83
/ 100
Objective (60%)
93/100
29 professional tests
User signal (40%)
87/100
28 owner reviews
Prices change daily — check the retailer for your size.
Head-to-head
Updated September 2026
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Michelin Alpin 6 — Compared (September 2026)
Our Relative Score blends 60% objective test data with 40% owner-review signal — so any two tires can be compared even if they were never tested on the same day.
VS
84
/ 100
Objective (60%)
89/100
19 professional tests
User signal (40%)
85/100
35 owner reviews
Prices change daily — check the retailer for your size.
VerdictToo close to call: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P and Michelin Alpin 6 are within 2 points overall. Continental WinterContact TS 870 P is stronger on dry and handling. Michelin Alpin 6 is stronger on noise and comfort.
Read full
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Category breakdown
7 categories, side by side
Each bar is the Relative Score for that category. Expand a tile to see the test results and owner ratings behind it.
Dry
Score (0–100)
WinterContact TS 870 P leads by 5
Why this score
| Source | WinterContact TS 870 P | Alpin 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 90 | 80 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 86 | 89 |
| Dry Braking (% of best) | 99% | 100% |
| Dry Handling (% of best) | 100% | 99% |
Wet
Score (0–100)
Alpin 6 leads by 1
Why this score
| Source | WinterContact TS 870 P | Alpin 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 83 | 84 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 91 | 91 |
| Wet Braking (% of best) | 90% | 96% |
| Wet Braking - Concrete (% of best) | 87% | 86% |
| Wet Circle (% of best) | 98% | 96% |
| Wet Handling (% of best) | 98% | 100% |
Snow
Score (0–100)
WinterContact TS 870 P leads by 2
Why this score
| Source | WinterContact TS 870 P | Alpin 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 78 | 79 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 89 | 81 |
| Snow Braking (% of best) | 86% | 98% |
| Snow Circle (% of best) | 100% | 99% |
| Snow Handling (% of best) | 99% | 98% |
| Snow Traction (% of best) | 96% | 96% |
Comfort
Score (0–100)
Alpin 6 leads by 5
Why this score
| Source | WinterContact TS 870 P | Alpin 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 82 | 90 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 90 | 90 |
Noise
Score (0–100)
Alpin 6 leads by 14
Why this score
| Source | WinterContact TS 870 P | Alpin 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 59 | 73 |
Treadwear
Score (0–100)
WinterContact TS 870 P leads by 2
Why this score
| Source | WinterContact TS 870 P | Alpin 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 89 | 87 |
Handling
Score (0–100)
WinterContact TS 870 P leads by 4
Why this score
| Source | WinterContact TS 870 P | Alpin 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 88 | 84 |
Scores at a glance
| Category | Continental WinterContact TS 870 P | Michelin Alpin 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 83 | 84 |
| Dry | 89 | 84 |
| Wet | 86 | 87 |
| Snow | 82 | 80 |
| Comfort | 85 | 90 |
| Noise | 59 | 73 |
| Treadwear | 89 | 87 |
| Handling | 88 | 84 |
Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.
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Wet grip and treadwear start at “Important” — the two things buyers rank highest. Move the sliders and the scores update instantly.
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Recomputed
Headline score
83
/ 100
Tire A
84
/ 100
Tire B
Test data
The professional test results behind the scores
Each result is shown as % of the best tire in that test. “Same test” rows are the strictest comparison: both tires were measured side by side.
| Discipline | Category | Tire A | Tire B | Δ | Both? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curved Aquaplaning | Curved | 99% #4/9 · 2021 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test | 82% #15/16 · 2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tyre Test | +16.5 | Different tests |
| Dry Braking | Dry | 99% #4/20 · 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | 100% #2/20 · 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | -0.5 | Same test |
| Dry Handling | Dry | 100% #2/10 · 2023 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tyre Test | 99% #11/20 · 2024 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | +0.9 | Different tests |
| Rolling Resistance | Efficiency | 77% #1/8 · 2022 AMS Winter Tyre Test | 86% #4/11 · 2019 AMS Winter SUV Tyre Test | -9 | Different tests |
| Fuel Consumption | Fuel | 98% #12/16 · 2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tyre Test | 100% #13/15 · 2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tyre Test | -1.7 | Different tests |
| Ice Braking | Ice | 84% #27/31 · 2025 ADAC Winter Tyre Test | 88% #10/12 · 2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tyre Test | -4 | Different tests |
| Ice Traction | Ice | 100% #6/6 · The BEST Performance Winter Tyres for 2024 / 2025 | 88% #5/10 · 2019 Auto Center Winter Tyre Test | +12 | Different tests |
| Abrasion | Other | 68% #3/10 · 2025 AZ Performance Winter Tyre Test | 57% #1/15 · 2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tyre Test | +11.3 | Different tests |
| Noise | Other | 95% #3/9 · 2021 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test | 96% #7/20 · 2021 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | -0.8 | Different tests |
| Price | Other | 100% #20/20 · 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | 98% #7/9 · 2022/23 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test | +1.7 | Different tests |
| Value | Other | 100% #20/20 · 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | 83% #15/20 · 2021 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | +17 | Different tests |
| Wear | Other | 88% #10/20 · 2025 Autobild Winter Tyre Test | 98% #2/20 · 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | -10.1 | Different tests |
| Overall Ranking | Overall | 100% #1/9 · 2021 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test | 13% #8/19 · The Best Winter Tyres for 2020 | +87.5 | Different tests |
| Snow Braking | Snow | 86% #4/8 · 2022 AMS Winter Tyre Test | 98% #13/20 · 2024 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | -12.4 | Different tests |
| Snow Circle | Snow | 100% #2/7 · 2023 AMS SUV Winter Tyre Test | 99% #5/10 · 2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test | +1.3 | Different tests |
| Snow Handling | Snow | 99% #6/9 · 2023 Sport Auto Winter Tyre Test | 98% #8/10 · 2020 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tyre Test | +1.2 | Different tests |
| Snow Traction | Snow | 96% #5/9 · 2021 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test | 96% #8/10 · 2020 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tyre Test | +0.1 | Different tests |
| Straight Aqua | Straight | 93% #8/8 · 2022 AMS Winter Tyre Test | 95% #6/10 · 2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test | -2 | Different tests |
| Subj. Comfort | Subj | 88% #8/10 · 2025 AZ Performance Winter Tyre Test | 88% #3/8 · 2022 Auto Zeitung Winter Tyre Test | 0 | Different tests |
| Subj. Dry Handling | Subj | 100% #1/7 · 2025 Die Reifentester Winter Tyre Test | 80% #6/8 · 2022 Auto Zeitung Winter Tyre Test | +20 | Different tests |
| Subj. Snow Handling | Subj | 94% #3/7 · 2025 Die Reifentester Winter Tyre Test | 90% #5/11 · 2019 AMS Winter SUV Tyre Test | +3.6 | Different tests |
| Subj. Wet Handling | Subj | 100% #1/7 · 2025 Die Reifentester Winter Tyre Test | 100% #2/11 · 2019 AMS Winter SUV Tyre Test | 0 | Different tests |
| Total Cost of Ownership | Total | 0% #14/20 · 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | 0% #9/20 · 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | 0 | Same test |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 90% #6/8 · 2022 AMS Winter Tyre Test | 96% #7/55 · 2024 Winter 55 Tyre Braking Test | -5.6 | Different tests |
| Wet Braking - Concrete | Wet | 87% #7/16 · 2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tyre Test | 86% #5/16 · 2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tyre Test | +1.1 | Same test |
| Wet Circle | Wet | 98% #5/7 · 2023 AMS SUV Winter Tyre Test | 96% #10/10 · 2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test | +2 | Different tests |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 98% #4/8 · 2022 AMS Winter Tyre Test | 100% #10/10 · 2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test | -2 | Different tests |
From owners
Pros, cons & observations
Themes extracted from owner reviews across retailers and review sites — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P is widely regarded as a premium, highly balanced winter tire that excels in wet and slushy conditions while offering exceptional comfort and low noise levels. Most users report high levels of confidence in varied winter weather, though a small minority of users report inconsistent performance in severe snow and ice, and some note that steering response is less sharp than dedicated performance-focused alternatives.
Pros
- Exceptional wet weather performance and hydroplaning resistance
- High levels of cabin comfort and low road noise
- Strong, predictable grip on snow and slush
- Good balance of dry handling and rolling resistance
- Solid tread life and durability for a performance winter tire
Cons
- Premium price point compared to competitors
- Steering feel can be perceived as 'soft' or 'jelly' compared to summer tires
- Performance can drop off in temperatures above 8-10°C
- Inconsistent feedback regarding extreme ice traction
Observations
- EV and hybrid owners frequently praise the tire for its low rolling resistance and quiet operation.
- Drivers of high-performance RWD vehicles report that while the tire provides excellent grip, it may feel less stiff and sharp during aggressive cornering compared to summer counterparts.
- Users on larger wheel diameters (20-inch) report that the tire maintains high comfort levels without sacrificing handling.
The Michelin Alpin 6 is widely regarded as a premium, highly comfortable winter tire that excels in wet and dry cold-weather conditions. While many users praise its longevity and consistent performance, there is a notable divide in user experience regarding its deep snow and ice traction, with some drivers finding it less capable than key competitors like the Continental WinterContact series.
Pros
- Exceptional wet and dry road grip in cold temperatures
- High levels of ride comfort and low cabin noise
- Impressive tread life and long-term durability
- Stable and predictable handling on motorways
Cons
- Inconsistent performance in deep snow and on ice
- Some reports of sluggish steering feedback or 'soft' sidewall feel
- Higher price point compared to some performance-oriented winter alternatives
- Occasional reports of reduced traction after multiple seasons of use
Observations
- Users with RWD vehicles, such as the BMW 5 Series, noted excellent snow traction, though some experienced minor grip limitations during hard acceleration on dry pavement.
- Drivers using smaller rim sizes (e.g., 185/65-R15) reported highly positive feedback regarding handling and road feel compared to larger, more performance-oriented setups.
Specifications
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Continental WinterContact TS 870 P | B · Michelin Alpin 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Winter Ultra High Performance tires | Winter Premium Touring tires |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | Passenger Car / Crossover |
Final verdict
Which one should you actually buy?
83
/ 100
Continental
84
/ 100
Michelin
Too close to call: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P and Michelin Alpin 6 are within 2 points overall. Continental WinterContact TS 870 P is stronger on dry and handling. Michelin Alpin 6 is stronger on noise and comfort.
Pick tire B
You want a quieter cabin
Michelin Alpin 6 scores 73 vs 59 on noise.
Pick tire A
You want the most grip on dry roads
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P scores 89 vs 84 on dry.
Pick tire B
You want the most comfortable ride
Michelin Alpin 6 scores 90 vs 85 on comfort.
Pick tire A
You enjoy sharp, responsive handling
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P scores 88 vs 84 on handling.
Tire A · Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
Tire B · Michelin Alpin 6
More comparisons
Also compared with
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P also compared with
Michelin Alpin 6 also compared with
How do we compare tires?
Every category score blends two independent signals. 60% comes from professional tire tests (braking distances, lap times, noise measurements) normalized against the best tire in each test and weighted toward recent tests. 40% comes from thousands of owner reviews collected from retailers and review sites. When a tire has only one of the two, we use what exists and say so.
Community buzz from Reddit and forums is shown for context only — it never changes the score.