Comparison: GoodYear UltraGrip Performance 3 vs. Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs. GoodYear Efficientgrip Performance 2 vs. Bridgestone Blizzak 6

This is the Goodyear's territory. Its wet braking average of 33.9 metres against the Continental's 34.9 metres in Autobild's 54-tyre braking comparison captures the pattern across the broader portfolio: the UltraGrip Performance 3 consistently stops shorter on wet surfaces, and its wet handling is rated among the very best in the winter tyre category — near the top of the field in objective wet handling measures. The Continental is not weak in the wet, and AutoMotorSport praised it for strong wet cornering grip and short stopping distances, but its aquaplaning reserves have been flagged as a relative limitation — particularly in cross-aquaplaning — while the Goodyear offers more reassuring margins in standing water. On a wet motorway in winter rain, the Goodyear gives the larger safety margin.

Both tyres perform well on snow, and the difference is narrower here than elsewhere. In Autobild's direct snow braking comparison, the Goodyear stopped in 30.1 metres against the Continental's 30.5 metres — a small but consistent edge that mirrors the overall test record. The Goodyear's snow traction and stability have drawn particular praise, with testers highlighting it as the traction champion in snow across the 2025 test season; its snow circle handling is dynamic and neutral. The Continental delivers reliable, safe snow behaviour with strong measured handling results, and real-world owners in mixed winter climates report genuine confidence on packed snow, though some note it is not exceptional on ice — a category where the Goodyear's ice braking credentials are notably stronger.

On dry tarmac the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P is the clear leader, and the gap is not subtle. Its objective dry handling score reaches near the top of the premium winter segment, and independent testers consistently describe its dry steering as precise, direct, and confidence-inspiring at pace — the most sporting dry character of any tyre in its test fields. The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 is safe and manageable on dry roads but noticeably less sharp: it understeers early at the limit, and testers flag it as slightly sluggish in dry handling response. Both tyres average very similar dry braking figures, but the handling difference is meaningful for anyone who spends significant time on dry winter roads.

The UltraGrip Performance 3 is the more refined and quieter tyre in everyday use. Its interior noise score is exceptional — one of the highest in the winter category — and owners consistently describe the ride as floating and cushioned. One early reviewer switching from a set of summer performance tyres was struck by the combination of comfort and grip. The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P is also a comfortable tyre, earning good marks from owners for cabin refinement, though testers occasionally note it can feel slightly firm over sharp transverse road joints. Where the Continental decisively leads is rolling resistance: its efficiency score is outstanding — one of the best of any winter tyre tested — making it the logical choice for electric vehicle owners and those watching fuel bills closely. The Goodyear's rolling resistance is comparatively high, a real-world cost over a winter season's driving.