Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3
- TR Score
- 9.3/10
- Owners say
- 85% · 33
- TR Score
- 9.2/10
- Owners say
- 77% · 5
In the 2 independent tests that ran both tyres, the WinterContact TS 870 P finished ahead 1 times and the Cinturato Winter 3 not once, with one level. The WinterContact TS 870 P had 7.3% lower rolling resistance; the Cinturato Winter 3 resisted straight aquaplaning at a 2.7% higher speed.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Pick the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P for lower rolling resistance, quieter running and slightly stronger handling across wet and snow courses. Pick the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3 if aquaplaning resistance matters more; its large wet braking lead was specific to Auto Bild Sportscars' test.
Where the WinterContact TS 870 P is stronger
- Lower rolling resistance in both 2026 tests.
- Slightly quicker wet and snow handling in both tests.
- Quieter in both measured noise tests.
Where the Cinturato Winter 3 is stronger
- Better straight-line aquaplaning resistance in both tests.
- About 5% shorter wet braking in Auto Bild Sportscars' 2026 test.
- Strong dry result and sharp wet turn-in in Tyre Reviews' 2026/27 test.
Conclusion
The two overall results are close: a shared fourth in Auto Bild Sportscars' 2026 winter test, followed by second for the Continental and third for the Pirelli in Tyre Reviews' 2026/27 test. The Continental's most dependable advantages are lower rolling resistance, recorded in both tests, and a small lead in wet and snow handling times. It was also quieter on the measured noise tests. Auto Bild Sportscars rated it among the most comfortable tyres, although Tyre Reviews gave the pair identical subjective comfort scores.
The Pirelli has the clearer aquaplaning advantage. It reached a higher speed in the straight-line test on both occasions and also led in Auto Bild Sportscars' curved aquaplaning test. Its standout wet braking result in that test was about 5% shorter than the Continental's. The reverse result in Tyre Reviews was unusual by comparison: there the Continental stopped less than 1% shorter, effectively level. Dry results also reversed between tests, with small braking gaps each way. Tyre Reviews particularly liked the Pirelli's dry performance and sharp wet turn-in, whereas Auto Bild Sportscars found the Continental especially strong on dry roads.
Neither tyre has a decisive snow stopping or traction advantage: the Pirelli's measured leads in both tests were under 1% for braking and about 1% or less for traction. The Continental was slightly quicker on both snow handling courses and had a more substantial snow slalom lead in Auto Bild Sportscars. That test nevertheless placed it tenth of twelve for snow traction and the Pirelli ninth for snow handling, so neither is uniformly stronger on snow. Choose the Continental if lower rolling resistance, quieter running and composed handling matter most. Choose the Pirelli if aquaplaning resistance is the priority, while recognising that its exceptional wet braking margin appeared in one of the two tests.
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 3 at a glance
| Category | WinterContact TS 870 P | Gap | Cinturato Winter 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won2 shared tests | 1 | 1 level | 0 |
| Dry4 measurements | 2 | Level between the two. | 2 |
| Wet7 measurements | 3 | The Cinturato Winter 3 resisted straight aquaplaning at a 2.7% higher speed (2 tests) | 4 |
| Snow8 measurements | 4 | Level between the two. | 4 |
| Comfort5 measurements | 3 | The WinterContact TS 870 P was 1.3 dB quieter (2 tests) | 0 |
| Value2 measurements | 2 | The WinterContact TS 870 P had 7.3% lower rolling resistance (2 tests) | 0 |
| Tyre Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.3/10 | The WinterContact TS 870 P by 0.1 | 9.2/10 |
| Owner rating33 and 5 reviews | 85% | The WinterContact TS 870 P by 8 points | 77% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 83% | The WinterContact TS 870 P by 23 points | 60% |
| Pricein the 2 tests that listed prices | Level | Level | |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 123 | 29 sizes made in both | 36 |
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 2 tests in 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 | WinterContact TS 870 P | Field | Cinturato Winter 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Auto Bild Sportscars Winter Tyre Test | P4 of 12 | P4 of 12 | |
| The BEST Winter Tyres for 2026/27 | P2 of 9 | P3 of 9 |
Performance profile
7 measurements from the 2 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 3
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 97%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 12 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 3
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 3
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 3 77% from 5. 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 3 | Wins | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41.13 | 0.5% | 40.95 | 1-1 | |||||||||
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| 98.7 | 0.8% | 97.9 | 1-0 | |||||||||
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| scored | 7.3% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||
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| 40.5 | 2.3% | 39.23 | 1-1 | |||||||||
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| 107.4 | 0.3% | 107.8 | 1-0 | |||||||||
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| 70.4 | 1.1% | 69.6 | 1-0 | |||||||||
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| 79.3 | 2.7% | 81.45 | 0-2 | |||||||||
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| 2.37 | 3.4% | 2.45 | 0-1 | |||||||||
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| 19.85 | 0.5% | 19.76 | 0-2 | |||||||||
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| 5.24 | 0.6% | 5.21 | 0-1 | |||||||||
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| 2,582 | 1.1% | 2,610 | 0-1 | |||||||||
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| 76.93 | 1.1% | 77.79 | 1-0 | |||||||||
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| 65.4 | 1.2% | 64.6 | 1-0 | |||||||||
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| scored | 3.7% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||
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| 4.18 | 4.8% | 3.99 | 1-0 | |||||||||
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| scored | 4.5% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||
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| scored | = | scored | 0-0 | |||||||||
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| 62.46 | 1.3 dB | 63.73 | 2-0 | |||||||||
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| 7.6 | 7.3% | 8.2 | 2-0 | |||||||||
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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 3 9.2 out of 10.
| WinterContact TS 870 P | Category | Cinturato Winter 3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94 | Dry | 90 | ||
| 92 | Wet | 100 | ||
| 77 | Comfort | 69 | ||
| 76 | Value | 44 | ||
| 73 | Snow | 72 | ||
| 30 | Ice | 40 | ||
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 3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.6 | Dry Grip | 8.6 | ||
| 9 | Wet Grip | 8.8 | ||
| 8.1 | Road Feedback | 7 | ||
| 8.7 | Handling | 7.6 | ||
| 8.7 | Wear | 8.5 | ||
| 8.9 | Comfort | 6.4 | ||
| 8.7 | Snow Grip | 9.5 | ||
| 7.8 | Ice Grip | 9 | ||
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33 reviews and the Cinturato Winter 3 77% from 5. 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 3
- 77%from 5 reviews
- 60%would buy again
- 11,000 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers generally rate the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3 positively, highlighting strong winter capability and a confident, planted feel in snow/ice as well as reassuring grip in wet conditions. Several also note good overall handling and comfort, with some reporting impressive quietness at lower speeds (especially with PNCS). The most consistent drawback is increased road noise as speeds rise (around 100-110 km/h and above), and a couple of users report higher energy consumption on EVs versus summer tyres.
- Strong snow and ice traction
- Confident grip and stability in wet conditions
- Good dry-road handling for a winter tyre
- Comfortable ride and generally refined feel (noted by multiple users)
- Noticeable road noise at higher speeds (around 100-110 km/h and above)
- Higher energy consumption/rolling resistance versus summer tyres (reported on EVs)
Summarised by AI from 5 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 5 Cinturato Winter 3 reviewsCompared to the previous tire (Michelin Alpin 6), the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3 offers more grip on snow.
I haven’t yet reached the limit in dry or wet conditions to provide an objective evaluation in those scenarios, but I notice that as lateral forces increase, the steering loses precision, accompanied by a clearly noticeable noise, typical of a winter tire “working”.
I believe this is due to the relatively narrow tread blocks. The car has also become more sensitive to crosswinds, as well as to road camber.
It is a safe tire, but not a particularly fun or precise one.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tyre: 123 sizes of the WinterContact TS 870 P and 36 of the Cinturato Winter 3, 29 of them made in both.
| Category | WinterContact TS 870 P | Cinturato Winter 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 123 sizes, 16 to 23 inch | 36 sizes, 16 to 20 inch |
| Made in both | 29 sizes 205/60 R16215/60 R16215/65 R16205/50 R17205/55 R17205/60 R17215/50 R17215/55 R17215/60 R17215/65 R17225/50 R17225/55 R17and 17 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B99%C1% | A58%B42% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C61%B37%D1% | C61%B39% |
| EU label noise | 70-75 dB B100% | 72 dB B100% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 223 of 223 | 36 of 36 |
| On the market since | - | 2025 |
| Replaced | Continental WinterContact TS 860 S (2017) | Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 (2021) |
| 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 | Within 1% of each other on average across the 2 tests that listed prices. 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.
Previous generation: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 (13 shared tests)
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.
Two independent tests put the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P and Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3 side by side: Auto Bild Sportscars' 2026 winter test and Tyre Reviews' 2026/27 winter test. They shared fourth place in Auto Bild Sportscars, while the Continental finished a close second and the Pirelli third in Tyre Reviews. Both received strong assessments, with neither establishing a clear grip advantage across every condition.
The clearest repeated differences are in aquaplaning and rolling resistance. The Pirelli resisted straight-line aquaplaning better in both tests; the Continental had lower rolling resistance in both. Wet braking changed hands, with a substantial Pirelli advantage in Auto Bild Sportscars but an almost level result in Tyre Reviews. Snow braking and traction were close, while the Continental was slightly quicker around both snow handling courses.
WinterContact TS 870 P vs Cinturato Winter 3: your questions
Is the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P or the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3 the better tyre?
In the 2 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P finished ahead 1 times and the Cinturato Winter 3 not once, with one level. 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 3 9.2 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the WinterContact TS 870 P or the Cinturato Winter 3?
The Cinturato Winter 3 led 4 of the 7 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it resisted straight aquaplaning at a 2.7% higher speed across 2 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
Across the shared tests the dry measurements are split 2-2 between the WinterContact TS 870 P and the Cinturato Winter 3.
Which is better in snow?
Across the shared tests the snow measurements are split 4-4 between the WinterContact TS 870 P and the Cinturato Winter 3.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The WinterContact TS 870 P had 7.3% lower rolling resistance (2 tests). Owners rate wear 8.7/10 for the WinterContact TS 870 P and 8.5/10 for the Cinturato Winter 3.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The WinterContact TS 870 P was 1.3 dB quieter (2 tests). Owners rate comfort 8.9/10 for the WinterContact TS 870 P and 6.4/10 for the Cinturato Winter 3.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33 reviews and the Cinturato Winter 3 77% from 5. 83% of WinterContact TS 870 P owners would buy it again, against 60% for the Cinturato Winter 3.
Which is more expensive?
In the 2 tests that listed prices, the two were priced within 1% of each other on average.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The WinterContact TS 870 P is made in 123 sizes (16 to 23 inch) and the Cinturato Winter 3 in 36 (16 to 20 inch). 29 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 3 A and C.
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Review the WinterContact TS 870 P Review the Cinturato Winter 3
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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