Barum Polaris 6 vs Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
- TR Score
- 8.6/10
- Owners say
- 81% · 6
- TR Score
- 9.3/10
- Owners say
- 85% · 33
In the 4 independent tests that ran both tyres, the WinterContact TS 870 P finished ahead 3 times and the Polaris 6 once. The Polaris 6 was 0.9 dB quieter; the WinterContact TS 870 P stopped 5.3% shorter in the dry.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P for its more consistent dry braking, aquaplaning resistance and comfort. Choose the Barum Polaris 6 if lower cost per kilometre and pass-by noise matter more, and its weaker dry braking and aquaplaning results are acceptable.
Where the Polaris 6 is stronger
- Lower cost per kilometre in both Auto Bild full tests.
- Lower pass-by noise in both full tests.
- Snow braking effectively level with the Continental in both years.
Where the WinterContact TS 870 P is stronger
- Shorter dry braking distances in both Auto Bild full tests.
- Stronger straight-line and curved aquaplaning results in both years.
- Higher comfort scores in both full tests.
Conclusion
Across the four shared Auto Bild tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P has the stronger overall record, finishing ahead in three. The gap was just one place in the 2025 full test, but much wider in 2026, when the Continental shared first and the Barum came tenth. The Continental's clearest consistent advantages are dry braking, about 5% shorter in both full tests, and aquaplaning resistance, especially through bends. It also received higher comfort scores in both years. Its 2026 wet performance was particularly strong, with braking about 11% shorter and faster wet handling.
That 2026 wet-braking lead should not be treated as an unbroken pattern. In the 2025 full test and braking test, the Barum stopped about 1% shorter in the wet, effectively a narrow difference; the Continental's longer wet stops that year were unusual alongside its much stronger 2026 result. On snow, neither has a meaningful braking advantage: the measured gaps were under 1% in both years. The Continental had modest leads in snow traction and handling, while the Barum's snow braking and slalom were among its better results in 2026. The Barum also recorded lower pass-by noise in both full tests.
Running-cost results favour the Barum more consistently than tread life alone does. Auto Bild calculated its cost per kilometre at about a third less in each full test, although the wear lead changed sides between 2025 and 2026. Rolling resistance changed sides too, so neither tyre has a consistent measured advantage there. Choose the Continental if dry braking, aquaplaning resistance and comfort matter most, particularly given its strong 2026 wet result. The Barum makes sense for a driver prioritising lower cost per kilometre and less pass-by noise, while accepting its weaker dry braking and aquaplaning results.
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.
Polaris 6 vs WinterContact TS 870 P at a glance
| Category | Polaris 6 | Gap | WinterContact TS 870 P |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won4 shared tests | 1 | 3 | |
| Dry4 measurements | 0 | The WinterContact TS 870 P stopped 5.3% shorter in the dry (2 tests) | 4 |
| Wet12 measurements | 2 | The WinterContact TS 870 P held 19.7% more grip in curved aquaplaning (2 tests) | 9 |
| Snow10 measurements | 3 | The WinterContact TS 870 P averaged a 1.8% higher speed on the snow handling course (2 tests) | 7 |
| Comfort4 measurements | 2 | Level between the two. | 2 |
| Value4 measurements | 2 | Level between the two. | 2 |
| Tyre Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.6/10 | The WinterContact TS 870 P by 0.7 | 9.3/10 |
| Owner rating6 and 33 reviews | 81% | The WinterContact TS 870 P by 4 points | 85% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 60% | The WinterContact TS 870 P by 23 points | 83% |
| Pricein the 3 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The WinterContact TS 870 P was dearer in 3 of 3 | +34.5% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 92 | 57 sizes made in both | 123 |
Wins count every measurement the shared tests recorded for both tyres; a tick marks the tyre 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 4 tests, 2025 to 2026
Each row is one published test in which both tyres ran on the same car, in the same size, on the same day. The line is the whole field, winner on the left.
| Test | Polaris 6 | Field | WinterContact TS 870 P |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | P10 of 20 | P1 of 20 | |
| 2026 Winter Tyre Braking Test - 50 Sets | P7 of 50 | P2 of 50 | |
| 2025 Autobild Winter Tyre Test | P8 of 20 | P7 of 20 | |
| 2025 Winter Tyre Braking Test - 52 Sets! | P10 of 51 | P13 of 51 |
Performance profile
15 measurements from the 4 shared tests, each tyre shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Polaris 6
WinterContact TS 870 P
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
In each test the better of the two figures counts as 100% and the other as its share of it, so a 36 m stop against 34.2 m 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.
Where each scores higher
Polaris 6
WinterContact TS 870 P
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Category scores are percentiles among tyres of the same season and class: 90 means this tyre out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
Where owners rate each higher
Polaris 6
WinterContact TS 870 P
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Owners rate the Polaris 6 81% from 6 reviews and the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33. 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 tyres 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 | Polaris 6 | Gap | WinterContact TS 870 P | Wins | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 46.4 | 5.3% | 43.95 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 112.2 | 1.8% | 114.1 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 46.83 | 4.7% | 44.53 | 2-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 79.45 | 2.9% | 81.75 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 12.76 | 3% | 12.37 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 80.4 | 5.2% | 84.4 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 2.24 | 19.7% | 2.67 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 28.65 | = | 28.65 | 2-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 3,797 | 2.6% | 3,902 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 57.05 | 1.8% | 58.05 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 3.12 | 3.2% | 3.2 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 13.1% | scored | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 68.15 | 0.9 dB | 69 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 48,025 | 0.5% | 47,720 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 8.22 | 1.2% | 8.11 | 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 tyres 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 Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Polaris 6 scores 8.6 and the WinterContact TS 870 P 9.3 out of 10.
| Polaris 6 | Category | WinterContact TS 870 P | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | Dry | 94 | ||
| 61 | Wet | 92 | ||
| 87 | Comfort | 77 | ||
| 77 | Value | 76 | ||
| 80 | Snow | 73 | ||
| 79 | Ice | 30 | ||
Category scores are percentiles among tyres of the same season and class: 90 means this tyre out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
What owners say
| Polaris 6 | Category | WinterContact TS 870 P | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.8 | Dry Grip | 8.6 | ||
| 8.5 | Wet Grip | 9 | ||
| 8.5 | Road Feedback | 8.1 | ||
| 8.5 | Handling | 8.7 | ||
| 9 | Wear | 8.7 | ||
| 8.5 | Comfort | 8.9 | ||
| 8.7 | Snow Grip | 8.7 | ||
| 8 | Ice Grip | 7.8 | ||
Owners rate the Polaris 6 81% from 6 reviews and the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Barum Polaris 6
- 81%from 6 reviews
- 60%would buy again
- 21,100 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers report that the Barum Polaris 6 offers excellent value, with notably low noise levels and a very comfortable, smooth ride. High-scoring reviews also praise its generally confident on-road behavior and good overall performance for the price. A recurring minority concern is a very soft, wobbly/bouncy feel that can reduce confidence compared with firmer, sportier tyres.
- very quiet/low road noise
- comfortable, smooth ride quality
- strong value for money/affordability
- generally stable and precise enough in normal driving
- soft, wobbly/bouncy feel that can reduce confidence
Summarised by AI from 5 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 6 Polaris 6 reviewsThis year I decided to replace my original Michelin CrossClimates in the front axel, since the CCs started to crack at the edges, as many have reported. I also wanted a more winter biased tyre, since I live in a Nordic country. I chose BP 6 after reading many reviews and because they seemed to have a good price/performance ratio. I haven't had a chance to drive a lot, so I can't give a very detailed analyses. My first impressions are pretty good. There is more grip on snow and ice compared to CC. However the tyre is softer than CC, but also wierdly bouncier. Since I drive a rear driven car, I don't feel comfortable inflating fronts more, than rears, but this is something I am considering in order to make the tyre more drivable.
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 tyre, 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 tyre page.
All 33 WinterContact TS 870 P reviewsI've driven the tyres 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 tyre 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 tyres in fuel consumption.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tyre: 92 sizes of the Polaris 6 and 123 of the WinterContact TS 870 P, 57 of them made in both.
| Category | Polaris 6 | WinterContact TS 870 P |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 92 sizes, 14 to 20 inch | 123 sizes, 16 to 23 inch |
| Made in both | 57 sizes 205/60 R16215/60 R16215/65 R16215/70 R16225/55 R16225/60 R16205/45 R17205/50 R17205/55 R17205/65 R17215/50 R17215/55 R17and 45 more | |
| EU label wet grip | C89%D11% | B99%C1% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C50%D35%B16% | C61%B37%D1% |
| EU label noise | 71-73 dB B100% | 70-75 dB B100% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 109 of 109 | 223 of 223 |
| Replaced | - | Continental WinterContact TS 860 S (2017) |
| Replaced by | - | Continental WinterContact 8 S |
| Awards | - | Highly Recommended: Best Winter SUV Tyre (DriverReviews, 2025/26) Winner: Best Winter SUV Tyres (DriverReviews, 2024/25) Winner: Winter Tyre of the Year (WhatTyre, 2024) |
| Price in the shared tests | The WinterContact TS 870 P was the dearer tyre in 3 of the 3 tests that listed prices, by 34.5% on average. Each test priced the tyres 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.
Four independent Auto Bild tests put the Barum Polaris 6 and Continental WinterContact TS 870 P side by side: the 2025 and 2026 winter tyre tests and their corresponding large-field braking tests. The Continental finished ahead in three, including a shared first place in the 2026 full test. The Barum finished ahead in the 2025 braking test, while the two were close overall in the 2025 full test, seventh and eighth.
The clearest repeatable differences are in dry braking and aquaplaning, where the Continental led in both full tests. The Barum was quieter in both and cost substantially less per kilometre on Auto Bild's cost-and-wear calculation. Snow braking was effectively level throughout. Wet braking changed more sharply: the Barum was narrowly shorter in 2025, but the Continental stopped about 11% shorter in both 2026 tests.
Polaris 6 vs WinterContact TS 870 P: your questions
Is the Barum Polaris 6 or the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P the better tyre?
In the 4 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P finished ahead 3 times and the Polaris 6 once. On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Polaris 6 scores 8.6 and the WinterContact TS 870 P 9.3 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Polaris 6 or the WinterContact TS 870 P?
The WinterContact TS 870 P led 9 of the 12 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it held 19.7% more grip in curved aquaplaning across 2 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The WinterContact TS 870 P led 4 of the 4 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 5.3% shorter in the dry across 2 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The WinterContact TS 870 P led 7 of the 10 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it averaged a 1.8% higher speed on the snow handling course across 2 tests.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The Polaris 6 was 0.9 dB quieter (2 tests). Owners rate comfort 8.5/10 for the Polaris 6 and 8.9/10 for the WinterContact TS 870 P.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Polaris 6 81% from 6 reviews and the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33. 60% of Polaris 6 owners would buy it again, against 83% for the WinterContact TS 870 P.
Which is more expensive?
In the 3 tests that listed prices, the WinterContact TS 870 P was the dearer tyre in 3 of them, by 34.5% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Polaris 6 is made in 92 sizes (14 to 20 inch) and the WinterContact TS 870 P in 123 (16 to 23 inch). 57 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Polaris 6 is graded C for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the WinterContact TS 870 P 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 tyre 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 tyres 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 Tyre Reviews Score rates each tyre out of 10 from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold, so two tyres can be compared even before a test has run them together.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tyre Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tyres independently since 2007.
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