Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
- TR Score
- 9.3/10
- Owners say
- 85% · 33
- TR Score
- 9.3/10
- Owners say
- 80% · 3
In the 13 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P finished ahead 11 times and the Cinturato Winter 2 twice. The WinterContact TS 870 P had 11.9% lower rolling resistance; the Cinturato Winter 2 lasted 11.5% longer in the wear tests.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Continental TS 870 P for performance-focused winter driving, mixed conditions, and maximum efficiency (including EVs). Choose Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 for milder, wetter winters where straight-line aquaplaning resistance, longer tread life, and better value are priorities, or where snow traction is more critical than shortest snow stops.
Where the WinterContact TS 870 P is stronger
- Best-in-class rolling resistance in most tests (often 10-16% lower) for superior efficiency/EV range
- Consistently shorter dry braking and stable dry handling
- Excellent curved-aquaplaning stability and balanced wet/dry dynamics
Where the Cinturato Winter 2 is stronger
- Strong straight-line aquaplaning resistance and competitive wet braking in several tests
- Often superior tread life and better value/pricing
- Frequent advantages in snow traction and occasional snow handling wins
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 P vs Cinturato Winter 2 at a glance
| Category | WinterContact TS 870 P | Gap | Cinturato Winter 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won13 shared tests | 11 | 2 | |
| Dry21 measurements | 17 | The WinterContact TS 870 P stopped 2.2% shorter in the dry (10 tests) | 3 |
| Wet49 measurements | 22 | The WinterContact TS 870 P held 8.3% more grip in curved aquaplaning (8 tests) | 21 |
| Snow40 measurements | 20 | Level between the two. | 20 |
| Ice1 measurement | 0 | 1 | |
| Comfort12 measurements | 9 | The WinterContact TS 870 P was 0.9 dB quieter (7 tests) | 1 |
| Value14 measurements | 10 | The WinterContact TS 870 P had 11.9% lower rolling resistance (9 tests) | 4 |
| Tyre Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.3/10 | Level | 9.3/10 |
| Owner rating33 and 3 reviews | 85% | The WinterContact TS 870 P by 5 points | 80% |
| Pricein the 10 tests that listed prices | +3.5% | The WinterContact TS 870 P was dearer in 6 of 10 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 121 | 32 sizes made in both | 41 |
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 13 tests, 2022 to 2025
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 | WinterContact TS 870 P | Field | Cinturato Winter 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Autobild Winter Tyre Test | P7 of 20 | P10 of 20 | |
| 2025 Winter Tyre Braking Test - 52 Sets! | P13 of 51 | P9 of 51 | |
| 2025 AMS Winter Tyre Test | P1 of 10 | P7 of 10 | |
| 2025 Die Reifentester Winter Tyre Test | P1 of 7 | P5 of 7 | |
| 2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test | P3 of 10 | P4 of 10 | |
| 2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tyre Test | P6 of 16 | P7 of 16 | |
| 2023 Sport Auto Winter Tyre Test | P4 of 9 | P7 of 9 | |
| 2023 Sports Cars Winter Tyre Test | P3 of 11 | P6 of 11 | |
| 2023 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | P3 of 20 | P5 of 20 | |
| 2023 Winter Tyre Test 54 Set Braking Test | P7 of 54 | P9 of 54 | |
| 2023 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test | P3 of 11 | P6 of 11 | |
| 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | P8 of 20 | P1 of 20 | |
| 2022 Winter Tyre Market Overview | P2 of 56 | P5 of 56 |
Performance profile
23 measurements from the 13 shared tests, each tyre shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
WinterContact TS 870 P
Cinturato Winter 2
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 95%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 5 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
WinterContact TS 870 P
Cinturato Winter 2
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
WinterContact TS 870 P
Cinturato Winter 2
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33 reviews and the Cinturato Winter 2 80% from 3. 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 | WinterContact TS 870 P | Gap | Cinturato Winter 2 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43.05 | 2.2% | 44.03 | 9-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 72.2 | 1.3% | 73.13 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 114.6 | 1.4% | 112.9 | 5-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| scored | 2% | scored | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 40.45 | 0.4% | 40.57 | 5-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 38.2 | 1.3% | 37.7 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 72.55 | 0.2% | 72.39 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 77.42 | 0.2% | 77.57 | 3-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| scored | 6.9% | scored | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 7.41 | 0.5% | 7.38 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 12.4 | 0.4% | 12.35 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 82.88 | 1.1% | 83.87 | 2-8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 11.36 | 8.3% | 10.9 | 7-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 25.57 | 1.4% | 26.02 | 9-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 5.91 | 2% | 5.79 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 1,983 | 1.1% | 1,989 | 2-6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 77.76 | 2.7% | 75.6 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 62.95 | 0.5% | 62.5 | 4-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| scored | 1.8% | scored | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 4.15 | = | 4.16 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 3.61 | 1.4% | 3.57 | 3-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 16.6 | 3% | 16.1 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| scored | 4.1% | scored | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| scored | 1.3% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 70.61 | 0.9 dB | 71.51 | 6-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 39,261 | 11.5% | 43,215 | 0-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 7.61 | 11.9% | 8.63 | 9-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 64 | 12.3% | 73 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 WinterContact TS 870 P scores 9.3 and the Cinturato Winter 2 9.3 out of 10.
| WinterContact TS 870 P | Category | Cinturato Winter 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94 | Dry | 65 | ||
| 92 | Wet | 90 | ||
| 77 | Comfort | 42 | ||
| 76 | Value | 33 | ||
| 73 | Snow | 64 | ||
| 30 | Ice | 76 | ||
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
| WinterContact TS 870 P | Category | Cinturato Winter 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.6 | Dry Grip | 8 | ||
| 9 | Wet Grip | 8.7 | ||
| 8.1 | Road Feedback | 8 | ||
| 8.7 | Handling | 7.7 | ||
| 8.7 | Wear | 6 | ||
| 8.9 | Comfort | 7.7 | ||
| 8.7 | Snow Grip | 9 | ||
| 7.8 | Ice Grip | 7 | ||
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33 reviews and the Cinturato Winter 2 80% from 3. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
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.
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
- 80%from 3 reviews
- 20,000 milesdriven by reviewers
All 3 Cinturato Winter 2 reviewsIt’s the best winter tire I’ve had so far great wet and snow traction also the tire is very quiet (test say otherwise but on my car this tire is quiet) big downfall is the wear of the tire after 1 winter the tires lost almost half of their tread . Last winter was weak so maybe that’s because but I’ve heard that pirelli don’t last that long. Other than that great tire
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tyre: 121 sizes of the WinterContact TS 870 P and 41 of the Cinturato Winter 2, 32 of them made in both.
| Category | WinterContact TS 870 P | Cinturato Winter 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 121 sizes, 16 to 23 inch | 41 sizes, 16 to 20 inch |
| Made in both | 32 sizes 205/60 R16215/60 R16215/65 R16205/45 R17205/50 R17205/55 R17205/60 R17205/65 R17215/50 R17215/55 R17215/60 R17215/65 R17and 20 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B99%C1% | B91%A9% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C62%B37%D1% | C78%B16%D5% |
| EU label noise | 70-75 dB B100% | 69-72 dB B84%A16% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 221 of 221 | 74 of 74 |
| On the market since | - | 2021 |
| Replaced | Continental WinterContact TS 860 S (2017) | Pirelli Cinturato Winter (2015) |
| Replaced by | Continental WinterContact 8 S | Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3 |
| 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 6 of the 10 tests that listed prices, by 3.5% 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.
This head-to-head puts two very different winter propositions under the microscope: Continental's WinterContact TS 870 P, an ultra-high-performance (UHP) winter tyre aimed at drivers who want precision and efficiency, versus Pirelli's Cinturato Winter 2, a premium-touring winter tyre tuned for secure everyday driving. Across 13 shared professional tests from 2022-2025, the Continental takes the lion's share of test wins and category victories, while the Pirelli counters with strong wet security in some programmes, good snow traction in several tests, and typically better wear/value.
The data reveals consistent themes. Continental repeatedly delivers class-leading dry braking, balanced handling, excellent curved-aquaplaning stability, and standout rolling resistance (often 10-16% lower), translating to better efficiency and EV friendliness. Pirelli often excels in straight-line aquaplaning and posts competitive wet braking in several tests, with recurring advantages in tread life and purchase value. Snow performance swings by test: Continental leads snow braking more often, while Pirelli frequently edges snow traction and occasionally snow handling.
Conclusion
Across the test portfolio, Continental's TS 870 P is the more complete and performance-focused winter tyre. It combines short dry and wet stops, composed all-round handling, and a major advantage in rolling resistance, which reduces fuel/energy use and noise. Its wet performance dips in a few 2025 Autobild metrics, but other programmes (AMS, Die Reifentester, Auto Bild 2023) reaffirm strong wet braking and cornering stability. On snow, it's typically secure with frequent wins in braking, though not always the most grippy in traction.
Pirelli's Cinturato Winter 2 is a safer bet for buyers prioritizing cost of ownership and straight-line wet security. It often wins straight-aquaplaning, posts competitive wet braking, shows better wear and value scores, and in several tests delivers stronger snow traction and, at times, snow handling. Its drawbacks are higher rolling resistance, occasional dry-handling imprecision, and middling curved-aquaplaning reserves. If you want the most efficient, sport-leaning winter tyre with balanced confidence, choose the Continental. If you value mileage, price, and strong aquaplaning resistance for wet, milder winters, the Pirelli remains a solid, pragmatic choice.
WinterContact TS 870 P vs Cinturato Winter 2: your questions
Is the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P or the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 the better tyre?
In the 13 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P finished ahead 11 times and the Cinturato Winter 2 twice. On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the WinterContact TS 870 P scores 9.3 and the Cinturato Winter 2 9.3 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the WinterContact TS 870 P or the Cinturato Winter 2?
The WinterContact TS 870 P led 22 of the 49 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it held 8.3% more grip in curved aquaplaning across 8 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The WinterContact TS 870 P led 17 of the 21 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2.2% shorter in the dry across 10 tests.
Which is better in snow?
Across the shared tests the snow measurements are split 20-20 between the WinterContact TS 870 P and the Cinturato Winter 2.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The WinterContact TS 870 P had 11.9% lower rolling resistance (9 tests); the Cinturato Winter 2 lasted 11.5% longer in the wear tests (4 tests). Owners rate wear 8.7/10 for the WinterContact TS 870 P and 6/10 for the Cinturato Winter 2.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The WinterContact TS 870 P was 0.9 dB quieter (7 tests). Owners rate comfort 8.9/10 for the WinterContact TS 870 P and 7.7/10 for the Cinturato Winter 2.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33 reviews and the Cinturato Winter 2 80% from 3.
Which is more expensive?
In the 10 tests that listed prices, the WinterContact TS 870 P was the dearer tyre in 6 of them, by 3.5% 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 P is made in 121 sizes (16 to 23 inch) and the Cinturato Winter 2 in 41 (16 to 20 inch). 32 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the WinterContact TS 870 P is graded B for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Cinturato Winter 2 B and C.
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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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