Continental WinterContact TS 870 vs. Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: The Showdown of the Season! In one corner, we have the Continental WinterContact TS 870, a stalwart of the winter tire industry, known for its impeccable performance and reliability. But this year, a formidable contender is stepping into the ring. Goodyear is unveiling its next-generation gem from the esteemed UltraGrip series – the UltraGrip Performance 3. This revolutionary product not only promises enhanced performance but seems to be meticulously crafted in response to the dynamic market needs.
As we shift gears into a world favoring powerful beasts like SUVs and EVs, Goodyear is ready. With the UltraGrip Performance 3, they’ve reduced the complexity of the winter portfolio, presenting a tire that succeeds both the UltraGrip 9+ and UltraGrip Performance+. Goodyear’s ambition with the UltraGrip Performance 3 is crystal clear – dominate in every winter condition, whether it’s snow, wet, or dry roads. Independent tests by TUEV Sued have already put this tire ahead of its competition in crucial areas like snow handling, wet braking, and dry braking. From Snow Protect Technology and “snow claws” for superior traction on snow to Wet Braking+ Technology and innovative 3D sipes for wet and dry conditions respectively – Goodyear has left no stone unturned.
So, here’s the million-dollar question: Is this Goodyear’s golden opportunity to overshadow its key rival? Is this the battle where the UltraGrip Performance 3 stakes its claim as the undisputed champion of winter tires? Strap in, folks. The frosty battle of the giants is about to begin!
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Results: Continental WinterContact TS 870 vs Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
Results below were taken from 2023 Auto Express Best winter tyres test with a total of 9 tires tested including a named all season & summer tire ! The graph below shows the comparison between Continental WinterContact TS 870 vs Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 based on the relevant performance category. The Continental WinterContact TS 870 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Since we are talking about winter segment with both tires having the converted 3 peak mountain logo, the objective & subjective snow performance was tested. The tire size of interest is a 225/45 R17 which is a common tire size for Volvo S60 & BMW 3 Series. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a Volkswagen Golf.
Wet Performance Face-off :
In the realm of winter tires, the wet performances of the Continental WinterContact TS 870 and Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 are closely matched. When looking at wet braking, the TS 870 registers at 100%, while the UltraGrip Performance 3 comes in at a nearly identical 99.7%. The wet handling scores are equally tight, with the TS 870 at 100% and its Goodyear counterpart at 99.2%. For wet circle performance, the numbers are again nearly identical: 100% for the TS 870 and 99.5% for the UltraGrip Performance 3. The tale of straight aquaplaning sees both tires essentially at parity, with scores of 100% for the TS 870 and 100.1% for the UltraGrip. Curved aquaplaning presents a slightly higher score for the UltraGrip at 101.4% against the TS 870’s 100%.
From an engineering lens, the differences in wet performance metrics between the two are so marginal they’re enveloped by test tolerances. In essence, both tires can be deemed EQUAL in wet performance, assuring drivers of top-tier safety and efficiency, irrespective of their choice.
UltraGrip Performance 3 :
- -0.3% in wet braking
- -0.8% in wet handling
- -0.5% in wet circle
- +0.1% in straight aquaplaning
- +1.4% in curved aquaplaning
Snow Performance Analysis:
When navigating the snowy terrains, both the Continental WinterContact TS 870 and Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 offer impressive performance, albeit with razor-thin margins separating them. In the realm of snow braking, the WinterContact TS 870 measures at 100%, with the UltraGrip Performance 3 showing a slightly higher capability at 100.8%. However, it’s in snow traction where the UltraGrip Performance 3 demonstrates a discernible advantage, registering at 101.4% compared to the TS 870’s 100%.
Although both tires exhibit top-notch snow performance, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 does seem to hold a slight edge in snow traction. Nonetheless, given the super tight margins, both options assure drivers of robust and dependable performance on snowy roads.
UltraGrip Performance 3 :
- +0.8% in snow braking
- +1.4% in snow traction
Dry Performance Duel:
Navigating dry terrains, both the Continental WinterContact TS 870 and the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 display exceptional prowess, separated by only the slimmest of margins. For dry braking, the WinterContact TS 870 comes in solid at 100%, while the UltraGrip Performance 3 trails ever so slightly at 98.7%. Similarly, in terms of dry handling, the TS 870 holds its ground at 100%, with the UltraGrip Performance 3 nipping at its heels with a score of 99.8%.
These marginal differences underscore the formidable performance of both tires in dry conditions. From an engineering standpoint, the two are nearly indistinguishable, ensuring drivers of optimal and reliable performance regardless of their choice.
UltraGrip Performance 3 :
- –1.3% in dry braking
- -0.2% in dry handling
Rolling Resistance Evaluation:
While both the Continental WinterContact TS 870 and the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 have showcased neck-and-neck performance in other domains, a more pronounced distinction emerges when assessing rolling resistance. The WinterContact TS 870 maintains a steadfast score of 100%, significantly overshadowing the UltraGrip Performance 3 which records at 92.7%.
This difference in rolling resistance is notable because it highlights the intricate balance manufacturers must strike between rolling resistance and wet performance, a challenging target conflict. In this face-off, it’s evident that Continental, with the WinterContact TS 870, has demonstrated a superior ability to navigate this target conflict compared to the UltraGrip Performance 3.
Drivers prioritizing energy efficiency and reduced fuel consumption might find the Continental WinterContact TS 870 to have an edge, given its commendable handling of the rolling resistance vs. wet performance dynamic.
UltraGrip Performance 3 :
- -7.3% in rolling resistance
Cabin Noise Comparison:
When assessing the crucial aspect of cabin noise, both the Continental WinterContact TS 870 and the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 showcase exemplary results, providing occupants with an identical level of serenity. The WinterContact TS 870 registers a cabin noise score of 100%, which is mirrored precisely by the UltraGrip Performance 3 at 100% as well.
In this arena, neither tire manages to edge out the other. Both offer the promise of a tranquil journey, effectively dampening road noise to ensure optimal comfort for all within the vehicle. For motorists prioritizing a peaceful driving experience, either choice seems to deliver in spades.
UltraGrip Performance 3 :
- 0% in cabin noise
Price
When comparing the cost for the popular tire size 205/55 R16, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 is priced at €96. In contrast, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 comes in slightly cheaper at €93.
This translates to the UltraGrip Performance 3 being approximately 3% more cost-effective than the WinterContact TS 870. For budget-conscious consumers, this modest price difference might tilt the scales in favor of the Goodyear offering.
Tire size: 205/55 R16
- WinterContact TS 870 : € 96
- UltraGrip Performance 3 : € 93
Difference: +3% cheaper for UltraGrip Performance 3
From the desk of a Tire Expert:
Having spent years analyzing and testing various tires in the industry, it’s rare to encounter such a thrillingly close race as I did between the Continental WinterContact TS 870 and the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3. To say they went toe-to-toe would be an understatement; the two are virtually indistinguishable in most categories.
Whether it’s the wet or dry terrains, both tires showcased exceptional prowess, with only the most minuscule of margins between them. Snow performance? Again, both contenders proved that they’re more than up for the challenge, delivering top-notch performance. And let’s talk about cabin noise – a factor so vital for a comfortable journey. Here too, both tires ensured a peaceful drive, registering identical scores and effectively drowning out the road noise.
But then we come to rolling resistance, the sole area where the Continental WinterContact TS 870 holds a slight advantage over the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3. It’s fascinating how this one metric can bring about a discernible difference in what is otherwise a dead heat.
So, where does this leave us?
If rolling resistance is a significant concern for you, due to factors like fuel economy or EV range, then the TS 870 would be the recommended choice. It handles the target conflict between wet performance and rolling resistance slightly better. However, if this isn’t a priority for you, then you’re truly splitting hairs in choosing between the two.
To sum it up, if a winner must be crowned in this epic tire showdown, the WinterContact TS 870 edges out, but only just and primarily because of its rolling resistance performance. But, and I cannot stress this enough, outside of that specific metric, these two tires are so closely matched that they’re virtually one and the same.
Happy driving!
Dr Edwin Pang