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Continental WinterContact TS 870 vs Vredestein Wintrac Pro

This comparison pits two very different winter tyres against each other: Continental's WinterContact TS 870, a premium touring tyre aimed at broad, real-world winter use, versus Vredestein's Wintrac Pro, an ultra-high-performance winter tyre with a sportier brief. Both target 225/45 R17 passenger cars, but they prioritise different outcomes.
Across three shared professional tests (ADAC 2023, Tyre Reviews 2022/23, Auto Zeitung 2022), the TS 870 consistently finished ahead, winning all three. The data shows a clear pattern: Continental dominates wet grip and aquaplaning resistance, is stronger in snow braking and traction, and delivers better efficiency and longevity-while Vredestein fights back with sharper dry stopping and a lower purchase price.
WinterContact-TS-870 VS Wintrac-Pro

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!

Summary of three total tests comparing both tyres directly
TyreTest WinsPerformance
Continental WinterContact TS 870three
three wins

While it might look like the Continental WinterContact TS 870 is better than the Vredestein Wintrac Pro 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 grip and aquaplaning resistance (up to +24% in curved aquaplaning)
  • Consistently better snow braking and traction across all tests
  • Lower rolling resistance and fuel use; strong predicted mileage
  • Balanced, precise handling with high safety reserves on all surfaces
  • Strong dry performance with short braking and fast handling
  • Lower purchase price and good value per test euro
  • Low noise and good efficiency scores in select tests
  • Acceptable winter-road capability for milder climates

Dry Braking

Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Vredestein Wintrac Pro was better during one dry braking tests. On average the Vredestein Wintrac Pro stopped the vehicle in 0.7% less distance than the Continental WinterContact TS 870.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
42.93M
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
42.63M
Dry braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Dry Braking: Vredestein Wintrac Pro

Continental WinterContact TS 870
46.1M
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
46.3M (+0.2M)
Continental WinterContact TS 870
39.2M (+2.3M)
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
36.9M
Continental WinterContact TS 870
43.5M
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
44.7M (+1.2M)

Dry Handling [s]

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during one dry handling [s] tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was 0.21% faster around a lap than the Vredestein Wintrac Pro.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
71.75s
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
71.9s
Dry handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Dry Handling [s]: Continental WinterContact TS 870

Continental WinterContact TS 870
63.3s
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
63.9s (+0.6s)
Continental WinterContact TS 870
80.2s (+0.3s)
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
79.9s

Subj. Dry Handling

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during two subj. dry handling tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 scored 6.67% more points than the Vredestein Wintrac Pro.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
60 Points
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
56 Points
Subjective Dry Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Continental WinterContact TS 870

Continental WinterContact TS 870
30 Points
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
27 Points (-3 Points)
Continental WinterContact TS 870
90 Points
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
85 Points (-5 Points)

Wet Braking

Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during three wet braking tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 stopped the vehicle in 3.6% less distance than the Vredestein Wintrac Pro.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
39.07M
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
40.53M
Wet braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Wet Braking: Continental WinterContact TS 870

Continental WinterContact TS 870
51.9M
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
53.6M (+1.7M)
Continental WinterContact TS 870
27.6M
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
29.5M (+1.9M)
Continental WinterContact TS 870
37.7M
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
38.5M (+0.8M)

Wet Handling [s]

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during two wet handling [s] tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was 1.99% faster around a wet lap than the Vredestein Wintrac Pro.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
93.7s
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
95.6s
Wet handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Wet Handling [s]: Continental WinterContact TS 870

Continental WinterContact TS 870
89.7s
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
92.2s (+2.5s)
Continental WinterContact TS 870
97.7s
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
99s (+1.3s)

Subj. Wet Handling

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during one subj. wet handling tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 scored 10.37% more points than the Vredestein Wintrac Pro.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
67.5 Points
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
60.5 Points
Subjective Wet Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Continental WinterContact TS 870

Continental WinterContact TS 870
45 Points
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
26 Points (-19 Points)
Continental WinterContact TS 870
90 Points (-5 Points)
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
95 Points

Straight Aqua

Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during three straight aqua tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 floated at a 7.79% higher speed than the Vredestein Wintrac Pro.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
79.57Km/H
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
73.37Km/H
Float Speed in Km/H, higher is better

Best In Straight Aqua: Continental WinterContact TS 870

Continental WinterContact TS 870
75.2Km/H
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
71.4Km/H (-3.8Km/H)
Continental WinterContact TS 870
82.4Km/H
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
76.9Km/H (-5.5Km/H)
Continental WinterContact TS 870
81.1Km/H
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
71.8Km/H (-9.3Km/H)

Curved Aquaplaning

Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during three curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 slipped out at a 17.33% higher speed than the Vredestein Wintrac Pro.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
4.79m/sec2
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
3.96m/sec2
Remaining lateral acceleration, higher is better

Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Continental WinterContact TS 870

Continental WinterContact TS 870
2.96m/sec2
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
2.67m/sec2 (-0.29m/sec2)
Continental WinterContact TS 870
8.1m/sec2
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
6.5m/sec2 (-1.6m/sec2)
Continental WinterContact TS 870
3.3m/sec2
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
2.7m/sec2 (-0.6m/sec2)

Snow Braking

Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during three snow braking tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 stopped the vehicle in 4.4% less distance than the Vredestein Wintrac Pro.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
21.1M
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
22.07M
Snow braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Snow Braking: Continental WinterContact TS 870

Continental WinterContact TS 870
26M
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
27M (+1M)
Continental WinterContact TS 870
27.8M
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
29.1M (+1.3M)
Continental WinterContact TS 870
9.5M
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
10.1M (+0.6M)

Snow Traction

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during one snow traction tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 accelerated 5.56% faster than the Vredestein Wintrac Pro.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
5.1s
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
5.4s
Snow acceleration time, lower is better

Best In Snow Traction: Continental WinterContact TS 870

Continental WinterContact TS 870
5.1s
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
5.4s (+0.3s)

Snow Traction

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during two snow traction tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 had 0.78% better snow traction than the Vredestein Wintrac Pro.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
1482N
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
1470.5N
Pulling Force in Newtons, higher is better

Best In Snow Traction: Continental WinterContact TS 870

Continental WinterContact TS 870
2712N
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
2705N (-7N)
Continental WinterContact TS 870
252N
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
236N (-16N)

Snow Handling [s]

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during two snow handling [s] tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was 2.41% faster around a lap than the Vredestein Wintrac Pro.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
99.15s
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
101.6s
Snow handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Snow Handling [s]: Continental WinterContact TS 870

Continental WinterContact TS 870
81.8s
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
84.7s (+2.9s)
Continental WinterContact TS 870
116.5s
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
118.5s (+2s)

Subj. Snow Handling

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during one subj. snow handling tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 scored 11.3% more points than the Vredestein Wintrac Pro.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
57.5 Points
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
51 Points
Subjective Snow Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Snow Handling: Continental WinterContact TS 870

Continental WinterContact TS 870
30 Points
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
17 Points (-13 Points)
Continental WinterContact TS 870
85 Points
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
85 Points

Ice Braking

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 and Vredestein Wintrac Pro performed equally well in ice braking tests.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
19.5M
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
19.5M
Ice braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Ice Braking: Both tyres performed equally well

Continental WinterContact TS 870
19.5M
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
19.5M

Subj. Comfort

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 and Vredestein Wintrac Pro performed equally well in subj. comfort tests.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
48.5 Points
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
48.5 Points
Subjective Comfort Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Comfort: Both tyres performed equally well

Continental WinterContact TS 870
7 Points
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
7 Points
Continental WinterContact TS 870
90 Points
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
90 Points

Noise

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during two noise tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 measured 1.58% quieter than the Vredestein Wintrac Pro.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
71.5dB
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
72.65dB
External noise in dB, lower is better

Best In Noise: Continental WinterContact TS 870

Continental WinterContact TS 870
71dB
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
73dB (+2dB)
Continental WinterContact TS 870
72dB
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
72.3dB (+0.3dB)

Noise

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Vredestein Wintrac Pro was better during one noise tests. On average the Vredestein Wintrac Pro measured 0.43% quieter than the Continental WinterContact TS 870.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
69.5dB
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
69.2dB
Internal noise in dB, lower is better

Best In Noise: Vredestein Wintrac Pro

Continental WinterContact TS 870
69.5dB (+0.3dB)
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
69.2dB

Wear

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during one wear tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 is predicted to cover 12.7% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Vredestein Wintrac Pro.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
55900KM
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
48800KM
Predicted tread life in KM, higher is better

Best In Wear: Continental WinterContact TS 870

Continental WinterContact TS 870
55900KM
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
48800KM (-7100KM)

Value

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Vredestein Wintrac Pro was better during one value tests. On average the Vredestein Wintrac Pro proved to have a 6.02% better value based on price/1000km than the Continental WinterContact TS 870.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
2.99Price/1000
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
2.81Price/1000
Euros/1000km based on cost/wear, lower is better

Best In Value: Vredestein Wintrac Pro

Continental WinterContact TS 870
2.99Price/1000 (+0.18Price/1000)
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
2.81Price/1000

Price

Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Vredestein Wintrac Pro was better during three price tests. On average the Vredestein Wintrac Pro cost 19.07% less than the Continental WinterContact TS 870.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
324.5
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
262.63
Price in local currency, lower is better

Best In Price: Vredestein Wintrac Pro

Continental WinterContact TS 870
640 (+125)
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
515
Continental WinterContact TS 870
166.49 (+30.6)
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
135.89
Continental WinterContact TS 870
167 (+30)
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
137

Rolling Resistance

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during two rolling resistance tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 had a 9.84% lower rolling resistance than the Vredestein Wintrac Pro.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
8.25kg / t
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
9.15kg / t
Rolling resistance in kg t, lower is better

Best In Rolling Resistance: Continental WinterContact TS 870

Continental WinterContact TS 870
8.1kg / t
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
9.1kg / t (+1kg / t)
Continental WinterContact TS 870
8.4kg / t
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
9.2kg / t (+0.8kg / t)

Fuel Consumption

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during one fuel consumption tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 used 1.72% less fuel than the Vredestein Wintrac Pro.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
5.7l/100km
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
5.8l/100km
Fuel consumption in Litres per 100 km, lower is better

Best In Fuel Consumption: Continental WinterContact TS 870

Continental WinterContact TS 870
5.7l/100km
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
5.8l/100km (+0.1l/100km)

Abrasion

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Vredestein Wintrac Pro was better during one abrasion tests. On average the Vredestein Wintrac Pro emitted 0.92% less particle wear matter than the Continental WinterContact TS 870.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
65.3mg/km/t
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
64.7mg/km/t
Weight of Tyre Wear Particles Lost (mg/km/t), lower is better

Best In Abrasion: Vredestein Wintrac Pro

Continental WinterContact TS 870
65.3mg/km/t (+0.6mg/km/t)
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
64.7mg/km/t

Real World Driver Reviews

Continental WinterContact TS 870 Driver Reviews

Drivers of the Continental WinterContact TS 870 overwhelmingly praise its exceptional wet grip and braking, superb aquaplaning resistance, and confident dry-road handling for a winter tyre. Comfort and low noise are frequently highlighted, and many report strong traction in fresh or soft snow. A minority note that traction can be weaker on hard-packed snow or ice-particularly on steep hills or heavier vehicles-compared to expectations. Overall sentiment is strongly positive, with most users feeling safe and confident in varied winter conditions.

Based on 22 reviews with an average rating of 84%

Vredestein Wintrac Pro Driver Reviews

Most drivers report the Vredestein Wintrac Pro delivers excellent wet and dry grip with confident handling and strong snow performance, often rivaling summer tyres for steering feel while remaining quiet and comfortable. A minority note weaknesses on ice and some increased rolling resistance/fuel use, with occasional soft sidewall feel on powerful cars; overall sentiment is strongly positive given high scores and frequent praise for wear and value.

Based on 29 reviews with an average rating of 87%

Best Review for the Continental WinterContact TS 870
Given 69% 185/65 R15 on a combination of roads for 5,000 average miles
it was really nice, but on the hard snow, hill climbing is not really good, I am not sure about any other tires that can climb, all roads was good but I can park my to my home because it can't climb the %20-30 hill to my home
Helpful 1218 - tyre reviewed on April 18, 2023
View all Continental WinterContact TS 870 driver reviews >>
Best Review for the Vredestein Wintrac Pro
Given 78% 255/35 R19 on mostly country roads for 5,000 spirited miles
Purchased in sizes 225/40 r19y front and 255/35 r19y rear for Jaguar xe awd. Excellent on dry and wet, very good on fresh snow, on ice I don't know. They are silent and with a soft compound. They may not excel in one category, but they are very homogeneous and suitable for all weather conditions. Very stable at high speeds. Honestly I would buy them again.
Helpful 1318 - tyre reviewed on December 4, 2022
View all Vredestein Wintrac Pro driver reviews >>

Conclusion

The Continental WinterContact TS 870 establishes itself as the safer, more rounded choice for typical European winters. It leads convincingly in wet braking and both straight and curved aquaplaning, crucial in slushy, rainy cold conditions. It also edges the Wintrac Pro in snow braking and traction across all tests, and pairs that grip with lower rolling resistance and higher predicted mileage-strong value over the tyre's life despite a higher upfront price.
The Vredestein Wintrac Pro appeals to drivers prioritising dry-road feel and budget. It posts shorter dry braking in one test and competitive dry handling, is quiet, and usually costs around 18-20% less. However, its weaker aquaplaning performance and lower snow capability make it a compromise in harsher or wetter winters. If you regularly face mixed wet/snow conditions, choose the Continental. If your winters are mostly cold and dry with occasional light snow-and you value a keen price and sporty dry response-the Vredestein can still fit the brief.
Key Differences
  • Continental wins all three overall tests; Vredestein finishes mid-pack (5th/6th).
  • Wet braking advantage to Continental (e.g., 27.6 m vs 29.5 m; +6.4%).
  • Aquaplaning resistance clearly favors Continental (straight +7-13%, curved up to +25%).
  • Snow performance: Continental shorter braking and better traction in all tests.
  • Rolling resistance: Continental lower (≈9-11% better in two tests).
  • Price: Vredestein typically ~18-20% cheaper upfront.
Continental WinterContact TS 870

Overall Winner: Continental WinterContact TS 870

Based on the tyre test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 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.

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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.