Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV

In this article we will be looking at independent tire test data, and real world driver reviews of the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P and the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV to find out which tire is best for your own driving.

There are a few basic differences between the two tires. The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P is an Ultra-High-Performance Winter tire designed to be fitted to Passenger-Cars, and the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV is an Ultra-High-Performance Winter tire designed to be fitted to SUV-and-4x4s

WinterContact-TS-870-P VS Pilot-Alpin-5-SUV

Test Results

Independent comparison tire tests are the best source of data to get tire information from, and the good news is there have been four tests which compare both tires directly!

Out of these four tests:

  • Continental WinterContact TS 870 P finished ahead of the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV in one of the tests
  • Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV finished ahead of the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P in two of the tests
  • The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P and Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV drew in one of the tests

While it might look like the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV is better than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P purely based on the higher number of test wins, tires are very complicated objects which means where one tire is better than the other can be more important in real world use.

Let's look at how the two tires compare across multiple tire test categories.

Dry Braking

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV was better during four dry braking tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV stopped the vehicle in 1.73% less distance than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
43.31M
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
42.56M
Dry braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Dry Braking: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV

2023 Tire Reviews SUV Winter Tire Test
235/60 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:43.02M Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 42.15M
2023 AMS SUV Winter Tire Test
255/45 R20
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:44.2M Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 43.7M
2023 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test
225/60 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:41.8M Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 41.5M
2024 AS SUV Winter Tire Test
235/55 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:44.2M Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 42.9M

Dry Handling [s]

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during one dry handling [s] tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was 0.5% faster around a lap than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
66.28s
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
66.61s
Dry handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Dry Handling [s]: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P

2023 Tire Reviews SUV Winter Tire Test
235/60 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:66.28s Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 66.61s

Dry Handling [Km/H]

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during two dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was 0.85% faster around a lap than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
109.1Km/H
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
108.17Km/H
Dry Handling Average Speed, higher is better

Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P

2023 AMS SUV Winter Tire Test
255/45 R20
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:117.5Km/H Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 115.4Km/H
2023 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test
225/60 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:94.3Km/H Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 94.6Km/H
2024 AS SUV Winter Tire Test
235/55 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:115.5Km/H Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 114.5Km/H

Subj. Dry Handling

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
95 Points
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
95 Points
Subjective Dry Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Dry Handling:

2023 Tire Reviews SUV Winter Tire Test
235/60 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:95 Points Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 95 Points

Wet Braking

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV was better during three wet braking tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV stopped the vehicle in 0.4% less distance than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
37.37M
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
37.22M
Wet braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Wet Braking: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV

2023 Tire Reviews SUV Winter Tire Test
235/60 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:33.06M Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 32.86M
2023 AMS SUV Winter Tire Test
255/45 R20
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:35.7M Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 35.2M
2023 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test
225/60 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:44.5M Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 44.9M
2024 AS SUV Winter Tire Test
235/55 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:36.2M Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 35.9M

Wet Handling [s]

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during one wet handling [s] tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was 0.14% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
73.45s
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
73.55s
Wet handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Wet Handling [s]: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P

2023 Tire Reviews SUV Winter Tire Test
235/60 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:73.45s Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 73.55s

Wet Handling [Km/H]

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during one wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was 0.26% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
75.47Km/H
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
75.67Km/H
Wet Handling Average Speed, higher is better

Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV

2023 AMS SUV Winter Tire Test
255/45 R20
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:77.8Km/H Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 78Km/H
2023 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test
225/60 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:83.1Km/H Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 83.6Km/H
2024 AS SUV Winter Tire Test
235/55 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:65.5Km/H Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 65.4Km/H

Subj. Wet Handling

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
95 Points
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
95 Points
Subjective Wet Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Wet Handling:

2023 Tire Reviews SUV Winter Tire Test
235/60 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:95 Points Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 95 Points

Wet Circle

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV was better during one wet circle tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV was 0.56% faster around a wet circle than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
16.2s
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
16.11s
Wet Circle Lap Time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Wet Circle: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV

2023 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test
225/60 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:16.2s Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 16.11s

Straight Aqua

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during one straight aqua tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P floated at a 0.74% higher speed than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
80Km/H
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
80.6Km/H
Float Speed in Km/H, higher is better

Best In Straight Aqua: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV

2023 Tire Reviews SUV Winter Tire Test
235/60 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:84.9Km/H Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 86.1Km/H
2023 AMS SUV Winter Tire Test
255/45 R20
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:76Km/H Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 76.6Km/H
2023 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test
225/60 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:84.9Km/H Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 87.3Km/H
2024 AS SUV Winter Tire Test
235/55 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:74.2Km/H Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 72.4Km/H

Curved Aquaplaning

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during four curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P slipped out at a 9.6% higher speed than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
3.54m/sec2
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
3.2m/sec2
Remaining lateral acceleration, higher is better

Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P

2023 Tire Reviews SUV Winter Tire Test
235/60 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:3.73m/sec2 Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 3.63m/sec2
2023 AMS SUV Winter Tire Test
255/45 R20
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:2.82m/sec2 Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 2.36m/sec2
2023 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test
225/60 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:4.2m/sec2 Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 4.02m/sec2
2024 AS SUV Winter Tire Test
235/55 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:3.39m/sec2 Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 2.77m/sec2

Snow Braking

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV was better during four snow braking tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV stopped the vehicle in 2.65% less distance than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
23.8M
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
23.17M
Snow braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Snow Braking: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV

2023 Tire Reviews SUV Winter Tire Test
235/60 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:16.21M Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 16.06M
2023 AMS SUV Winter Tire Test
255/45 R20
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:31.2M Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 29.8M
2023 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test
225/60 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:22.4M Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 22.3M
2024 AS SUV Winter Tire Test
235/55 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:25.4M Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 24.5M

Snow Traction

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV was better during one snow traction tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV accelerated 4.08% faster than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
3.68s
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
3.53s
Snow acceleration time, lower is better

Best In Snow Traction: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV

2023 Tire Reviews SUV Winter Tire Test
235/60 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:3.68s Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 3.53s

Snow Traction

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during zero snow traction tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P had 4.18% better snow traction than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
1064.23N
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
1110.62N
Pulling Force in Newtons, higher is better

Best In Snow Traction: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV

2023 AMS SUV Winter Tire Test
255/45 R20
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:3.28N Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 3.38N
2023 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test
225/60 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:3188N Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 3327N
2024 AS SUV Winter Tire Test
235/55 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:1.4N Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 1.48N

Snow Handling [s]

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV was better during one snow handling [s] tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV was 2.42% faster around a lap than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
90.85s
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
88.65s
Snow handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Snow Handling [s]: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV

2023 Tire Reviews SUV Winter Tire Test
235/60 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:90.85s Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 88.65s

Snow Handling [Km/H]

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during zero snow handling [km/h] tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was 2.16% faster around a lap than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
49.93Km/H
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
51.03Km/H
Snow handling average speed, higher is better

Best In Snow Handling [Km/H]: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV

2023 AMS SUV Winter Tire Test
255/45 R20
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:46.4Km/H Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 48.2Km/H
2023 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test
225/60 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:55.5Km/H Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 56.1Km/H
2024 AS SUV Winter Tire Test
235/55 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:47.9Km/H Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 48.8Km/H

Subj. Snow Handling

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during zero subj. snow handling tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P scored 5% more points than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
95 Points
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
100 Points
Subjective Snow Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Snow Handling: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV

2023 Tire Reviews SUV Winter Tire Test
235/60 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:95 Points Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 100 Points

Snow Circle

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during one snow circle tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P provided 0.23% more lateral grip than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
4.3ms/2
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
4.29ms/2
Lateral snow grip in m/s squared, higher is better

Best In Snow Circle: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P

2023 AMS SUV Winter Tire Test
255/45 R20
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:4.3ms/2 Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 4.29ms/2

Snow Slalom

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during zero snow slalom tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was 1.63% faster through a slalom than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
4.82m/sec2
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
4.9m/sec2
Lateral acceleration, higher is better

Best In Snow Slalom: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV

2023 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test
225/60 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:4.82m/sec2 Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 4.9m/sec2

Subj. Comfort

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
95 Points
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
100 Points
Subjective Comfort Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Comfort: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV

Subj. Noise

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during zero subj. noise tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P scored 5% more points than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
95 Points
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
100 Points
Subjective in car noise levels, higher is better

Best In Subj. Noise: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV

2023 Tire Reviews SUV Winter Tire Test
235/60 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:95 Points Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 100 Points

Noise

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV was better during four noise tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV measured 2.11% quieter than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
72.38dB
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
70.85dB
External noise in dB, lower is better

Best In Noise: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV

2023 Tire Reviews SUV Winter Tire Test
235/60 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:71.1dB Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 68.9dB
2023 AMS SUV Winter Tire Test
255/45 R20
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:71.8dB Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 71.2dB
2023 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test
225/60 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:74.1dB Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 71.9dB
2024 AS SUV Winter Tire Test
235/55 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:72.5dB Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 71.4dB

Price

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV was better during one price tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV cost 7.38% less than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
513.65
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
475.75
Price in local currency, lower is better

Best In Price: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV

2023 Tire Reviews SUV Winter Tire Test
235/60 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:162.29 Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 171.49
2023 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test
225/60 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:865 Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 780

Rolling Resistance

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during four rolling resistance tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P had a 16.99% lower rolling resistance than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
6.84kg / t
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
8.24kg / t
Rolling resistance in kg t, lower is better

Best In Rolling Resistance: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P

2023 Tire Reviews SUV Winter Tire Test
235/60 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:6.493kg / t Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 8.186kg / t
2023 AMS SUV Winter Tire Test
255/45 R20
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:7.2kg / t Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 8kg / t
2023 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test
225/60 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:6.37kg / t Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 8.39kg / t
2024 AS SUV Winter Tire Test
235/55 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:7.3kg / t Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: 8.4kg / t

Real World Driver Reviews

Tire Reviews also collects real world driver reviews for the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P and Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV.

In total the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P has been reviewed 18 times and drivers have given the tire 89% overall.

The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV has been reviewed 7 times and drivers have given the tire 83% overall.

This means in real world driving, people prefer the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV.

Best Review for the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
Given 84% 205/60 R16 on mostly motorways for 110 average miles
This is a quick review to help out some folk to buy these tires. My plan before was to buy 860S however the new model intrigued me but I'd say that 860S may in fact be better in terms of subjective feel. Dry grip wasn't half bad, definitely could launch the car hard in the dry however at around 8C or more after prolonged driving session it does start to drop off so I assume it may perform even better in fairly cold weather. Braking in the dry could be better as my previous TS860 tires did better in dry braking. Handling had bit understeer in the dry but nothing that made the drive boring.... Continue reading this review using the link below
Helpful 115 - tire reviewed on October 25, 2021
View all Continental WinterContact TS 870 P driver reviews >>
Best Review for the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
Given 100% 235/55 R18 V on a combination of roads for 2,000 average miles
I can not believe that this tires are not tested yet by any relevant tire test comparison media! This is probably one of the best winter tires for medium size SUV this days. Perfect on snow and slush, ice (I dont know, but probably excelant since I did not feel any ice struggling), very, very good braking on wet and snow. Excelent traction on snow (on steep snowy hills this tire is like goat and this is very good tire characteristic if you have 4x2 SUV), cornering on snow more than enough (50-55 mph) The noise level is very low (but I comment for my car which have excelent noise insulation... Continue reading this review using the link below
Helpful 98 - tire reviewed on October 25, 2019
View all Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV driver reviews >>

Conclusion

In conclusion the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P performed better in dry handling [s], dry handling [km/h], wet handling [s], curved aquaplaning, snow circle and rolling resistance, while the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV performed better in dry braking, wet braking, wet handling [km/h], wet circle, straight aqua, snow braking, snow traction, snow traction, snow handling [s], snow handling [km/h], subj. snow handling, snow slalom, subj. noise, noise and price.

Interestingly, both tires performed equally well in subj. dry handling and subj. wet handling, showing that they are closely matched in these areas.

Which tire is best for you depends a lot on your driving style and situation, plus what you want from the tire. Comparing all the data in the tire reviews database, on balance Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV seems to be the best tire overall.

However, it's important to note that both tires have their strengths.

Remember, the best tire for you might depend on which of these factors are most important for your specific driving needs and conditions.

Overall Winner: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV

Overall Winner: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV

Footnote

This page has been developed using tire industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tires in the same test.

Why is this important? Tire testing is heavily affected by things like surface grip levels and surface temperature, which means you can only compare values from the same day. During a tire test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tire tests performed on different days or at different locations.

As a result you will see other tests on Tire Reviews which feature both the %s and %s, but as they weren't conducted on the same day, the results are not comparable.

Lots of other websites do this sort of tire comparison, Tire Reviews doesn't.