Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 vs Continental WinterContact 8 S: The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 meets the Continental WinterContact 8 S in a high-stakes winter showdown for middle European conditions. While Goodyear continues its performance-driven UltraGrip legacy, Continental enters the ring with a new OE-specific WinterContact 8 S, engineered for modern premium vehicles. Two fresh design philosophies, one cold-weather battleground — this is a clash built to define the next generation of winter performance.
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Results: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 vs Continental WinterContact 8 S
Results below were taken from 2025 Sport Auto Winter Tire Test with a total of 7 tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 vs Continental WinterContact 8 S based on the relevant performance category. The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Since we are talking about the middle European winter segment with both tires having the converted 3 peak mountain logo, snow performances was tested. The tire size of interest is 275/35R19 which is a common tire size for Mercedes-Benz AMG GT/E-Class/CLS & Nissan 370Z/Z. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a BMW M4.
Wet
In wet braking, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 stops 0.6 meters shorter than the Continental WinterContact 8 S, giving it about a 2% advantage. On the wet handling course, the Goodyear carries 2.6 km/h more speed, which works out to roughly a 3% higher cornering performance. In straight-line aquaplaning, the Goodyear maintains control 3.6 km/h faster, again translating to about a 4% edge.
Overall, the UltraGrip Performance 3 shows a consistent, small but meaningful lead in wet safety and stability, while the WinterContact 8 S remains close enough to keep this a competitive and well-matched wet-weather battle.
WinterContact 8 S :
- -2% in wet braking
- -3% in wet handling (avg speed)
- -4% in straight aquaplaning
Snow
In snow braking, the Continental WinterContact 8 S stops 0.3 meters shorter than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3, giving it about a 1% advantage. For snow traction, the Continental also edges ahead with 0.06 N more pulling force, which works out to roughly a 1% gain. On the snow handling course, the Goodyear turns the tables by carrying 1.1 km/h more speed, translating to about a 1% advantage.
Overall, the WinterContact 8 S leans slightly toward better braking and traction on snow, while the UltraGrip Performance 3 counters with sharper snow handling, keeping this a finely balanced winter battle rather than a clear-cut win for either side.
WinterContact 8 S :
- +1% in snow braking
- +1% in snow traction
- -1% in snow handling (avg speed)
Dry
In dry braking, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 stops 1.0 meter shorter than the Continental WinterContact 8 S, giving it about a 2% advantage. On the dry handling course, the Goodyear carries 0.6 km/h more speed, which works out to roughly a 0% edge.
WinterContact 8 S :
- -2% in dry braking
- ~0% in dry handling (avg speed)
NVH
In exterior noise, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 runs 2.1 dB quieter than the Continental WinterContact 8 S, which works out to about a 3% reduction in measured noise levels.
WinterContact 8 S :
- -3% in exterior noise (+2.1 dB)
Rolling Resistance
In rolling resistance, the Continental WinterContact 8 S shows 0.5 N/kN lower resistance than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3, giving it about a 6% efficiency advantage.
WinterContact 8 S :
- +6% in rolling resistance
Price
At 275/35R19, the Continental WinterContact 8 S is €3 cheaper than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3, which works out to about a 1% lower price.
Tire size: 275/35 R19
- UltraGrip Performance 3 : € 305
- WinterContact 8 S : € 302
Difference: -1% more cheaper for WinterContact 8 S
Conclusion from a Tire Expert’s Perspective:
From my perspective, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 stands out for its sharper wet and dry behavior, higher aquaplaning stability, and noticeably lower exterior noise, making it the more confidence-inspiring and refined choice for everyday winter driving. The Continental WinterContact 8 S, on the other hand, impresses with slightly stronger snow braking and traction, along with lower rolling resistance, giving it an edge in winter efficiency and snow-focused control. In the end, this comes down to priorities: Goodyear for dynamic feel and comfort, Continental for snow performance and energy efficiency.
Dr Edwin Pang