Ceat WinterDrive vs Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
- TR Score
- 9.4/10
- Owners say
- -
- TR Score
- 9.3/10
- Owners say
- 85% · 33
In the 3 independent tests that ran both tires, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P finished ahead 3 times and the WinterDrive not once. The WinterDrive lasted 16.5% longer in the wear tests; the WinterContact TS 870 P stopped 3.8% shorter in the wet.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Continental WinterContact TS 870 P for frequent wet conditions, higher-speed winter driving, and drivers prioritizing precision and safety margins. Choose Ceat WinterDrive for cost-focused daily use, long-mileage commuters, and urban winter climates where value, wear life, and solid snow/ice braking matter more than ultimate wet performance.
Where the WinterDrive is stronger
- Outstanding value and lowest cost-per-km (≈€380/set; best in Autobild value metric)
- Longer projected mileage and lower wear (up to +21.7% vs. Continental)
- Strong snow/ice braking and snow traction (ice braking lead in ADAC, snow traction wins)
Where the WinterContact TS 870 P is stronger
- Consistently superior wet performance (≈3-4% shorter wet braking; stronger wet handling)
- Much better aquaplaning resistance (up to +26.7% curved; +5-6% straight)
- Sharper handling precision and higher dry/wet cornering speeds
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.
WinterDrive vs WinterContact TS 870 P at a glance
| Category | WinterDrive | Gap | WinterContact TS 870 P |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won3 shared tests | 0 | 3 | |
| Dry3 measurements | 2 | The WinterDrive stopped 0.9% shorter in the dry (2 tests) | 1 |
| Wet10 measurements | 0 | The WinterContact TS 870 P stopped 3.8% shorter in the wet (3 tests) | 10 |
| Snow7 measurements | 3 | 4 | |
| Ice1 measurement | 1 | 0 | |
| Comfort3 measurements | 2 | 1 | |
| Value5 measurements | 2 | 3 | |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.4/10 | The WinterDrive by 0.1 | 9.3/10 |
| Pricein the 3 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The WinterContact TS 870 P was dearer in 3 of 3 | +32.9% |
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 3 tests in 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 | WinterDrive | Field | WinterContact TS 870 P |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Autobild Winter Tire Test | P15 of 20 | P7 of 20 | |
| 2025 Winter Tire Braking Test - 52 Sets! | P19 of 51 | P13 of 51 | |
| 2025 ADAC Winter Tire Test | P10 of 31 | P6 of 31 |
Performance profile
7 measurements from the 3 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
WinterDrive
WinterContact TS 870 P
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 95%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 13 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
WinterDrive
WinterContact TS 870 P
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.
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 | WinterDrive | Gap | WinterContact TS 870 P | Wins | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 140 | 0.9% | 142 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 71.3 | 1.6% | 72.4 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 141 | 3.8% | 136 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||
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| 130 | 4.3% | 125 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 49.6 | 1.3% | 50.2 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 5.6 | 8% | 6 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 12.69 | 1.9% | 12.45 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 44.6 | 5.6% | 47.1 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||
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| 6.8 | 26.7% | 8.6 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 72 | 0.1% | 72 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||
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| 314 | 2.4% | 310 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 36 | 0.7% | 36.3 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 9.3 | 3.9% | 9.7 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 51 | 14.4% | 59 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 9.6% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 68.55 | 0.3 dB | 68.85 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 36,207 | 16.5% | 30,988 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 9.07 | 11.6% | 8.02 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 5.8 | 3.4% | 5.6 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 64 | 6.3% | 60 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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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 WinterDrive scores 9.4 and the WinterContact TS 870 P 9.3 out of 10.
| WinterDrive | Category | WinterContact TS 870 P | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93 | Dry | 94 | ||
| 54 | Wet | 92 | ||
| 71 | Comfort | 77 | ||
| 84 | Value | 76 | ||
| 76 | Snow | 73 | ||
| 90 | Ice | 30 | ||
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
| WinterDrive | Category | WinterContact TS 870 P | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | Dry Grip | 8.6 | ||
| - | Wet Grip | 9 | ||
| - | Road Feedback | 8.1 | ||
| - | Handling | 8.7 | ||
| - | Wear | 8.7 | ||
| - | Comfort | 8.9 | ||
| - | Snow Grip | 8.7 | ||
| - | Ice Grip | 7.8 | ||
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33 reviews; the WinterDrive has no owner reviews yet. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Ceat WinterDrive
No owner reviews yet. Be the first to review it →
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.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
| Category | WinterDrive | WinterContact TS 870 P |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Replaced | - | Continental WinterContact TS 860 S (2017) |
| 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 3 of the 3 tests that listed prices, by 32.9% on average. Each test priced the tires in its own market at the time; only the gap is comparable. | |
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.
This head-to-head pitches the budget-friendly Ceat WinterDrive (touring winter) against the premium Continental WinterContact TS 870 P (UHP winter) in 225/40 R18. Across three independent 2025 tests, the Continental consistently ranks higher overall (7/22, 13/52, 6/31 vs. Ceat's 15/22, 19/52, 10/31), reflecting its broader performance bandwidth.
The pattern is clear: Continental leads on wet grip, handling precision, aquaplaning resistance, and efficiency, while Ceat counters with standout value, notably longer projected mileage and the lowest cost-per-kilometer, plus competitive snow and ice braking. Dry braking is essentially a wash-Ceat even edges a couple of tests-yet Continental feels sharper to drive. Buyers are choosing between all-round dynamic security and premium pricing versus pragmatic economy with strong winter stopping and endurance.
Conclusion
Continental's TS 870 P is the stronger all-round winter tire, winning every wet category across shared tests (≈3-6% shorter wet stops, better wet circle, and notably higher aquaplaning thresholds, up to +26.7% in curved) and delivering the more precise, confident handling. It also runs lighter on fuel/energy thanks to lower rolling resistance. If you regularly face rain-soaked winter motorways or drive briskly, it's the safer, more composed choice.
Ceat's WinterDrive makes a compelling value case: the best cost-per-km, clearly longer wear life (+11-22%), very competitive dry braking, and above-average snow/ice braking (notably strong ice in ADAC). For urban or mixed users prioritizing low running costs with reliable winter traction-and less exposure to heavy rain-it's a smart, budget-savvy pick. The practical takeaway: choose Continental for wet-road assurance and driving precision; choose Ceat to maximize mileage and savings without sacrificing core winter braking.
WinterDrive vs WinterContact TS 870 P: your questions
Is the Ceat WinterDrive or the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P the better tire?
In the 3 independent tests that ran both tires, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P finished ahead 3 times and the WinterDrive not once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the WinterDrive scores 9.4 and the WinterContact TS 870 P 9.3 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the WinterDrive or the WinterContact TS 870 P?
The WinterContact TS 870 P led 10 of the 10 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 3.8% shorter in the wet across 3 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The WinterDrive led 2 of the 3 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 0.9% shorter in the dry across 2 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The WinterContact TS 870 P led 4 of the 7 snow measurements the shared tests recorded.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The WinterDrive lasted 16.5% longer in the wear tests (2 tests).
What do owners say?
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33 reviews; the WinterDrive has no owner reviews yet.
Which is more expensive?
In the 3 tests that listed prices, the WinterContact TS 870 P was the dearer tire in 3 of them, by 32.9% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
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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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