Comparison: Continental WinterContact TS 870 vs. Semperit Speed-Grip 5 (2026)

Wet performance is more nuanced. In the one AutoBild 2024 braking test where both were directly measured, the results were surprisingly close: the TS 870 stopped in 37.1 metres on wet roads versus 36.8 metres for the Speed-Grip 5 — effectively identical, and on that single test the Semperit actually edged ahead. However, this snapshot does not tell the whole story. Across broader evaluations covering wet handling, lateral grip and aquaplaning, the TS 870's Cool Chili Compound and Hydro Groove design deliver more consistent wet safety — particularly in wet circle cornering, where its scores are class-leading. The Speed-Grip 5 has shown mild weaknesses in wet lateral control across multiple tests, and Auto Bild flagged slightly limited wet grip as a pattern. The TS 870 also excels at aquaplaning resistance in both straight-line and curved scenarios. Both are safe in the rain; the Continental is simply more reassuring when conditions deteriorate.

This is where the two tyres diverge most clearly. The WinterContact TS 870 delivers dry performance that is exceptional for a winter tyre — testers have consistently praised its precise, confident handling on dry roads, and its objective dry handling scores are among the highest in any winter tyre test it has entered. The Speed-Grip 5 is more workmanlike on dry tarmac. Dry handling is adequate and broadly safe, but multiple independent evaluations have flagged it as a relative weakness — longer dry braking distances and reduced lateral confidence compared to the premium tier. Auto Bild noted both as balanced overall, but the ADAC testing across multiple years consistently shows the Speed-Grip 5 trailing in dry conditions. For drivers who regularly use winter tyres through autumn and spring on dry roads — which is most of Europe — this gap is worth taking seriously.

Snow is where the Speed-Grip 5 makes its strongest case. In the AutoBild 2024 mass braking test, both tyres stopped from speed on snow in an identical 29.1 metres — a remarkable result for a budget tyre competing against a premium segment leader. Snow acceleration and traction scores for the Speed-Grip 5 are creditable, and its winter-season handling is generally praised. The TS 870, however, remains the stronger all-round snow tyre: its Triple Sipe Concept delivers outstanding snow side guidance — scoring at the absolute top in that metric across tests — and its snow circle cornering capability is superior. Continental claims 5% better snow handling versus its predecessor, and testing backs that up. Where the Speed-Grip 5 loses ground is in snow lateral stability, which Auto Bild specifically flagged as a relative shortcoming. In lighter winter conditions both will serve you well; on demanding alpine roads, the TS 870's confidence margin is meaningful.

Both tyres deliver a comfortable winter ride, though their profiles differ slightly. The WinterContact TS 870 is notably quiet — interior noise scores are excellent, and real owners consistently mention its refinement, with one VW Golf driver describing it as feeling smoother from the very first metres compared to its predecessor. The Speed-Grip 5 is more of a mixed picture: rolling resistance is genuinely impressive — one of its strongest attributes and a key reason Auto Bild praised its fuel economy — but tyre noise is an area where it has drawn criticism in recent testing, with ADAC 2025 noting louder rolling noise as a specific weakness. On the mileage front, the TS 870 holds a significant advantage: its predicted wear score is considerably higher, with owners and testers alike noting very low tread consumption. The Speed-Grip 5's mileage scores are more modest, which partially offsets its lower purchase price over the long run.