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 Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 — 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
80
/ 100
Objective (60%)
76/100
6 professional tests
User signal (40%)
85/100
61 owner reviews
Prices change daily — check the retailer for your size.
VerdictWinner: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P — better treadwear, snow and comfort. Pick the Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 if noise matters most to you.
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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)
Why this score
| Source | WinterContact TS 870 P | Winter Sottozero 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 90 | 88 |
| Tire Rack owners | – | 88 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 86 | 89 |
| SimpleTire owners | – | 100 |
| Dry Braking (% of best) | 100% | 100% |
| Dry Handling (% of best) | 99% | 100% |
Wet
Score (0–100)
WinterContact TS 870 P leads by 3
Why this score
| Source | WinterContact TS 870 P | Winter Sottozero 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 83 | 77 |
| Tire Rack owners | – | 90 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 91 | 90 |
| SimpleTire owners | – | 98 |
| Wet Braking (% of best) | 99% | 93% |
| Wet Handling (% of best) | 98% | 96% |
Snow
Score (0–100)
WinterContact TS 870 P leads by 6
Why this score
| Source | WinterContact TS 870 P | Winter Sottozero 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 78 | 71 |
| Tire Rack owners | – | 85 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 89 | 82 |
| SimpleTire owners | – | 100 |
| Snow Braking (% of best) | 86% | 94% |
| Snow Handling (% of best) | 98% | 96% |
| Snow Traction (% of best) | 90% | 81% |
Comfort
Score (0–100)
WinterContact TS 870 P leads by 6
Why this score
| Source | WinterContact TS 870 P | Winter Sottozero 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 82 | 78 |
| Tire Rack owners | – | 84 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 90 | 79 |
| SimpleTire owners | – | 100 |
Noise
Score (0–100)
Winter Sottozero 3 leads by 3
Why this score
| Source | WinterContact TS 870 P | Winter Sottozero 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 59 | 38 |
| SimpleTire owners | – | 98 |
Treadwear
Score (0–100)
WinterContact TS 870 P leads by 8
Why this score
| Source | WinterContact TS 870 P | Winter Sottozero 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Tire Rack owners | – | 77 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 89 | 78 |
| SimpleTire owners | – | 100 |
Handling
Score (0–100)
WinterContact TS 870 P leads by 1
Why this score
| Source | WinterContact TS 870 P | Winter Sottozero 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 88 | 87 |
Scores at a glance
| Category | Continental WinterContact TS 870 P | Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 83 | 80 |
| Dry | 89 | 89 |
| Wet | 86 | 83 |
| Snow | 82 | 76 |
| Comfort | 85 | 79 |
| Noise | 59 | 62 |
| Treadwear | 89 | 81 |
| Handling | 88 | 87 |
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
80
/ 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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | Dry | 100% #1/7 · 2025 Die Reifentester Winter Tyre Test | 100% #1/10 · 2018 Autobild UHP Winter Tyre Test | 0 | Different tests |
| Dry Handling | Dry | 99% #6/10 · 2025 AMS Winter Tyre Test | 100% #2/10 · 2018 Autobild UHP Winter Tyre Test | -0.5 | Different tests |
| Rolling Resistance | Efficiency | 100% #1/10 · 2024 Auto Bild Sportscars Winter Tyre Test | 92% #8/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Winter 17 inch Tyre Test | +7.6 | Different tests |
| Noise | Other | 96% #3/6 · The BEST Performance Winter Tyres for 2024 / 2025 | 96% #11/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tyre Test | +0.5 | Different tests |
| Price | Other | 92% #9/11 · 2023 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test | 81% #13/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Winter 17 inch Tyre Test | +11.5 | Different tests |
| Value | Other | 100% #20/20 · 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | 100% #20/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tyre Test | 0 | Different tests |
| Wear | Other | 88% #10/20 · 2025 Autobild Winter Tyre Test | 83% #13/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tyre Test | +5.1 | Different tests |
| Overall Ranking | Overall | 33% #3/10 · 2024 Auto Bild Sportscars Winter Tyre Test | 14% #7/10 · 2018 Autobild UHP Winter Tyre Test | +19 | Different tests |
| Snow Braking | Snow | 86% #4/8 · 2022 AMS Winter Tyre Test | 94% #18/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tyre Test | -8.6 | Different tests |
| Snow Handling | Snow | 98% #2/9 · 2022 Sports Car UHP Winter Tyre Test | 96% #20/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Winter 17 inch Tyre Test | +2.1 | Different tests |
| Snow Traction | Snow | 90% #5/11 · 2023 Sports Cars Winter Tyre Test | 81% #18/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tyre Test | +8.7 | Different tests |
| Straight Aqua | Straight | 93% #9/16 · 2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tyre Test | 87% #16/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Winter 17 inch Tyre Test | +6 | Different tests |
| Subj. Comfort | Subj | 95% #3/9 · 2021 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test | 90% #2/11 · 2019 AMS Winter SUV Tyre Test | +5 | Different tests |
| Subj. Dry Handling | Subj | 100% #1/7 · 2025 Die Reifentester Winter Tyre Test | 80% #6/11 · 2019 AMS Winter SUV Tyre Test | +20 | Different tests |
| Subj. Snow Handling | Subj | 94% #3/7 · 2025 Die Reifentester Winter Tyre Test | 80% #8/11 · 2019 AMS Winter SUV Tyre Test | +13.6 | Different tests |
| Subj. Wet Handling | Subj | 100% #1/7 · 2025 Die Reifentester Winter Tyre Test | 70% #6/11 · 2019 AMS Winter SUV Tyre Test | +30 | Different tests |
| Total Cost of Ownership | Total | 0% #14/20 · 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | 0% #14/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Winter 17 inch Tyre Test | 0 | Different tests |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 99% #4/11 · 2023 Sports Cars Winter Tyre Test | 93% #6/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Winter 17 inch Tyre Test | +5.2 | Different tests |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 98% #4/8 · 2022 AMS Winter Tyre Test | 96% #8/10 · 2018 Autobild UHP Winter Tyre Test | +1.7 | 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 Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 is widely regarded as a high-performance winter tire that excels in wet, slushy, and cold dry conditions. Users consistently praise its sporty handling and confidence-inspiring grip, though it is frequently noted that the tire's performance and longevity are compromised if used in warm temperatures or during summer months.
Pros
- Exceptional wet weather performance and resistance to hydroplaning.
- Strong dry-road handling and steering precision for a winter tire.
- Excellent traction and stability in snow and slush.
- Comfortable and relatively quiet ride quality.
- Aesthetically pleasing design with effective rim protection.
Cons
- Rapid tread wear, particularly if driven in temperatures above 15°C or year-round.
- Susceptibility to sidewall damage and bubbling when encountering road hazards.
- Increased noise levels as the tire ages and tread depth decreases.
- High price point compared to some competitors.
Observations
- Drivers of high-torque, rear-wheel-drive performance vehicles report high satisfaction with the tire's ability to maintain traction and control.
- Users with staggered fitments on luxury sedans (e.g., BMW 5-series, M240i) note that the tire maintains its sporty character well in cold climates.
- Some owners of heavier vehicles or those with high-horsepower setups noted that the tire's longevity is significantly reduced under aggressive driving styles.
Specifications
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Continental WinterContact TS 870 P | B · Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Winter Ultra High Performance tires | Winter Ultra High Performance tires |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | Passenger Car / Crossover |
| Sizes available | — | 32 |
| Rim diameters | — | 17″ – 21″ |
| Tread depth | — | 10/32″ |
| Sidewall | — | Blackwall |
| Max pressure | — | 50 psi |
Final verdict
Which one should you actually buy?
83
/ 100
Continental
80
/ 100
Pirelli
Winner: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P — better treadwear, snow and comfort. Pick the Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 if noise matters most to you.
Pick tire A
You want the longest tread life
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P scores 89 vs 81 on treadwear.
Pick tire A
You drive through snowy winters
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P scores 82 vs 76 on snow.
Pick tire A
You want the most comfortable ride
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P scores 85 vs 79 on comfort.
Pick tire A
Your priority is wet-weather safety
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P scores 86 vs 83 on wet.
Tire A · Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
Tire B · Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
More comparisons
Also compared with
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P also compared with
Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 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.