Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Michelin Alpin 7
The pattern is clear: Continental dominates braking and handling on dry and wet roads, while Michelin counters with class-leading snow braking/traction and lower rolling resistance. Aquaplaning is mixed-Michelin edges straight-line resistance more often, but Continental tends to be more stable when cornering in water. Comfort and noise lean slightly toward Michelin.
Test Results
Independent comparison tyre tests are the best source of data to get tyre information from, and the good news is there have been three tests which compare both tyres directly!
| Tyre | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Continental WinterContact TS 870 P | three |
While it might look like the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P is better than the Michelin Alpin 7 purely based on the higher number of test wins, tyres are very complicated objects which means where one tyre is better than the other can be more important in real world use.
Let's look at how the two tyres compare across multiple tyre test categories.
Key Strengths
- Class-leading wet and dry braking across all tests
- Best-in-test wet handling stability and steering precision
- Very strong curved aquaplaning resistance
- Sporty, responsive feel with high overall safety margins
- Outstanding snow braking and traction
- Lowest rolling resistance for better fuel/energy efficiency
- Refined comfort and lower interior noise
- Balanced all-weather safety with secure dry behavior
Dry Braking
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during three dry braking tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P stopped the vehicle in 3.89% less distance than the Michelin Alpin 7.
Best In Dry Braking: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during one dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was 0.09% faster around a lap than the Michelin Alpin 7.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Dry Handling
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during one subj. dry handling tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P scored 7.87% more points than the Michelin Alpin 7.
Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Subj. Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during three wet braking tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P stopped the vehicle in 1.86% less distance than the Michelin Alpin 7.
Best In Wet Braking: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during one wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was 0.63% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin Alpin 7.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Wet Handling
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during two subj. wet handling tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P scored 5.56% more points than the Michelin Alpin 7.
Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Subj. Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Circle
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during one wet circle tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P had 13.38% higher lateral wet grip than the Michelin Alpin 7.
Best In Wet Circle: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during one straight aqua tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P floated at a 0.99% higher speed than the Michelin Alpin 7.
Best In Straight Aqua: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during two curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P slipped out at a 1.99% higher speed than the Michelin Alpin 7.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
Snow Braking
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Michelin Alpin 7 was better during three snow braking tests. On average the Michelin Alpin 7 stopped the vehicle in 2.48% less distance than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Snow Braking: Michelin Alpin 7
See how the Snow Braking winner was calculated >>
Snow Traction
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Michelin Alpin 7 was better during two snow traction tests. On average the Michelin Alpin 7 had 3.82% better snow traction than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Snow Traction: Michelin Alpin 7
See how the Snow Traction winner was calculated >>
Snow Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Michelin Alpin 7 was better during one snow handling [km/h] tests. On average the Michelin Alpin 7 was 0.12% faster around a lap than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Snow Handling [Km/H]: Michelin Alpin 7
See how the Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Snow Handling
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during one subj. snow handling tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P scored 2.47% more points than the Michelin Alpin 7.
Best In Subj. Snow Handling: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Subj. Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Snow Circle
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Michelin Alpin 7 was better during one snow circle tests. On average the Michelin Alpin 7 provided 5.33% more lateral grip than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Snow Circle: Michelin Alpin 7
See how the Snow Circle winner was calculated >>
Subj. Comfort
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P and Michelin Alpin 7 performed equally well in subj. comfort tests.
Best In Subj. Comfort: Both tyres performed equally well
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
Subj. Noise
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Michelin Alpin 7 was better during one subj. noise tests. On average the Michelin Alpin 7 scored 3.75% more points than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Subj. Noise: Michelin Alpin 7
See how the Subj. Noise winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Michelin Alpin 7 was better during one noise tests. On average the Michelin Alpin 7 measured 0.21% quieter than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Noise: Michelin Alpin 7
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Michelin Alpin 7 was better during two rolling resistance tests. On average the Michelin Alpin 7 had a 1.42% lower rolling resistance than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Michelin Alpin 7
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P Driver Reviews
Most drivers rate the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P very highly, praising its outstanding wet grip and braking, strong snow traction, stable high-speed behavior, and quiet, comfortable ride. Many note predictable handling and good wear/longevity, with some EV owners highlighting low noise and rolling resistance. A minority mention softer steering feel and less sharp dry handling, and several point out a high price. One outlier reports poor snow/ice performance, which contrasts with the overwhelmingly positive winter feedback from others.
Based on 25 reviews with an average rating of 87%
Michelin Alpin 7 Driver Reviews
Drivers rate the Michelin Alpin 7 very highly, praising its excellent snow and slush traction, strong wet performance, good dry grip for a winter tyre, and notably quiet, comfortable ride. Many report stable high-speed highway manners and low wear, with several stating they would buy again. The most common tradeoff is a softer sidewall that reduces steering precision/road feel a bit. Overall, it delivers balanced winter performance with standout comfort and noise levels.
Based on 10 reviews with an average rating of 87%
DRY
The tires have very good grip on dry, especially with acceleration.
Stopping distances seems reasonable but I didn't put them on extreme braking, as my driving is not that spirited.
The handling lacks a bit of a feeling and I suspect there is more wall flex, which is a trade off - a bit more floaty but with very good comfort.
Noise seems not a problem as well, if you listen you will hear it but otherwise, especially in the city, you barely notice it.
WET
In the wet, the tires also were OK. I drove fast on a very wet... Continue reading this review using the link below
Conclusion
For drivers prioritizing efficiency, comfort, and frequent snow starts and stops, the Michelin Alpin 7 shines. It consistently stops shorter and pulls harder on snow and offers lower rolling resistance and quieter operation, though it can understeer on wet and is more sensitive in aquaplaning when cornering. In value terms, Michelin's efficiency and reputed longevity help offset purchase price; Continental offers the highest active safety envelope in most scenarios. The practical takeaway: pick Continental for wet/dry control and braking confidence; choose Michelin for snow-day assurance, comfort and fuel/EV range.
Key Differences
- Continental won all shared tests overall (3/3) vs. Michelin (0/3).
- Wet and dry braking: Continental consistently shorter; Michelin trails by small but meaningful margins.
- Wet handling: Continental more confidence-inspiring; Michelin can understeer and feel sluggish.
- Snow performance: Michelin leads in snow braking/traction; Continental is safe but not the snow specialist.
- Efficiency: Michelin has lower rolling resistance; Continental is higher energy consumption on average.
- Aquaplaning: Michelin stronger in straight-line; Continental generally more composed in curved aquaplaning.
Overall Winner: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
Based on the tyre test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P has demonstrated better overall performance in this comparison. However, as you can see from the spider diagram above, each tyre has its own strengths which should be considered in your final tyre buying choice.Similar Comparisons
Looking for more tyre comparisons? Here are other direct comparisons involving these tyres:
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P Top Comparisons
Footnote
This page has been developed using tyre industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tyres in the same test.
Why is this important? Tyre 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 tyre test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tyre tests performed on different days or at different locations.
As a result you will see other tests on Tyre 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 tyre comparison, Tyre Reviews doesn't.