Continental WinterContact TS 870 vs Dunlop Winter Sport 5
- TR Score
- 9.2/10
- Owners say
- 83% · 26
- TR Score
- 8.9/10
- Owners say
- 83% · 47
In the 9 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 finished ahead 7 times and the Winter Sport 5 once, with one level. The WinterContact TS 870 resisted straight aquaplaning at a 9% higher speed; the Winter Sport 5 lasted 6.3% longer in the wear tests.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
For mixed winter with frequent wet roads and slush-or drivers prioritizing maximum safety-choose Continental WinterContact TS 870. For budget-minded buyers in reliably snowy regions who value long life and lower running costs, choose Dunlop Winter Sport 5.
Where the WinterContact TS 870 is stronger
- Class-leading wet grip and aquaplaning resistance (often 8-10% advantage)
- Short, consistent braking across dry, wet, and ice
- Low noise with high overall comfort
Where the Winter Sport 5 is stronger
- Strong snow performance (traction/handling frequently ahead or equal)
- High predicted mileage and low wear
- Lower rolling resistance and good fuel efficiency
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 vs Winter Sport 5 at a glance
| Category | WinterContact TS 870 | Gap | Winter Sport 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won9 shared tests | 7 | 1 level | 1 |
| Dry6 measurements | 6 | The WinterContact TS 870 stopped 2.8% shorter in the dry (4 tests) | 0 |
| Wet19 measurements | 15 | The WinterContact TS 870 resisted straight aquaplaning at a 9% higher speed (4 tests) | 4 |
| Snow13 measurements | 5 | The Winter Sport 5 stopped 0.5% shorter on snow (6 tests) | 7 |
| Ice2 measurements | 2 | The WinterContact TS 870 stopped 6% shorter on ice (2 tests) | 0 |
| Comfort4 measurements | 4 | The WinterContact TS 870 was 1.9 dB quieter (4 tests) | 0 |
| Value10 measurements | 2 | The Winter Sport 5 lasted 6.3% longer in the wear tests (4 tests) | 6 |
| Tyre Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.2/10 | The WinterContact TS 870 by 0.3 | 8.9/10 |
| Owner rating26 and 47 reviews | 83% | Too close to call | 83% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 83% | Too close to call | 83% |
| Pricein the 3 tests that listed prices | +13.9% | The WinterContact TS 870 was dearer in 3 of 3 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 44 | 13 sizes made in both | 49 |
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 9 tests, 2020 to 2024
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 | Field | Winter Sport 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | P1 of 20 | P7 of 20 | |
| 2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tyre Test | P1 of 12 | P5 of 12 | |
| 2024 Winter 55 Tyre Braking Test | P8 of 55 | P11 of 55 | |
| 2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tyre Test | P1 of 15 | P4 of 15 | |
| 2022 ADAC SUV Winter Tyre Test - 215/60 R16 | P1 of 17 | P1 of 17 | |
| 2021 Auto Express Winter Tyre Test | P2 of 8 | P6 of 8 | |
| 2021 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | P1 of 20 | P8 of 20 | |
| 2021 Winter Tyre Market Overview | P4 of 50 | P2 of 50 | |
| 2020 Auto Express Winter Tyre Test | P1 of 9 | P7 of 9 |
Performance profile
16 measurements from the 9 shared tests, each tyre shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
WinterContact TS 870
Winter Sport 5
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. 2 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
Winter Sport 5
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
Winter Sport 5
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 83% from 26 reviews and the Winter Sport 5 83% from 47. 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 | Gap | Winter Sport 5 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44.88 | 2.8% | 46.18 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 124.7 | 1.7% | 122.7 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 42.57 | 1.4% | 43.1 | 4-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 38.5 | 7.7% | 41.7 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 73.57 | 0.3% | 73.32 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12.53 | 0.3% | 12.56 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 82.93 | 9% | 76.05 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 3.55 | 6.7% | 3.34 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 22.17 | 0.5% | 22.05 | 2-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1,460 | 1.7% | 1,473 | 1-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 58.65 | 0.9% | 58.15 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 3.28 | 0.9% | 3.31 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 18.9 | 6% | 20.1 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 71.18 | 1.9 dB | 73.03 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 48,268 | 6.3% | 47,398 | 1-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 7.89 | 3.4% | 8.18 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.4 | 1.8% | 5.3 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 62.15 | 1.7% | 61.15 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 WinterContact TS 870 scores 9.2 and the Winter Sport 5 8.9 out of 10.
| WinterContact TS 870 | Category | Winter Sport 5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 84 | Dry | 45 | ||
| 98 | Wet | 85 | ||
| 53 | Comfort | 18 | ||
| 68 | Value | 66 | ||
| 70 | Snow | 83 | ||
| 16 | Ice | 48 | ||
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 | Category | Winter Sport 5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.8 | Dry Grip | 8.3 | ||
| 9 | Wet Grip | 8.5 | ||
| 7.3 | Road Feedback | 7.9 | ||
| 8.1 | Handling | 7.9 | ||
| 8.8 | Wear | 8.7 | ||
| 8.4 | Comfort | 8.4 | ||
| 7.9 | Snow Grip | 9.1 | ||
| 7.3 | Ice Grip | 8.2 | ||
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 83% from 26 reviews and the Winter Sport 5 83% from 47. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Continental WinterContact TS 870
- 83%from 26 reviews
- 83%would buy again
- 166,321 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers generally rate the Continental WinterContact TS 870 very highly, highlighting strong wet-road grip, impressive aquaplaning resistance, and a secure, confidence-inspiring feel at speed. Many also report good comfort/low noise and solid all-round performance across typical European winter conditions, with several noting decent wear. A smaller but noticeable group reports weaker traction on hard-packed snow/ice (especially hill starts/climbing) and a few mention efficiency/range penalties and some wet-surface noise/whistling.
- Excellent wet grip and wet braking
- Strong resistance to aquaplaning/standing water
- High stability and confidence at motorway speeds
- Comfortable ride with generally low noise
- Hard-packed snow/ice traction and hill-start/climbing can be disappointing for some
- Efficiency/rolling resistance concerns (reduced EV range or worse fuel economy) mentioned by a few
- Some report noticeable noise/whistling, particularly on wet roads
Summarised by AI from 22 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 26 WinterContact TS 870 reviewsBeen a few years with these tires now and they are ok. Not as great as everyone makes them out to be, but a solid winter tire nonetheless.
The pros:
-Quiet
-Economic (no difference in fuel consumption compared to my summer tires)
- Good grip in all conditions but snow.The cons:
-Not very good on snow. I've had cheap tires that performed the same for half of the price. They are fine on Ice though.
-I got them on sale for 70ish Euros and that's a good price for what you are getting. But I have seen them go for 140 and more (same size and all) and that is honestly a rip-off. Check that you are getting a decent price.Would I buy them again? At 70 euros maybe. But I think I will opt for Nordic Winter Tires next time.
Dunlop Winter Sport 5
- 83%from 47 reviews
- 83%would buy again
- 485,102 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers largely praise the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 for outstanding snow and ice traction, strong wet grip in cold conditions, predictable handling, good comfort/low noise (for a winter tyre), and excellent tread life. A minority report softer sidewalls and reduced dry performance or understeer as temperatures rise, with a few notes on noise increase over time and isolated quality/balance issues. Overall sentiment is strongly positive, with most buyers willing to repurchase.
- snow and ice grip
- wet grip in cold
- predictable handling
- ride comfort
- weaker dry grip/softer feel in warmer temps
- increased noise with age
- occasional balance/quality issues
Summarised by AI from 39 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 47 Winter Sport 5 reviewsYou must know, in 225/50/17 it is the best what you can buy in eurowinter tyres
+ perfect rim protector
+ dry and wet grip at different temperatures including +17 Celsius
+ snow grip? Easy
+ treadwear 12000 km/per 1 mm (on my new set 8 mm, now 7,0-6,8 after 2 seasons and 14400 km)
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tyre: 44 sizes of the WinterContact TS 870 and 49 of the Winter Sport 5, 13 of them made in both.
| Category | WinterContact TS 870 | Winter Sport 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 44 sizes, 14 to 19 inch | 49 sizes, 15 to 21 inch |
| Made in both | 13 sizes 195/55 R15195/65 R15205/65 R15195/45 R16195/55 R16205/55 R16205/60 R16215/45 R16215/55 R16215/60 R16215/45 R17225/45 R17and 1 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B82%C18% | B52%C48% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C78%D22% | C75%D24%B1% |
| EU label noise | 69-72 dB B100% | 70-74 dB B100% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 90 of 90 | 79 of 79 |
| On the market since | - | 2021 |
| Replaced | Continental WinterContact TS 860 (2016) | Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D (2021) |
| Awards | Winner: Best Winter Tyre (DriverReviews, 2025/26) Highly Recommended: Best Winter Tyres (DriverReviews, 2024/25) | - |
| Price in the shared tests | The WinterContact TS 870 was the dearer tyre in 3 of the 3 tests that listed prices, by 13.9% 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 sets a premium touring winter benchmark against an established UHP winter option: Continental's WinterContact TS 870 vs Dunlop's Winter Sport 5. Across nine shared tests in 16- and 17-inch fitments, the TS 870 repeatedly tops the tables, while the Dunlop counters with strong snow ability and impressive efficiency and mileage. Both target everyday winter safety, but they approach it differently: Continental prioritizes balanced grip with standout wet security, Dunlop leans into snow confidence and running-cost advantages.
Conclusion
The Continental WinterContact TS 870 is the more complete winter tyre. It consistently stops shorter and grips better in the wet, leads aquaplaning performance by meaningful margins (often ~8-10% higher thresholds), and is quieter-key safety and comfort wins for typical mixed winter conditions. It also posts excellent ice braking and repeatedly takes overall test victories (7 wins vs 1 for Dunlop, plus one draw). The trade-off is price, where Continental tends to cost more up front.
Dunlop's Winter Sport 5 shines for value and ownership costs: higher predicted mileage, lower rolling resistance, competitive fuel use, and often the better purchase price. On snow it's frequently neck-and-neck or slightly ahead in traction and braking, and its aquaplaning resistance is solid, though usually a step behind the Continental. If you prioritize economy and frequent snow use over ultimate wet-road performance, the Dunlop remains a smart, confidence-inspiring choice.
Practical takeaway: Choose Continental for the safest all-rounder-especially where wet roads and slush dominate. Choose Dunlop to stretch your budget and mileage in colder, snow-reliable regions without giving up core winter security.
WinterContact TS 870 vs Winter Sport 5: your questions
Is the Continental WinterContact TS 870 or the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 the better tyre?
In the 9 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 finished ahead 7 times and the Winter Sport 5 once, with one level. On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the WinterContact TS 870 scores 9.2 and the Winter Sport 5 8.9 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the WinterContact TS 870 or the Winter Sport 5?
The WinterContact TS 870 led 15 of the 19 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it resisted straight aquaplaning at a 9% higher speed across 4 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The WinterContact TS 870 led 6 of the 6 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2.8% shorter in the dry across 4 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The Winter Sport 5 led 7 of the 13 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 0.5% shorter on snow across 6 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Winter Sport 5 lasted 6.3% longer in the wear tests (4 tests), used 1.8% less fuel (2 tests) and shed 1.7% less rubber in the abrasion test (2 tests). Owners rate wear 8.8/10 for the WinterContact TS 870 and 8.7/10 for the Winter Sport 5.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The WinterContact TS 870 was 1.9 dB quieter (4 tests). Owners rate comfort 8.4/10 for the WinterContact TS 870 and 8.4/10 for the Winter Sport 5.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 83% from 26 reviews and the Winter Sport 5 83% from 47. 83% of WinterContact TS 870 owners would buy it again, against 83% for the Winter Sport 5.
Which is more expensive?
In the 3 tests that listed prices, the WinterContact TS 870 was the dearer tyre in 3 of them, by 13.9% 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 is made in 44 sizes (14 to 19 inch) and the Winter Sport 5 in 49 (15 to 21 inch). 13 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the WinterContact TS 870 is graded B for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Winter Sport 5 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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