Continental WinterContact TS 870 vs Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

In this article we will be looking at independent tire test data, and real world driver reviews of the Continental WinterContact TS 870 and the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 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 is an Premium-Touring Winter tire designed to be fitted to Passenger-Cars, and the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 is an Ultra-High-Performance Winter tire designed to be fitted to Passenger-Cars

In This Article
Introduction Test Results Driver Reviews Conclusion
WinterContact-TS-870 VS UltraGrip-Performance-3

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 five tests which compare both tires directly!

Out of these five tests:

  • Continental WinterContact TS 870 finished ahead of the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 in five of the tests

While it might look like the Continental WinterContact TS 870 is better than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 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 two tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during one dry braking tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 stopped the vehicle in 0.56% less distance than the Continental WinterContact TS 870.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
44.3M
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
44.05M
Dry braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Dry Braking: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental WinterContact TS 870:44.7M ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: 44.2M
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental WinterContact TS 870:43.9M Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: 43.9M

Dry Handling [Km/H]

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during one dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was 0.9% faster around a lap than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
110.6Km/H
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
109.6Km/H
Dry Handling Average Speed, higher is better

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

2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:110.6Km/H Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: 109.6Km/H

Wet Braking

Continental WinterContact TS 870
43.37M
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
43.37M
Wet braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Wet Braking:

2024 Winter 55 Tire Braking Test
205/55 R16		 Continental WinterContact TS 870:37.1M ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: 36.9M
2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:35.1M Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: 35.5M
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental WinterContact TS 870:57.9M ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: 57.7M

Wet Braking - Concrete

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during one wet braking - concrete tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 stopped the vehicle in 1.79% less distance than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
38.5M
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
39.2M
Wet braking on Concrete in meters, lower is better

Best In Wet Braking - Concrete: Continental WinterContact TS 870

2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:38.5M Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: 39.2M

Wet Handling [Km/H]

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during one wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was 0.44% faster around a wet lap than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
75.14Km/H
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
74.81Km/H
Wet Handling Average Speed, higher is better

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

2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:75.14Km/H Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: 74.81Km/H

Wet Circle

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during one wet circle tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was 0.97% faster around a wet circle than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
12.29s
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
12.41s
Wet Circle Lap Time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Wet Circle: Continental WinterContact TS 870

2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:12.29s Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: 12.41s

Straight Aqua

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during two straight aqua tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 floated at a 1.78% higher speed than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
84.15Km/H
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
82.65Km/H
Float Speed in Km/H, higher is better

Best In Straight Aqua: Continental WinterContact TS 870

2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:84Km/H Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: 83.1Km/H
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:84.3Km/H Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: 82.2Km/H

Curved Aquaplaning

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during two curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 slipped out at a 3.99% higher speed than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
3.76m/sec2
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
3.61m/sec2
Remaining lateral acceleration, higher is better

Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Continental WinterContact TS 870

2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:3.7m/sec2 Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: 3.6m/sec2
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:3.82m/sec2 Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: 3.61m/sec2

Snow Braking

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during three snow braking tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 stopped the vehicle in 1.18% less distance than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
22.7M
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
22.97M
Snow braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Snow Braking: Continental WinterContact TS 870

2024 Winter 55 Tire Braking Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:29.1M Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: 29.4M
2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:9.9M Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: 10.1M
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:29.1M Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: 29.4M

Snow Traction

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during one snow traction tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 had 0.22% better snow traction than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
1374.5N
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
1371.5N
Pulling Force in Newtons, higher is better

Best In Snow Traction: Continental WinterContact TS 870

2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental WinterContact TS 870:229N ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: 231N
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:2520N Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: 2512N

Snow Handling [Km/H]

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during one snow handling [km/h] tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was 0.17% faster around a lap than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
60Km/H
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
59.9Km/H
Snow handling average speed, higher is better

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

2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:60Km/H Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: 59.9Km/H

Snow Slalom

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during one snow slalom tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was 1.52% faster through a slalom than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
3.28m/sec2
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
3.23m/sec2
Lateral acceleration, higher is better

Best In Snow Slalom: Continental WinterContact TS 870

2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:3.28m/sec2 Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: 3.23m/sec2

Ice Braking

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during one ice braking tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 stopped the vehicle 13.68% shorter than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
18.3M
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
21.2M
Ice braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Ice Braking: Continental WinterContact TS 870

2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:18.3M Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: 21.2M

Noise

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during one noise tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 measured 0.07% quieter than the Continental WinterContact TS 870.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
71.05dB
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
71dB
External noise in dB, lower is better

Best In Noise: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:71.1dB Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: 71.2dB
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental WinterContact TS 870:71dB ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: 70.8dB

Wear

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during one wear tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 is predicted to cover 5% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
45885KM
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
48300KM
Predicted tread life in KM, higher is better

Best In Wear: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental WinterContact TS 870:43800KM ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: 49100KM
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:47970KM Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: 47500KM

Value

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during one value tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 proved to have a 3.44% better value based on price/1000km than the Continental WinterContact TS 870.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
9.59Price/1000
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
9.26Price/1000
Euros/1000km based on cost/wear, lower is better

Best In Value: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental WinterContact TS 870:9.59Price/1000 ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: 9.26Price/1000

Rolling Resistance

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during one rolling resistance tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 had a 4.51% lower rolling resistance than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
7.83kg / t
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
8.2kg / t
Rolling resistance in kg t, lower is better

Best In Rolling Resistance: Continental WinterContact TS 870

2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:7.83kg / t Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: 8.2kg / t

Fuel Consumption

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during one fuel consumption tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 used 1.92% less fuel than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
5.1l/100km
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
5.2l/100km
Fuel consumption in Litres per 100 km, lower is better

Best In Fuel Consumption: Continental WinterContact TS 870

2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:5.1l/100km Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: 5.2l/100km

Abrasion

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during one abrasion tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 emitted 3.39% less particle wear matter than the Continental WinterContact TS 870.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
59mg/km/t
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
57mg/km/t
Weight of Tire Wear Particles Lost (mg/km/t), lower is better

Best In Abrasion: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental WinterContact TS 870:59mg/km/t ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: 57mg/km/t

Real World Driver Reviews

Tire Reviews also collects real world driver reviews for the Continental WinterContact TS 870 and Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.

In total the Continental WinterContact TS 870 has been reviewed 17 times and drivers have given the tire 82% overall.

The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 has been reviewed 8 times and drivers have given the tire 86% overall.

This means in real world driving, people prefer the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.

Best Review for the Continental WinterContact TS 870
Given 100% 205/55 R16 on mostly town for 100 easy going miles
From the first few meteres, it felt just smoother. Better rolling feeling. I purchased a brand new Skoda Scala, which came with a set of Bridgestone Turanza T005. The feeling is far superior than anything I've driven in the past. It felt I had better grip and feel of the road on wet when I picked up the car in the evening, rather than on the same road when it was dry. 400 euros but worth it every penny. I feel protected and confident with them. I'll update after the first snowfall/ice of the season.
Helpful 129 - tire reviewed on October 7, 2021
View all Continental WinterContact TS 870 driver reviews >>
Best Review for the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
Given 100% 245/45 R18 on a combination of roads for 2,000 average miles
So far, amazing tire. One of the best ever made. It grips and it handles so much better than the eagle f1 asymmetric6, the previously fitted on this car, and the wintercontact ts 850 p on another. And the comfort, its like the car is floating. Not cheap though.
Helpful 46 - tire reviewed on December 4, 2023
View all Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 driver reviews >>

Conclusion

In conclusion the Continental WinterContact TS 870 performed better in dry handling [km/h], wet braking - concrete, wet handling [km/h], wet circle, straight aqua, curved aquaplaning, snow braking, snow traction, snow handling [km/h], snow slalom, ice braking, rolling resistance and fuel consumption, while the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 performed better in dry braking, noise, wear, value and abrasion.

Interestingly, both tires performed equally well in wet braking, 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 Continental WinterContact TS 870 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: Continental WinterContact TS 870

Overall Winner: Continental WinterContact TS 870

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.