Tests 90 · 18 tests Owners 82 · 30 reviews
Best test result: #1 of 31 in 2025 ADAC Winter Tyre Test (dry braking)
Head-to-head
Updated
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 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 18 + 27 road tests and 30 + 31 owner reviews. How we score
Pilot Alpin 5 is ahead, 87–81
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Tests 81 · 27 tests Owners 81 · 31 reviews
Best test result: #1 of 20 in 2023 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 13 tests that measured wet braking for both, Pilot Alpin 5 won 9 and WinterContact TS 870 P won 4 (average 95% vs 94% of the best).
- In 13 tests that measured snow braking for both, Pilot Alpin 5 won 11 and WinterContact TS 870 P won 1 (average 99% vs 96% of the best).
- In 12 tests that measured straight aquaplaning for both, Pilot Alpin 5 won 6 and WinterContact TS 870 P won 4 (average 96% vs 96% of the best).
- In 11 tests that measured dry braking for both, Pilot Alpin 5 won 11 and WinterContact TS 870 P won 0 (average 100% vs 97% of the best).
- In 11 tests that measured snow traction for both, Pilot Alpin 5 won 10 and WinterContact TS 870 P won 1 (average 99% vs 95% of the best).
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88
Dry
Pilot Alpin 5 +781Why this score
Source Pilot Alpin 5 WinterContact TS 870 P Professional tests (TWG score) · 14 / 22 tests 91 82 Reviews found online 84 79 Dry Braking (% of best) · 11 shared tests · wins 11–0 100% 97% Dry Handling (% of best) · 10 shared tests · wins 6–3 100% 99% Dry Lane Change (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–1 99% 100% Pilot Alpin 5: 60% × 91.1 + 40% × 83.7 = 88
WinterContact TS 870 P: 60% × 82.4 + 40% × 79 = 81
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91
Wet
Pilot Alpin 5 +190Why this score
Source Pilot Alpin 5 WinterContact TS 870 P Professional tests (TWG score) · 18 / 27 tests 94 93 Reviews found online 86 86 Curved Aquaplaning (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 0–2 77% 87% Straight Aquaplaning (% of best) · 12 shared tests · wins 6–4 96% 96% Wet Handling (tester's mark) (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–0 100% 100% Wet Braking (% of best) · 13 shared tests · wins 9–4 95% 94% Wet Braking (concrete) (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0 99% 96% Wet Circle (% of best) · 5 shared tests · wins 1–3 94% 96% Wet Handling (% of best) · 10 shared tests · wins 6–3 98% 98% Pilot Alpin 5: 60% × 93.5 + 40% × 86.4 = 91
WinterContact TS 870 P: 60% × 92.8 + 40% × 86.2 = 90
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87
Snow
Pilot Alpin 5 +978Why this score
Source Pilot Alpin 5 WinterContact TS 870 P Professional tests (TWG score) · 17 / 26 tests 94 79 Reviews found online 78 76 Ice Braking (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0 93% 84% Snow Braking (% of best) · 13 shared tests · wins 11–1 99% 96% Snow Handling (% of best) · 10 shared tests · wins 9–1 99% 98% Snow Slalom (% of best) · 3 shared tests · wins 2–1 94% 93% Snow Traction (% of best) · 11 shared tests · wins 10–1 99% 95% Ice Handling (tester's mark) (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–0 50% 50% Snow Handling (tester's mark) (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–0 50% 50% Pilot Alpin 5: 60% × 93.7 + 40% × 77.7 = 87
WinterContact TS 870 P: 60% × 78.7 + 40% × 76.2 = 78
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78
Comfort
WinterContact TS 870 P +482Why this score
Source Pilot Alpin 5 WinterContact TS 870 P Professional tests (TWG score) · 3 / 5 tests 80 84 Reviews found online 77 81 Comfort (tester's mark) (% of best) · 3 shared tests · wins 1–2 87% 89% Pilot Alpin 5: 40% × 79.5 + 60% × 76.8 = 78
WinterContact TS 870 P: 40% × 83.9 + 60% × 81.1 = 82
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85
Noise
Pilot Alpin 5 +1174Why this score
Source Pilot Alpin 5 WinterContact TS 870 P Professional tests (TWG score) · 14 / 19 tests 97 78 Reviews found online ≈ 67 (est.) ≈ 67 (est.) Noise (% of best) · 11 shared tests · wins 9–1 100% 99% Pilot Alpin 5: 60% × 96.5 + 40% × 66.6 (est.) = 85
WinterContact TS 870 P: 60% × 78.3 + 40% × 66.6 (est.) = 74
No owner ratings of noise for Pilot Alpin 5 or WinterContact TS 870 P. The owner half is the owners’ average (67): owners’ noise ratings barely follow the road tests, so the tests say nothing about how owners would rate it.
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84
Treadwear
Pilot Alpin 5 +1074Why this score
Source Pilot Alpin 5 WinterContact TS 870 P Professional tests (TWG score) · 5 / 7 tests 84 71 Reviews found online 82 80 Abrasion (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 2–0 100% 82% Wear (% of best) · 4 shared tests · wins 4–0 91% 80% Pilot Alpin 5: 60% × 84.4 + 40% × 82.3 = 84
WinterContact TS 870 P: 60% × 70.6 + 40% × 79.9 = 74
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85
Handling (owners)
Pilot Alpin 5 +283Why this score
Source Pilot Alpin 5 WinterContact TS 870 P Reviews found online 85 83 -
74
Efficiency
WinterContact TS 870 P +1286Why this score
Source Pilot Alpin 5 WinterContact TS 870 P Professional tests (TWG score) · 14 / 21 tests 74 86 Fuel Consumption (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 0–2 95% 97% Rolling Resistance (% of best) · 10 shared tests · wins 1–9 92% 97%
Scores at a glance
| Category | Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 | Continental WinterContact TS 870 P |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 87 | 81 |
| Dry | 88 | 81 |
| Wet | 91 | 90 |
| Snow | 87 | 78 |
| Comfort | 78 | 82 |
| Noise | 85 | 74 |
| Treadwear | 84 | 74 |
| Handling (owners) | 85 | 83 |
| Efficiency | 74 | 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
87
/ 100
Pilot Alpin 5
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 14 tests that ran both, Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 finished ahead 12 times and Continental WinterContact TS 870 P 2 times.
| Discipline | Category | Pilot Alpin 5 | WinterContact TS 870 P | Δ | Head-to-head |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | Dry | 100% | 97% | +2.8 | 11–0 in 11 shared tests Newest: 2025 ADAC Winter Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 |
| Dry Handling | Dry | 100% | 99% | +0.2 | 6–3 in 10 shared tests Newest: 2025 Autobild Winter Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 |
| Dry Lane Change | Dry | 99% | 100% | −1.3 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2026 Teknikens Värld Studded, Nordic and Central European Winter Tyre Test · 235/45 R18 |
| Curved Aquaplaning | Wet | 77% | 87% | −10.1 | 0–2 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2023 Sports Cars Winter Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 |
| Straight Aquaplaning | Wet | 96% | 96% | +0.3 | 6–4 in 12 shared tests Newest: 2026 Teknikens Värld Studded, Nordic and Central European Winter Tyre Test · 235/45 R18 |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 95% | 94% | +0.7 | 9–4 in 13 shared tests Newest: 2025 ADAC Winter Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 |
| Wet Braking (concrete) | Wet | 99% | 96% | +2.8 | 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2025 ADAC Winter Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 |
| Wet Circle | Wet | 94% | 96% | −2.2 | 1–3 in 5 shared tests Newest: 2025 ADAC Winter Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 98% | 98% | +0.3 | 6–3 in 10 shared tests Newest: 2025 Autobild Winter Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 |
| Wet Handling (tester's mark) | Wet | 100% | 100% | 0.0 | 0–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2026 Teknikens Värld Studded, Nordic and Central European Winter Tyre Test · 235/45 R18 |
| Ice Braking | Snow | 93% | 84% | +9.3 | 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2025 ADAC Winter Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 |
| Ice Handling (tester's mark) | Snow | 50% | 50% | 0.0 | 0–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2026 Teknikens Värld Studded, Nordic and Central European Winter Tyre Test · 235/45 R18 |
| Snow Braking | Snow | 99% | 96% | +2.9 | 11–1 in 13 shared tests Newest: 2025 ADAC Winter Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 |
| Snow Handling | Snow | 99% | 98% | +1.4 | 9–1 in 10 shared tests Newest: 2025 Autobild Winter Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 |
| Snow Handling (tester's mark) | Snow | 50% | 50% | 0.0 | 0–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2026 Teknikens Värld Studded, Nordic and Central European Winter Tyre Test · 235/45 R18 |
| Snow Slalom | Snow | 94% | 93% | +0.9 | 2–1 in 3 shared tests Newest: 2023 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test · 225/45 R18 |
| Snow Traction | Snow | 99% | 95% | +3.8 | 10–1 in 11 shared tests Newest: 2025 ADAC Winter Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 |
| Comfort (tester's mark) | Comfort | 87% | 89% | −2.1 | 1–2 in 3 shared tests Newest: 2026 Teknikens Värld Studded, Nordic and Central European Winter Tyre Test · 235/45 R18 |
| Noise | Noise | 100% | 99% | +1.0 | 9–1 in 11 shared tests Newest: 2025 ADAC Winter Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 |
| Abrasion | Treadwear | 100% | 82% | +18.3 | 2–0 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2025 ADAC Winter Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 |
| Wear | Treadwear | 91% | 80% | +10.5 | 4–0 in 4 shared tests Newest: 2025 ADAC Winter Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 |
| Fuel Consumption | Efficiency | 95% | 97% | −2.1 | 0–2 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2026 Teknikens Värld Studded, Nordic and Central European Winter Tyre Test · 235/45 R18 |
| Rolling Resistance | Efficiency | 92% | 97% | −5.6 | 1–9 in 10 shared tests Newest: 2025 Autobild Winter Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 |
| Also published by the testers (not in the score) | |||||
| Price | Cost | 53% | 58% | −4.7 | 0–4 in 4 shared tests Newest: 2023 Sport Auto Winter Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 |
| Total Cost of Ownership | Cost | #16/20 | #11/20 | – | 1–2 in 3 shared tests Newest: 2025 Autobild Winter Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 |
| Value | Cost | 56% | 54% | +1.6 | 2–1 in 3 shared tests Newest: 2025 Autobild Winter Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 |
| Road Rating (tester's mark) | Other | 60% | 90% | −30.0 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2026 Teknikens Värld Studded, Nordic and Central European Winter Tyre Test · 235/45 R18 |
| Overall Ranking | Overall | #2/18 | #1/18 | – | 12–2 in 14 shared tests Newest: 2026 Teknikens Värld Studded, Nordic and Central European Winter Tyre Test · 235/45 R18 |
Pros, cons & observations
Themes extracted from owner reviews found online — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
Tire A Pilot Alpin 5
Pros
- Outstanding dry and wet grip and handling, feeling similar to a UHP summer tire
- Great snow traction and stability for mountain driving and aggressive winter cornering
- Excellent steering response and high feedback compared to traditional winter tires
Cons
- Subpar performance and braking on pure ice or severe slush
- Stiffer sidewalls can lead to a firmer, sometimes bumpy ride quality and transfer road imperfections
- Fuel economy can be negatively impacted
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 · Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 | B · Continental WinterContact TS 870 P |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Winter | Winter |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | Passenger Car / Crossover |
| Sizes available | 81 | 121 |
| Rim diameters | 16″ – 23″ | 16″ – 23″ |
| Sizes in common | 43 | 43 |
Which one should you actually buy?
87
/ 100
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
81
/ 100
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
Winner: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 — better noise, treadwear and snow. Pick the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P if efficiency and comfort matter most to you.
Pick tire B
You want lower fuel or energy use
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P scores 86 vs 74 on efficiency.
Pick tire A
You want a quieter cabin
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 scores 85 vs 74 on noise.
Pick tire A
You want the longest tread life
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 scores 84 vs 74 on treadwear.
Pick tire A
You drive through snowy winters
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 scores 87 vs 78 on snow.
Tire A · Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
Tire B · Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
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Pilot Alpin 5 or WinterContact TS 870 P?
Which is better in the wet, Pilot Alpin 5 or WinterContact TS 870 P?
Neither, by our numbers: 91 vs 90 on the wet score, within 3 points.
Which grips better on dry roads, Pilot Alpin 5 or WinterContact TS 870 P?
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5, 88 vs 81 on our dry score.
Which is better in snow, Pilot Alpin 5 or WinterContact TS 870 P?
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5, 87 vs 78 on our snow score.
Which is quieter, Pilot Alpin 5 or WinterContact TS 870 P?
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5, 85 vs 74 on our noise score.
Which is more comfortable, Pilot Alpin 5 or WinterContact TS 870 P?
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P, 82 vs 78 on our comfort score.
Which lasts longer, Pilot Alpin 5 or WinterContact TS 870 P?
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5, 84 vs 74 on our treadwear score.
Which rolls more easily, Pilot Alpin 5 or WinterContact TS 870 P?
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P, 86 vs 74 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