Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Nokian Snowproof 3P
- TR Score
- 9.3/10
- Owners say
- 85% · 33
- TR Score
- 9.4/10
- Owners say
- 90% · 1
In the 3 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P finished ahead 3 times and the Snowproof 3P not once. The WinterContact TS 870 P had 3.6% lower rolling resistance; the Snowproof 3P resisted straight aquaplaning at a 1.5% higher speed.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P for the best-tested all-round winter performance, especially if you want confident handling and a comfortable ride. Consider the Nokian Snowproof 3P if dry braking, straight-line aquaplaning resistance or a favourable purchase price is your priority.
Where the WinterContact TS 870 P is stronger
- Finished ahead in all three shared tests, including one overall win
- Shorter wet braking distances in all three tests
- More consistent dry handling and steering response
Where the Snowproof 3P is stronger
- Shorter dry braking distances in two of three tests
- Higher straight-line aquaplaning speeds in two of three tests
- Excellent wet handling and driver feedback in the Sport Auto test
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 Snowproof 3P at a glance
| Category | WinterContact TS 870 P | Gap | Snowproof 3P |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won3 shared tests | 3 | 0 | |
| Dry7 measurements | 5 | The WinterContact TS 870 P averaged a 2.9% higher speed on the dry handling course (2 tests) | 2 |
| Wet13 measurements | 8 | 5 | |
| Snow13 measurements | 10 | The WinterContact TS 870 P stopped 0.5% shorter on snow (3 tests) | 2 |
| Comfort7 measurements | 3 | 1 | |
| Value3 measurements | 3 | The WinterContact TS 870 P had 3.6% lower rolling resistance (3 tests) | 0 |
| Tyre Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.3/10 | The Snowproof 3P by 0.1 | 9.4/10 |
| Owner rating33 and 1 reviews | 85% | The Snowproof 3P by 5 points | 90% |
| Pricein the 3 tests that listed prices | +17.1% | The WinterContact TS 870 P was dearer in 3 of 3 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 121 | 37 sizes made in both | 50 |
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 3 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 | Snowproof 3P |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Auto Bild Sportscars Winter Tyre Test | P4 of 12 | P7 of 12 | |
| The BEST Winter Tyres for 2026/27 | P2 of 9 | P6 of 9 | |
| 2026 Sport Auto Winter Tyre Test | P1 of 9 | P2 of 9 |
Performance profile
15 measurements from the 3 shared tests, each tyre shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
WinterContact TS 870 P
Snowproof 3P
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 96%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 6 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
Snowproof 3P
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.
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 | Snowproof 3P | Wins | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42.15 | 0.9% | 41.77 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||
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| 109.6 | 2.9% | 106.5 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 13.2% | scored | 2-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 37.73 | 0.4% | 37.89 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 107.4 | 1.4% | 109 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 74.2 | 1.7% | 73.1 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 11.1% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 7.97 | 0.3% | 7.95 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 79.03 | 1.5% | 80.17 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||
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| 2.7 | 0.2% | 2.69 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 21.8 | 0.5% | 21.9 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 5.24 | 1.3% | 5.31 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 1,292 | 1.6% | 1,311 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 76.93 | 0.5% | 77.3 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 76.95 | 0.6% | 76.3 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 6.8% | scored | 2-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 4 | 1.9% | 3.93 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 20.5% | scored | 2-0 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | = | scored | 0-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 64.64 | 0.2 dB | 64.83 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 7.8 | 3.6% | 8.1 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||
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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 Snowproof 3P 9.4 out of 10.
| WinterContact TS 870 P | Category | Snowproof 3P | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94 | Dry | 80 | ||
| 92 | Wet | 96 | ||
| 77 | Comfort | 62 | ||
| 76 | Value | 82 | ||
| 73 | Snow | 66 | ||
| 30 | Ice | - | ||
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 | Snowproof 3P | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.6 | Dry Grip | 10 | ||
| 9 | Wet Grip | 10 | ||
| 8.1 | Road Feedback | 9 | ||
| 8.7 | Handling | 10 | ||
| 8.7 | Wear | - | ||
| 8.9 | Comfort | 7 | ||
| 8.7 | Snow Grip | - | ||
| 7.8 | Ice Grip | - | ||
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33 reviews and the Snowproof 3P 90% from 1. 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.
Nokian Snowproof 3P
- 90%from 1 reviews
- 300 milesdriven by reviewers
All 1 Snowproof 3P reviewsPrevious tyre: Dunlop Winter Sport 5 · Mostly motorway and short city trips, little snow in my area
I chose the Snowproof 3P for its strong wet braking and high-speed stability. My Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was excellent in snow but felt vague and wobbly in fast, sweeping motorway bends.
Comfort: Firm, much like a UHP summer tyre. If you're coming from UHP summers, you'll hardly notice a difference in ride comfort.
Noise: Very quiet, a big improvement over the Dunlop.
Steering: In slow corners with a lot of steering lock, it feels a little dull, but it still builds up plenty of grip. It's clearly most at home at higher speeds: excellent straight-line stability, and lane changes are easy and precise, without the vague, wobbly feel typical of many winter tyres.Wet grip: On a similar level to my summer tyres.
Grip in general: Felt confident after only a few km, and the tyre feels better with every kilometre.So far a great choice for drivers who prioritise motorway stability and wet safety. I'll update after the winter with experience in cold, wet and possibly snowy conditions.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tyre: 121 sizes of the WinterContact TS 870 P and 50 of the Snowproof 3P, 37 of them made in both.
| Category | WinterContact TS 870 P | Snowproof 3P |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 121 sizes, 16 to 23 inch | 50 sizes, 17 to 21 inch |
| Made in both | 37 sizes 205/45 R17205/55 R17225/50 R17235/55 R17215/45 R18215/50 R18215/60 R18225/40 R18225/45 R18225/50 R18225/55 R18235/40 R18and 25 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B99%C1% | B52%A48% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C62%B37%D1% | C60%B40% |
| EU label noise | 70-75 dB B100% | 72-74 dB B100% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 221 of 221 | 62 of 62 |
| On the market since | - | 2026 |
| 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 17.1% 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.
The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P and Nokian Snowproof 3P approach winter driving with different priorities: the Continental is an ultra-high-performance tyre, while the Nokian is a premium-touring option. Three shared 2026 tests across different sizes show whether those labels translate into meaningful differences on wet roads, dry roads and snow.
The Continental finished ahead in all three tests, but the Nokian has strengths of its own. It stopped sooner on dry roads in two tests, showed strong wet handling in Sport Auto's test and resisted straight-line aquaplaning better in two of the three comparisons. The question is whether those advantages outweigh the Continental's broader consistency.
Conclusion
The WinterContact TS 870 P is the stronger all-round choice. It finished fourth versus seventh in Auto Bild Sportscars, second versus sixth in the 2026/27 winter-tyre test, and first versus second in Sport Auto. It led wet braking in every shared test-though the margins were only 0.08-0.2 metres-and generally delivered more assured dry handling, better rated comfort and lower rolling resistance. Snow results varied by test, but the Continental matched or beat the Nokian for snow braking in all three.
The Snowproof 3P remains a credible alternative, particularly if dry stopping distance or straight-line aquaplaning resistance matters most to you. Its wet handling was a highlight in Sport Auto, although it trailed more noticeably in the other two handling tests, including one that applied a safety penalty. Sport Auto also gave it a value recommendation, but without comparable prices there is no basis for a universal value verdict. If prices are close, buy the Continental for its more dependable balance; consider the Nokian when its particular strengths-or a worthwhile saving-fit your priorities.
WinterContact TS 870 P vs Snowproof 3P: your questions
Is the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P or the Nokian Snowproof 3P the better tyre?
In the 3 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P finished ahead 3 times and the Snowproof 3P not once. On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the WinterContact TS 870 P scores 9.3 and the Snowproof 3P 9.4 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the WinterContact TS 870 P or the Snowproof 3P?
The WinterContact TS 870 P led 8 of the 13 wet measurements the shared tests recorded.
Which is better in the dry?
The WinterContact TS 870 P led 5 of the 7 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it averaged a 2.9% higher speed on the dry handling course across 2 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The WinterContact TS 870 P led 10 of the 13 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 0.5% shorter on snow across 3 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The WinterContact TS 870 P had 3.6% lower rolling resistance (3 tests).
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 8.9/10 for the WinterContact TS 870 P and 7/10 for the Snowproof 3P.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33 reviews and the Snowproof 3P 90% from 1.
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 17.1% 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 Snowproof 3P in 50 (17 to 21 inch). 37 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 Snowproof 3P B and C.
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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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