Continental WinterContact TS 870 vs Continental PremiumContact 7 – a clash of segments as the TS 870 represents the Middle European winter tire category, while the PremiumContact 7 reigns supreme in the summer touring segment. What happens when these titans are pitted against each other in the wrong season? Can the TS 870 handle the scorching heat, or will the PremiumContact 7 grip through icy roads? Explore the trade-offs, risks, and the critical question: should you keep these tires on in their off-season? Stay tuned for the ultimate breakdown!
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Results: Continental WinterContact TS 870 vs Continental PremiumContact 7
Results below were taken from 2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test with a total of 53 tires tested. Only 20 tires made it into the final round of testing with wet & dry braking being the evaluation criteria. The graph below shows the comparison between Continental WinterContact TS 870 vs Continental PremiumContact 7 based on the relevant performance category. The Continental WinterContact TS 870 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
The tire size of interest is 205/55 R16 which is a common tire size for Toyota Corolla & Volkswagen Jetta. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a Volkswagen Golf.
Wet
The Continental PremiumContact 7, a summer tire, dominates wet braking, stopping 5 meters shorter at 52.9 meters compared to the WinterContact TS 870’s 57.9 meters. It also excels in wet handling, reaching 77.36 km/h versus the TS 870’s 75.14 km/h, and completes the wet circle 0.65 seconds faster.
Surprisingly, the TS 870 outshines in aquaplaning resistance. It holds firm up to 84.3 km/h in straight aquaplaning, outperforming the PremiumContact 7 at 80.4 km/h, and achieves superior curved aquaplaning acceleration at 3.82 m/s² compared to 3.19 m/s². This unexpected result highlights the TS 870’s advantage in deeper water.
PremiumContact 7 :
- +9% in wet braking
- +3% in wet handling (average lap speed)
- +6% in wet circle
- -5% in straight aquaplaning
- -16% in curved aquaplaning
Dry
When it comes to dry performance, the outcome is entirely predictable—the summer-focused Continental PremiumContact 7 dominates. In dry braking, it stops an impressive 5.3 meters shorter at 38.6 meters compared to the WinterContact TS 870’s 43.9 meters. The advantage continues in dry handling, with the PremiumContact 7 achieving a faster average speed of 115 km/h, leaving the TS 870 trailing at 110.6 km/h. This superiority is expected, as dry conditions always favor the precision and grip of a summer tire like the PremiumContact 7.
PremiumContact 7 :
- +14% in dry braking
- +4% in dry handling (average lap speed)
Snow
In snowy conditions, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 unsurprisingly outperforms the PremiumContact 7 by significant margins. In snow braking, the WinterContact TS 870 stops at 29.1 meters, a massive 17 meters shorter than the PremiumContact 7’s 46.1 meters, which is roughly four car lengths difference. For snow traction, the TS 870 produces a pulling force of 2520 N, nearly three times the 849 N of the PremiumContact 7. In snow slalom, the TS 870 delivers an acceleration of 3.28 m/s², more than doubling the summer tire’s 1.38 m/s². These results highlight the critical advantage of winter tires like the TS 870 in snowy conditions.
PremiumContact 7 :
- -37% in snow braking
- -66% in snow traction
- -58% in snow handling (average lap speed)
Noise
We would typically expect the Continental PremiumContact 7, with its lower void ratio as a summer tire, to produce less exterior noise compared to the WinterContact TS 870. However, the results are surprising. The WinterContact TS 870 registers 71 dB, noticeably quieter than the PremiumContact 7’s 73.4 dB—a difference of 2.4 dB, which is significant to the human ear. This unexpected outcome might be attributed to the softer compound of the TS 870, which absorbs vibrations more effectively, reducing noise levels despite its winter-focused design.
PremiumContact 7 :
- -4% in exterior noise (+2.4 dB)
Price
Summer tires are generally priced lower than winter tires, and this holds true here. The Continental PremiumContact 7 costs €89, making it 26% cheaper than the WinterContact TS 870, which is priced at €112.
Tire size: 205/55R16
- WinterContact TS 870 : € 112
- PremiumContact 7 : € 89
Difference:-26% more cheaper for PremiumContact 7
Conclusion from a Tire Expert’s Perspective:
The summer tire, Continental PremiumContact 7 excels in dry and wet performance, offering superior handling, braking, and affordability, making it ideal for summer conditions. Meanwhile, the WinterContact TS 870 shines in snow & aquaplaning, with unmatched traction, braking, and aquaplaning resistance, ensuring safety in winter weather. Choosing the right tire for the right season is critical—summer tires falter in snow, while winter tires underperform in heat. Always equip your vehicle with season-appropriate tires to ensure optimal safety, performance, and efficiency year-round.
Dr Edwin Pang