller but noticeable group reports weaker traction on hard-packed snow/ice (especially hill starts/climbing) and a few mention efficiency/range penalties and some wet-surface noise/whistling.
- Excellent wet grip and wet braking
- Strong resistance to aquaplaning/standing water
- High stability and confidence at motorway speeds
- Comfortable ride with generally low noise
- Hard-packed snow/ice traction and hill-start/climbing can be disappointing for some
- Efficiency/rolling resistance concerns (reduced EV range or worse fuel economy) mentioned by a few
- Some report noticeable noise/whistling, particularly on wet roads
Summarised by AI from 22 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 26 WinterContact TS 870 reviewsBeen a few years with these tires now and they are ok. Not as great as everyone makes them out to be, but a solid winter tire nonetheless.
The pros:
-Quiet
-Economic (no difference in fuel consumption compared to my summer tires)
- Good grip in all conditions but snow.The cons:
-Not very good on snow. I've had cheap tires that performed the same for half of the price. They are fine on Ice though.
-I got them on sale for 70ish Euros and that's a good price for what you are getting. But I have seen them go for 140 and more (same size and all) and that is honestly a rip-off. Check that you are getting a decent price.Would I buy them again? At 70 euros maybe. But I think I will opt for Nordic Winter Tires next time.
Vredestein Wintrac
- 88%from 5 reviews
- 100%would buy again
- 26,000 milesdriven by reviewers
All 5 Wintrac reviewsI have driven over 10 000km on them in 2 full winter seasons.
I was positively surprised by great traction and handling on all types
of snow and icy roads. High above average on wet too.
On wet, ABS activates only at very hard braking.
Possible to drive on snow without ABS to interfere during
normal braking in city traffic which is great.
Wear is also reasonable for the fact they were used in spring season
on dry roads for a month or more in 2 seasons total.
They are not providing much feedback at all perhaps very comfortable,
safe tires. I highly recommend them.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 44 sizes of the WinterContact TS 870 and 28 of the Wintrac, 21 of them made in both.
| Category | WinterContact TS 870 | Wintrac |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 44 sizes, 14 to 19 inch | 28 sizes, 15 to 19 inch |
| Made in both | 21 sizes 165/60 R15165/65 R15185/55 R15185/60 R15185/65 R15195/50 R15195/55 R15195/60 R15195/65 R15205/65 R15195/45 R16195/55 R16and 9 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B82%C18% | B98%C2% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C78%D22% | C71%D27%B2% |
| EU label noise | 69-72 dB B100% | 69-71 dB B100% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 90 of 90 | 45 of 45 |
| On the market since | - | 2020 |
| Replaced | Continental WinterContact TS 860 (2016) | - |
| Awards | Winner: Best Winter Tire (DriverReviews, 2025/26) Highly Recommended: Best Winter Tires (DriverReviews, 2024/25) | Commended: Best Winter Tires (DriverReviews, 2024/25) |
| Price in the shared tests | The WinterContact TS 870 was the dearer tire in 4 of the 5 tests that listed prices, by 16.3% 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 and Vredestein's Wintrac target the same brief: premium-touring winter safety for everyday passenger cars. Across nine shared professional tests, the Continental consistently finishes on or near the top step, while the Vredestein positions as a competent, value-leaning all-rounder with particular strengths in braking on dry roads and agreeable efficiency.
What stands out here is how small time or distance gaps translate into different real-world margins. The TS 870 repeatedly builds meaningful advantages in wet grip, aquaplaning resistance, snow control, and longevity, while the Wintrac counters with sharper dry-road stops in several tests, low rolling resistance, and a lower purchase price. This comparison clarifies which tire better fits your winter driving pattern and priorities.
Conclusion
Taken as a whole, the TS 870 dominates the scorecards: 9/9 overall test wins, class-leading wet security (notably curved/straight aquaplaning), consistently shorter snow braking and better traction/handling, and markedly higher mileage (often 20-45% more). These are high-value safety margins that show up in everyday winter driving and on long ownership cycles. The trade-offs are a typically higher price and, in some tests, merely average dry-brake rankings rather than outright best.
The Wintrac is a credible alternative if you prioritize strong dry braking, pleasant steering, low rolling resistance, and a friendlier price. However, it concedes ground where winter tires matter most: wet handling/braking consistency, aquaplaning reserves, and snow control, plus higher wear. If your winters are truly mixed with frequent heavy rain, slush, or sustained snow, choose the Continental. If you drive mainly in cold, mostly dry conditions and want to save upfront while keeping a balanced, predictable feel, the Vredestein makes sense. The practical takeaway: for broad winter security and long-term value, the TS 870 is the safer bet.
WinterContact TS 870 vs Wintrac: your questions
Is the Continental WinterContact TS 870 or the Vredestein Wintrac the better tire?
In the 10 independent tests that ran both tires, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 finished ahead 10 times and the Wintrac not once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the WinterContact TS 870 scores 9.2 and the Wintrac 9.3 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the WinterContact TS 870 or the Wintrac?
The WinterContact TS 870 led 18 of the 24 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it held 20.3% more grip in curved aquaplaning across 5 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
Across the shared tests the dry measurements are split 4-4 between the WinterContact TS 870 and the Wintrac.
Which is better in snow?
The WinterContact TS 870 led 13 of the 16 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 4.4% shorter on snow across 7 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The WinterContact TS 870 lasted 29% longer in the wear tests (4 tests), had 3.9% lower rolling resistance (3 tests) and used 0.9% less fuel (2 tests). Owners rate wear 8.8/10 for the WinterContact TS 870 and 8/10 for the Wintrac.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 8.4/10 for the WinterContact TS 870 and 8.8/10 for the Wintrac.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 83% from 26 reviews and the Wintrac 88% from 5. 83% of WinterContact TS 870 owners would buy it again, against 100% for the Wintrac.
Which is more expensive?
In the 5 tests that listed prices, the WinterContact TS 870 was the dearer tire in 4 of them, by 16.3% 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 is made in 44 sizes (14 to 19 inch) and the Wintrac in 28 (15 to 19 inch). 21 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the WinterContact TS 870 is graded B for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Wintrac 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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