Continental WinterContact TS 870 vs Dunlop Winter Sport 5

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 Dunlop Winter Sport 5 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 Dunlop Winter Sport 5 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 Winter-Sport-5

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 nine tests which compare both tires directly!

Out of these nine tests:

  • Continental WinterContact TS 870 finished ahead of the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 in seven of the tests
  • Dunlop Winter Sport 5 finished ahead of the Continental WinterContact TS 870 in one of the tests
  • The Continental WinterContact TS 870 and Dunlop Winter Sport 5 drew in one of the tests

While it might look like the Continental WinterContact TS 870 is better than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 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 Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during four dry braking tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 stopped the vehicle in 2.82% less distance than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
44.88M
Dunlop Winter Sport 5
46.18M
Dry braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Dry Braking: Continental WinterContact TS 870

2021 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:47.4M Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 47.8M
2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:43.5M Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 45.3M
2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:44.7M Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 45.6M
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:43.9M Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 46M

Dry Handling [Km/H]

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during two dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was 1.64% faster around a lap than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
124.7Km/H
Dunlop Winter Sport 5
122.65Km/H
Dry Handling Average Speed, higher is better

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

2021 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:138.8Km/H Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 136.4Km/H
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:110.6Km/H Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 108.9Km/H

Wet Braking

Looking at data from six tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during four wet braking tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 stopped the vehicle in 1.23% less distance than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
42.57M
Dunlop Winter Sport 5
43.1M
Wet braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Wet Braking: Continental WinterContact TS 870

2021 Winter Tire Market Overview
205/55 R16		 Continental WinterContact TS 870:34.2M ✓ Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 33.6M
2021 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental WinterContact TS 870:53.4M ✓ Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 52.5M
2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:37.7M Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 39.4M
2024 Winter 55 Tire Braking Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:37.1M Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 37.4M
2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:35.1M Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 37.2M
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:57.9M Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 58.5M

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 7.67% less distance than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
38.5M
Dunlop Winter Sport 5
41.7M
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 Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 41.7M

Wet Handling [Km/H]

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during one wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was 0.34% faster around a wet lap than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
73.57Km/H
Dunlop Winter Sport 5
73.32Km/H
Wet Handling Average Speed, higher is better

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

2021 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental WinterContact TS 870:72Km/H ✓ Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 72.5Km/H
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:75.14Km/H Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 74.13Km/H

Wet Circle

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during one wet circle tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was 0.24% faster around a wet circle than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
12.53s
Dunlop Winter Sport 5
12.56s
Wet Circle Lap Time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Wet Circle: Continental WinterContact TS 870

2021 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental WinterContact TS 870:12.77s ✓ Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 12.64s
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:12.29s Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 12.48s

Straight Aqua

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during four straight aqua tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 floated at a 8.3% higher speed than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
82.93Km/H
Dunlop Winter Sport 5
76.05Km/H
Float Speed in Km/H, higher is better

Best In Straight Aqua: Continental WinterContact TS 870

2021 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:82.3Km/H Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 76.4Km/H
2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:81.1Km/H Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 73.8Km/H
2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:84Km/H Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 76.5Km/H
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:84.3Km/H Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 77.5Km/H

Curved Aquaplaning

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during four curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 slipped out at a 5.92% higher speed than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
3.55m/sec2
Dunlop Winter Sport 5
3.34m/sec2
Remaining lateral acceleration, higher is better

Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Continental WinterContact TS 870

2021 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:3.38m/sec2 Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 2.95m/sec2
2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:3.3m/sec2 Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 3.1m/sec2
2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:3.7m/sec2 Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 3.6m/sec2
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:3.82m/sec2 Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 3.71m/sec2

Snow Braking

Looking at data from six tire tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during three snow braking tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 stopped the vehicle in 0.54% less distance than the Continental WinterContact TS 870.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
22.17M
Dunlop Winter Sport 5
22.05M
Snow braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Snow Braking: Dunlop Winter Sport 5

2021 Winter Tire Market Overview
205/55 R16		 Continental WinterContact TS 870:27.7M ✓ Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 27.3M
2021 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental WinterContact TS 870:27.7M ✓ Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 27.3M
2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Continental WinterContact TS 870:9.5M ✓ Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 9.4M
2024 Winter 55 Tire Braking Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:29.1M Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 29.2M
2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental WinterContact TS 870:9.9M Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 9.9M
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:29.1M Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 29.2M

Snow Traction

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during one snow traction tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 had 0.9% better snow traction than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
1460N
Dunlop Winter Sport 5
1473.3N
Pulling Force in Newtons, higher is better

Best In Snow Traction: Dunlop Winter Sport 5

2021 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:2839N Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 2830N
2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Continental WinterContact TS 870:252N ✓ Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 258.2N
2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental WinterContact TS 870:229N ✓ Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 235N
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental WinterContact TS 870:2520N ✓ Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 2570N

Snow Handling [Km/H]

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during two snow handling [km/h] tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was 0.85% faster around a lap than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
58.65Km/H
Dunlop Winter Sport 5
58.15Km/H
Snow handling average speed, higher is better

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

2021 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:57.3Km/H Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 56.7Km/H
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:60Km/H Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 59.6Km/H

Snow Slalom

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during zero snow slalom tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was 0.91% faster through a slalom than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
3.28m/sec2
Dunlop Winter Sport 5
3.31m/sec2
Lateral acceleration, higher is better

Best In Snow Slalom: Dunlop Winter Sport 5

2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental WinterContact TS 870:3.28m/sec2 ✓ Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 3.31m/sec2

Ice Braking

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during two ice braking tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 stopped the vehicle 5.97% shorter than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
18.9M
Dunlop Winter Sport 5
20.1M
Ice braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Ice Braking: Continental WinterContact TS 870

2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:19.5M Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 20.2M
2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:18.3M Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 20M

Noise

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during four noise tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 measured 2.53% quieter than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
71.18dB
Dunlop Winter Sport 5
73.03dB
External noise in dB, lower is better

Best In Noise: Continental WinterContact TS 870

2021 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:70.6dB Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 72.3dB
2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:72dB Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 74.3dB
2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:71.1dB Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 73dB
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:71dB Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 72.5dB

Wear

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during one wear tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 is predicted to cover 1.8% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
48267.5KM
Dunlop Winter Sport 5
47397.5KM
Predicted tread life in KM, higher is better

Best In Wear: Continental WinterContact TS 870

2021 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:45400KM Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 30700KM
2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Continental WinterContact TS 870:55900KM ✓ Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 61500KM
2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental WinterContact TS 870:43800KM ✓ Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 48700KM
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental WinterContact TS 870:47970KM ✓ Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 48690KM

Value

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during one value tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 proved to have a 3.72% better value based on price/1000km than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
6.98Price/1000
Dunlop Winter Sport 5
7.25Price/1000
Euros/1000km based on cost/wear, lower is better

Best In Value: Continental WinterContact TS 870

2021 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:8.37Price/1000 Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 11.56Price/1000
2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Continental WinterContact TS 870:2.99Price/1000 ✓ Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 2.39Price/1000
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental WinterContact TS 870:9.59Price/1000 ✓ Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 7.8Price/1000

Price

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during two price tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 cost 8.23% less than the Continental WinterContact TS 870.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
273.5
Dunlop Winter Sport 5
251
Price in local currency, lower is better

Best In Price: Dunlop Winter Sport 5

2021 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental WinterContact TS 870:380 ✓ Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 355
2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Continental WinterContact TS 870:167 ✓ Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 147

Rolling Resistance

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was better during one rolling resistance tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 had a 3.55% lower rolling resistance than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
7.89kg / t
Dunlop Winter Sport 5
8.18kg / t
Rolling resistance in kg t, lower is better

Best In Rolling Resistance: Continental WinterContact TS 870

2021 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870:7.94kg / t Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 8.53kg / t
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental WinterContact TS 870:7.83kg / t ✓ Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 7.82kg / t

Fuel Consumption

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during one fuel consumption tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 used 1.85% less fuel than the Continental WinterContact TS 870.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
5.4l/100km
Dunlop Winter Sport 5
5.3l/100km
Fuel consumption in Litres per 100 km, lower is better

Best In Fuel Consumption: Dunlop Winter Sport 5

2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Continental WinterContact TS 870:5.7l/100km ✓ Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 5.5l/100km
2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental WinterContact TS 870:5.1l/100km Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 5.1l/100km

Abrasion

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during one abrasion tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 emitted 1.61% less particle wear matter than the Continental WinterContact TS 870.

Continental WinterContact TS 870
62.15mg/km/t
Dunlop Winter Sport 5
61.15mg/km/t
Weight of Tire Wear Particles Lost (mg/km/t), lower is better

Best In Abrasion: Dunlop Winter Sport 5

2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Continental WinterContact TS 870:65.3mg/km/t Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 65.3mg/km/t
2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental WinterContact TS 870:59mg/km/t ✓ Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 57mg/km/t

Real World Driver Reviews

Tire Reviews also collects real world driver reviews for the Continental WinterContact TS 870 and Dunlop Winter Sport 5.

In total the Continental WinterContact TS 870 has been reviewed 15 times and drivers have given the tire 85% overall.

The Dunlop Winter Sport 5 has been reviewed 40 times and drivers have given the tire 83% overall.

This means in real world driving, people prefer the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.

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 126 - tire reviewed on October 7, 2021
View all Continental WinterContact TS 870 driver reviews >>
Best Review for the Dunlop Winter Sport 5
Given 81% 225/40 R18 W on a combination of roads for 24,000 spirited miles
I bought these as the successor to Dunlop WinterSport4 which I had been very happy with before, especially with wet grip and good feel in wet/poor conditions. Living and driving around Scotland I use the WinterSport as an all-season tire. The 5's have improved in all areas and especially in dry handling which was a slight letdown with the 4's. Performance now tails off above around 12 degrees ambient, compared to around 7 degrees with the 4's. At high speed in summer the tires can get a little 'floaty', but for me this is an acceptable compromise to the excellent grip in cold wet... Continue reading this review using the link below
Helpful 140 - tire reviewed on September 24, 2016
View all Dunlop Winter Sport 5 driver reviews >>

Conclusion

In conclusion the Continental WinterContact TS 870 performed better in dry braking, dry handling [km/h], wet braking, wet braking - concrete, wet handling [km/h], wet circle, straight aqua, curved aquaplaning, snow handling [km/h], ice braking, noise, wear, value and rolling resistance, while the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 performed better in snow braking, snow traction, snow slalom, price, fuel consumption and abrasion.

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.