Continental WinterContact TS 870 - Test Results

Test Statistics

16

Tests Completed

2nd

Average Position

1st

Best Result

8th

Worst Result

Performance Analysis

Continental WinterContact TS 870 - Official Image

Continental's WinterContact TS 870 is an elite winter tire with outstanding consistency across 16 tests, averaging 2.2nd overall and taking multiple overall wins (Auto Express 2024 1/7, Auto Bild 2024 1/23, ADAC 2024 1/12, ADAC 2023 1/15, Auto Zeitung 2022 1/8, ADAC 2022 1/15 and 1/17, Auto Bild 2021 1/22). Its core strengths are wet safety and aquaplaning resistance, plus leading snow/ice braking, often complemented by competitive rolling resistance and wear. Dry performance is generally strong in handling but occasionally average in braking. Value/price can be weaker.
Overall, the TS 870 repeatedly finishes top or near-top in demanding European comparison tests, pairing class-leading wet control and aquaplaning with excellent snow braking and very solid efficiency. Its weaknesses are limited to sporadic mid-pack dry or wet braking outliers and below-average value scores in some tests, but these do little to dent a dominant all-round profile.

Performance Strengths

Wet Weather Performance Strong
• 2024 ADAC 16" test: 1st wet braking (35.1 m, tie) and 1st curved aquaplaning; 2nd straight aquaplaning
• 2023 ADAC 17" test: 1st straight and curved aquaplaning; top-5 wet braking (+10.2% from best)
• 2022 Auto Zeitung: 1st wet handling, 2nd wet braking (+3.2%), 1st in both aquaplaning tests
• 2024 Auto Bild: 3rd wet handling (+2.9%), 2nd straight aqua (+0.2%), 2nd curved aquaplaning (+2.8%)
Snow Performance (Braking/Overall Control) Strong
• 2024 ADAC 16" test: 1st snow braking; strong overall snow balance
• 2024 Auto Bild: 1st snow braking (29.1 m); 3rd snow traction (+1.9%)
• 2023 ADAC 17" test: 2nd snow braking (+1.1%), 3rd traction (+2.4%)
• 2022 Auto Zeitung: 1st snow braking and 1st snow handling
Ice Braking Strong
• 2024 ADAC 16" test: 1st ice braking (18.3 m)
• 2023 ADAC 17" test: 1st ice braking (best on test)
Aquaplaning Resistance Strong
• 2023 ADAC 17" test: 1st straight and 1st curved aquaplaning
• 2022 Auto Zeitung: 1st straight aquaplaning and 1st curved aquaplaning
• 2021 Auto Bild: 1st curved aquaplaning; 2nd straight aquaplaning
• 2024 ADAC 16" test: 1st curved aquaplaning; 2nd straight aquaplaning
Efficiency (Rolling Resistance/Fuel and Wear) Moderate
• 2024 ADAC 16" test: 1st fuel consumption; RR competitive (7.83 kg/t in AB 2024, 5th/20)
• 2021 Auto Bild: 1st wear (45,400 km); RR 3rd/22 (+10.1%)
• 2023 ADAC 17" test: wear 4th/15 (+12.7%); fuel 5th/15 (+3.6%)
Awards/Overall Results Consistency Strong
• Overall wins: AE 2024 (1/7), Auto Bild 2024 (1/23), ADAC 2024 16" (1/12), ADAC 2023 17" (1/15), Auto Zeitung 2022 (1/8), ADAC 2022 (1/15 and 1/17), Auto Bild 2021 (1/22)
• Average overall position 2.2 across 16 winter tests

Performance Weaknesses

Dry Braking Moderate
• 2024 Auto Bild: dry braking 6/23 (+13.7% from best)
• 2021 Auto Bild: dry braking 10/22 (+25.1% from best)
• 2022/23 Tire Reviews 225/45 R17: dry braking 7/9 (+7.1%)
Wet Braking Variability Minor
• 2024 Auto Bild: wet braking 13/23 (+9.5% from best)
• 2021 AMS: wet braking 4/10 (+9.6% from best)
Value/Price Moderate
• 2024 Auto Bild: value 16/20 (+44.4% from best); price 19/20 (+49%)
• 2023 ADAC 17": value 10/15 (+73.8%); price 14/15 (+51.8%)
• 2022 Auto Zeitung: price 7/8 (+70.7%)
Nordic Snow/Ice vs. Studless Benchmarking Minor
• 2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Test: last on snow/ice metrics (e.g., ice braking 9/9, +65.1%) as a Central European reference tire
• Same test: snow handling 9/9 (+5%), highlighting mismatch vs. Nordic-focused tires

Performance Over Time

Test History

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2024 Auto Express Winter Tire Test

2024

The Continental WinterContact took first place in this year's winter tire test, winning six individual tests and scoring podium positions in almost every other category. The tire led snow braking a...