Tests 73 · 32 tests Owners 58 · 117 reviews
Best test result: #1 of 54 in 2023 Winter Tyre Test 54 Set Braking Test (wet braking)
Head-to-head
Updated
Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 vs Continental WinterContact TS 870 P — Compared
Relative Score (0–100): the weighted average of the categories below, each 60% road tests and 40% owner reviews (comfort 40/60). Based on 32 + 32 road tests and 117 + 33 owner reviews. How we score
WinterContact TS 870 P is ahead, 81–66
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Tests 83 · 32 tests Owners 81 · 33 reviews
Best test result: #1 of 20 in 2026 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test (dry handling)
Category by category
Relative Score per category, 0–100. Open “Why this score” for the tests and owner ratings behind it.
Key facts
- In 15 tests that measured wet braking for both, Blizzak LM005 won 14 and WinterContact TS 870 P won 1 (average 99% vs 94% of the best).
- In 15 tests that measured snow braking for both, Blizzak LM005 won 8 and WinterContact TS 870 P won 6 (average 97% vs 97% of the best).
- In 13 tests that measured dry braking for both, Blizzak LM005 won 4 and WinterContact TS 870 P won 9 (average 95% vs 97% of the best).
- In 13 tests that measured straight aquaplaning for both, Blizzak LM005 won 10 and WinterContact TS 870 P won 3 (average 97% vs 95% of the best).
- In 13 tests that measured snow traction for both, Blizzak LM005 won 5 and WinterContact TS 870 P won 8 (average 97% vs 96% of the best).
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68
Dry
WinterContact TS 870 P +1381Why this score
Source Blizzak LM005 WinterContact TS 870 P Professional tests (TWG score) · 27 / 25 tests 77 83 Reviews found online 55 79 Dry Braking (% of best) · 13 shared tests · wins 4–9 95% 97% Dry Handling (% of best) · 11 shared tests · wins 4–6 99% 99% Dry (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–1 97% 99% Blizzak LM005: 60% × 77.3 + 40% × 55 = 68
WinterContact TS 870 P: 60% × 83.3 + 40% × 78.5 = 81
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88
Wet
WinterContact TS 870 P +391Why this score
Source Blizzak LM005 WinterContact TS 870 P Professional tests (TWG score) · 32 / 32 tests 100 95 Reviews found online 71 86 Curved Aquaplaning (% of best) · 6 shared tests · wins 4–2 93% 91% Straight Aquaplaning (% of best) · 13 shared tests · wins 10–3 97% 95% Wet (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0 100% 97% Wet Braking (% of best) · 15 shared tests · wins 14–1 99% 94% Wet Braking (concrete) (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0 100% 92% Wet Circle (% of best) · 6 shared tests · wins 6–0 100% 98% Wet Handling (% of best) · 12 shared tests · wins 10–0 100% 99% Blizzak LM005: 60% × 100 + 40% × 71 = 88
WinterContact TS 870 P: 60% × 94.6 + 40% × 86.1 = 91
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73
Snow
WinterContact TS 870 P +679Why this score
Source Blizzak LM005 WinterContact TS 870 P Professional tests (TWG score) · 32 / 31 tests 79 80 Reviews found online 64 76 Ice Braking (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–1 89% 92% Snow Braking (% of best) · 15 shared tests · wins 8–6 97% 97% Snow Circle (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 1–1 95% 99% Snow Handling (% of best) · 12 shared tests · wins 4–8 96% 97% Snow Slalom (% of best) · 4 shared tests · wins 0–4 88% 94% Snow Traction (% of best) · 13 shared tests · wins 5–8 97% 96% Snow (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–1 89% 94% Blizzak LM005: 60% × 79.4 + 40% × 64.1 = 73
WinterContact TS 870 P: 60% × 80.2 + 40% × 76.4 = 79
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66
Comfort
WinterContact TS 870 P +2288Why this score
Source Blizzak LM005 WinterContact TS 870 P Professional tests (TWG score) · 3 / 8 tests 77 98 Reviews found online 58 81 Blizzak LM005: 40% × 77.1 + 60% × 58.4 = 66
WinterContact TS 870 P: 40% × 98.1 + 60% × 80.7 = 88
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68
Noise
WinterContact TS 870 P +573Why this score
Source Blizzak LM005 WinterContact TS 870 P Professional tests (TWG score) · 25 / 22 tests 69 78 Reviews found online ≈ 66 (est.) ≈ 66 (est.) Noise (% of best) · 12 shared tests · wins 2–7 98% 99% Exterior Noise (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0 99% 98% Blizzak LM005: 60% × 68.8 + 40% × 66.4 (est.) = 68
WinterContact TS 870 P: 60% × 78.1 + 40% × 66.4 (est.) = 73
No owner ratings of noise for Blizzak LM005 or WinterContact TS 870 P. The owner half is the owners’ average (66): owners’ noise ratings barely follow the road tests, so the tests say nothing about how owners would rate it.
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38
Treadwear
WinterContact TS 870 P +3674Why this score
Source Blizzak LM005 WinterContact TS 870 P Professional tests (TWG score) · 8 / 8 tests 37 70 Reviews found online 41 80 Abrasion (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–1 62% 72% Wear (% of best) · 3 shared tests · wins 1–2 71% 76% Blizzak LM005: 60% × 36.5 + 40% × 41 = 38
WinterContact TS 870 P: 60% × 69.9 + 40% × 80.2 = 74
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59
Handling (owners)
WinterContact TS 870 P +2483Why this score
Source Blizzak LM005 WinterContact TS 870 P Reviews found online 59 83 -
83
Efficiency
WinterContact TS 870 P +386Why this score
Source Blizzak LM005 WinterContact TS 870 P Professional tests (TWG score) · 27 / 24 tests 83 86 Fuel Consumption (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–0 97% 97% Rolling Resistance (% of best) · 12 shared tests · wins 3–9 93% 96%
Scores at a glance
| Category | Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 | Continental WinterContact TS 870 P |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 66 | 81 |
| Dry | 68 | 81 |
| Wet | 88 | 91 |
| Snow | 73 | 79 |
| Comfort | 66 | 88 |
| Noise | 68 | 73 |
| Treadwear | 38 | 74 |
| Handling (owners) | 59 | 83 |
| Efficiency | 83 | 86 |
Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.
Weight the categories that matter to you
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
66
/ 100
Blizzak LM005
81
/ 100
WinterContact TS 870 P
The professional test results behind the scores
Per discipline: the average % of the best tire over every test both tires were in, and how many of those tests each one won. “Different tests” rows compare results from separate tests.
In the overall rankings of 16 tests that ran both, Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 finished ahead 8 times and Continental WinterContact TS 870 P 8 times.
| Discipline | Category | Blizzak LM005 | WinterContact TS 870 P | Δ | Head-to-head |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry | Dry | 97% | 99% | −2.1 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2024 Al Volante Crossover Winter Tire Test R18 · 235/60R18 |
| Dry Braking | Dry | 95% | 97% | −1.2 | 4–9 in 13 shared tests Newest: 2024 Al Volante Crossover Winter Tire Test R18 · 235/60R18 |
| Dry Handling | Dry | 99% | 99% | −0.2 | 4–6 in 11 shared tests Newest: 2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test · 215/55 R17 |
| Dry Handling (tester's mark) | Dry | 100% #1/8 · 2023 Autozurnal Winter Tire Test R17 | 100% #1/9 · 2026 Sport Auto Winter Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Curved Aquaplaning | Wet | 93% | 91% | +2.4 | 4–2 in 6 shared tests Newest: 2024 Al Volante Crossover Winter Tire Test R18 · 235/60R18 |
| Straight Aquaplaning | Wet | 97% | 95% | +1.8 | 10–3 in 13 shared tests Newest: 2024 Al Volante Crossover Winter Tire Test R18 · 235/60R18 |
| Wet | Wet | 100% | 97% | +3.1 | 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2024 Al Volante Crossover Winter Tire Test R18 · 235/60R18 |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 99% | 94% | +5.0 | 14–1 in 15 shared tests Newest: 2024 Al Volante Crossover Winter Tire Test R18 · 235/60R18 |
| Wet Braking (concrete) | Wet | 100% | 92% | +7.6 | 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tyre Test · 205/60 R16 |
| Wet Circle | Wet | 100% | 98% | +1.4 | 6–0 in 6 shared tests Newest: 2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test · 215/55 R17 |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 100% | 99% | +1.2 | 10–0 in 12 shared tests Newest: 2024 Al Volante Crossover Winter Tire Test R18 · 235/60R18 |
| Wet Handling (tester's mark) | Wet | 93% #2/8 · 2022 Auto Zeitung Winter Tyre Test | 90% #2/9 · 2026 Sport Auto Winter Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Ice Braking | Snow | 89% | 92% | −3.0 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tyre Test · 205/60 R16 |
| Snow | Snow | 89% | 94% | −5.0 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2024 Al Volante Crossover Winter Tire Test R18 · 235/60R18 |
| Snow Braking | Snow | 97% | 97% | +0.4 | 8–6 in 15 shared tests Newest: 2024 Al Volante Crossover Winter Tire Test R18 · 235/60R18 |
| Snow Circle | Snow | 95% | 99% | −4.2 | 1–1 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test · 215/55 R17 |
| Snow Handling | Snow | 96% | 97% | −1.5 | 4–8 in 12 shared tests Newest: 2024 Al Volante Crossover Winter Tire Test R18 · 235/60R18 |
| Snow Handling (tester's mark) | Snow | 100% #1/14 · 2020 Auto Zeitung Winter Tyre Test | 100% #1/9 · 2026 Sport Auto Winter Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Snow Slalom | Snow | 88% | 94% | −5.8 | 0–4 in 4 shared tests Newest: 2023 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test · 225/45 R18 |
| Snow Traction | Snow | 97% | 96% | +0.2 | 5–8 in 13 shared tests Newest: 2024 Al Volante Crossover Winter Tire Test R18 · 235/60R18 |
| Comfort (tester's mark) | Comfort | 100% #1/8 · 2023 Autozurnal Winter Tire Test R17 | 100% #1/20 · 2026 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Exterior Noise | Noise | 99% | 98% | +1.3 | 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2024 Al Volante Crossover Winter Tire Test R18 · 235/60R18 |
| Noise | Noise | 98% | 99% | −0.6 | 2–7 in 12 shared tests Newest: 2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test · 215/55 R17 |
| Abrasion | Treadwear | 62% | 72% | −10.3 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tyre Test · 205/60 R16 |
| Wear | Treadwear | 71% | 76% | −5.0 | 1–2 in 3 shared tests Newest: 2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tyre Test · 205/60 R16 |
| Fuel Consumption | Efficiency | 97% | 97% | 0.0 | 0–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tyre Test · 205/60 R16 |
| Rolling Resistance | Efficiency | 93% | 96% | −3.1 | 3–9 in 12 shared tests Newest: 2024 Al Volante Crossover Winter Tire Test R18 · 235/60R18 |
| Also published by the testers (not in the score) | |||||
| Price | Cost | 62% | 56% | +6.4 | 6–0 in 6 shared tests Newest: 2023 Sport Auto Winter Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 |
| Total Cost of Ownership | Cost | #18/20 | #15/20 | – | 0–2 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2023 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test · 225/45 R18 |
| Value | Cost | 55% | 52% | +3.2 | 1–1 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2023 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test · 225/45 R18 |
| Overall Ranking | Overall | #1/7 | #4/7 | – | 8–8 in 16 shared tests Newest: 2024 ACE/ARBÖ/GTÜ Winter Tire Test R18 · 235/55R18 |
Pros, cons & observations
Themes extracted from owner reviews found online — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
Tire A Blizzak LM005
Pros
- Exceptional grip and braking performance on wet roads and heavy rain
- High driving comfort with low interior noise levels when new
- Predictable and stable handling characteristics in dry and mild winter conditions
Cons
- Rapid and premature tread wear, with many users reporting the tire wearing out within 5,000 to 15,000 km
- Noticeable degradation in snow and ice grip by the second or third season
- Increased tire noise, whining, or humming vibrations as the tire ages
Tire B WinterContact TS 870 P
Pros
- Exceptionally low noise levels and high ride comfort
- Outstanding wet weather and slush performance, cutting through heavy rain effortlessly
- Balanced dry and cold-weather handling with impressive cornering stability
Cons
- Higher price point compared to some competitors
- Steering response and initial stiffness are slightly softer and less sporty than dedicated summer tires or some rivals
- Snow and ice traction can feel less exceptional or borderline inadequate for a small subset of users
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 | B · Continental WinterContact TS 870 P |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Winter | Winter |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | Passenger Car / Crossover |
| Sizes available | 165 | 121 |
| Rim diameters | 14″ – 22″ | 16″ – 23″ |
| Tread depth | 9/32″ | — |
| Sidewall | Blackwall | — |
| Max pressure | 50 psi | — |
| Sizes in common | 88 | 88 |
Which one should you actually buy?
66
/ 100
Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
81
/ 100
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
Winner: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P — better treadwear, handling and comfort. It leads or ties in every category we score.
Pick tire B
You want the longest tread life
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P scores 74 vs 38 on treadwear.
Pick tire B
You enjoy sharp, responsive handling
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P scores 83 vs 59 on handling.
Pick tire B
You want the most comfortable ride
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P scores 88 vs 66 on comfort.
Pick tire B
You want the most grip on dry roads
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P scores 81 vs 68 on dry.
Pick tire A
Your priority is wet braking
Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 won 14 of 15 shared wet braking tests.
Tire A · Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
Tire B · Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
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Blizzak LM005 or WinterContact TS 870 P?
Which is better in the wet, Blizzak LM005 or WinterContact TS 870 P?
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P, 91 vs 88 on our wet score.
Which grips better on dry roads, Blizzak LM005 or WinterContact TS 870 P?
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P, 81 vs 68 on our dry score.
Which is better in snow, Blizzak LM005 or WinterContact TS 870 P?
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P, 79 vs 73 on our snow score.
Which is quieter, Blizzak LM005 or WinterContact TS 870 P?
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P, 73 vs 68 on our noise score.
Which is more comfortable, Blizzak LM005 or WinterContact TS 870 P?
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P, 88 vs 66 on our comfort score.
Which lasts longer, Blizzak LM005 or WinterContact TS 870 P?
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P, 74 vs 38 on our treadwear score.
Which rolls more easily, Blizzak LM005 or WinterContact TS 870 P?
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P, 86 vs 83 on our efficiency score.
How do we compare tires?
Every category score blends two independent signals. 60% comes from professional tire tests (braking distances, lap times, noise measurements), each result compared with every other tire in the same test and newer tests counting more. 40% comes from owner reviews found online, adjusted for how generously each site rates. Both use one scale: the average tested tire gets 70, the best 100. When a tire has only one of the two, the missing half is estimated from the other and the score stays closer to average; with no road test and fewer than five owner reviews it gets no score yet.
Handling is the exception: road tests measure it inside the dry and wet scores, so its own row comes from owner ratings only and starts as less important.
Community buzz from Reddit and forums is shown for context only — it never changes the score. Full methodology