Comparison: Continental WinterContact TS 870 vs. Continental WinterContact TS 870 P (2026)

On dry tarmac, both tyres perform respectably, but with different flavours. The TS 870 scores 89.7 overall on dry performance with a dry-braking score of 87.1 — it earned consistent praise across multiple ADAC and AutoBild test seasons for safe, precise dry-road behaviour with no particular weaknesses flagged. The TS 870 P posts a slightly lower overall dry score of 87.5 but has been singled out for genuinely sporty dry handling — one 2025 test called it the most sporting in dry handling among its test group, and AutoMotorSport 2025 noted excellent braking performance on dry asphalt specifically. The trade-off is that the TS 870 P's dry-braking score of 76.3 lags the standard tyre noticeably. In practice, the TS 870 P's character on dry roads suits drivers of heavier, more performance-oriented vehicles who value steering response, while the TS 870 is the more dependable stopper across the board.

This is where the gap between the siblings opens most visibly. The TS 870 is a genuine wet-weather talent — scoring 86.5 overall on wet performance with a wet-braking score of 87.6 and an aquaplaning score of 93.3. Multiple test seasons awarded it top marks in wet conditions, and owners on wet roads consistently report confidence-inspiring feedback. The TS 870 P lags behind with a wet score of 80, a wet-braking score of 78.3, and — most critically — an aquaplaning score of just 79.2. Lateral aquaplaning has been flagged as a specific weakness, and several 2025 tests noted that the TS 870 P builds wet braking confidence slightly later than the competition. One tester observed that it stands a little later in the wet. For drivers in consistently damp or rainy climates, the standard TS 870's wet advantage is substantial and should weigh heavily in the decision.

Snow performance follows the same pattern. The TS 870 scores an impressive 89.9 on snow — AutoBild 2024 named it test winner for its balanced strong performance in all conditions, and Tyre Reviews highlighted very good snow braking and traction. Owners back this up, with snow and ice performance cited 12 times as a top positive across 80 customer reviews. The TS 870 P scores a more modest 77.9 on snow, and ADAC 2025 flagged weaknesses on ice-covered surfaces as a specific concern. While the TS 870 P remains usable and capable in light winter conditions — earning praise for adequate snow handling balance — it is not the tyre you want if heavy snowfall is a regular part of your winter. For genuine alpine use or regions with serious snowfall, the standard TS 870 is the clear choice.

Both tyres deliver premium comfort levels overall, but the TS 870 holds a meaningful edge in refinement. Its noise score of 95.3 is outstanding — owners frequently describe it as exceptionally quiet, and some have remarked that it rolls almost as silently as a summer tyre. The TS 870 P scores 86.8 on noise, which is still respectable but noticeably behind, and one 2025 test noted minor harshness over expansion joints and rough surfaces. Where the TS 870 P takes the lead is rolling resistance — scoring 91.7 versus 88.8 for the standard tyre — making it genuinely compelling for EV drivers or those prioritising fuel economy in larger vehicles. Mileage, however, is a serious differentiator: the TS 870 scores 90.3 for projected tread life, while the TS 870 P scores just 62.9 — a gap that will matter over a full season's use and affects long-term value despite the TS 870 P's rolling efficiency advantage.