Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV vs. Continental WinterContact TS 870 P: The Winter Showdown in Central Europe! As the mercury dips and Europe’s heartlands brace for winter, two giants of tire technology gear up for a frosty face-off: the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV and the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P. Michelin, renowned for its impeccable grip on wintry roads and long-lasting performance, brings to the arena the Pilot Alpin 5 SUV, a testament to their unmatched prowess in tire engineering.
On the other side, Continental’s WinterContact TS 870 P promises unrivaled precision and safety, a tire designed for those who won’t compromise on performance when the snow begins to fall. For SUV enthusiasts, this is more than just a battle of rubber—it’s an epic clash of innovation, legacy, and mastery. As Central Europe waits in anticipation, who will reign supreme on its snowy streets? Buckle up and get ready for the ultimate winter tire showdown!
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Results: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV vs Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
Results below were taken from Auto Motor und Sport’s 20 inch Winter Tire Test with a total of 7 tires tested in the frosty landscape of Finnish Lapland ! The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV vs Continental WinterContact TS 870 P based on the relevant performance category. The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV 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. Note that for subjective ratings, 1 point is equivalent to 5%. So if tire A has a 7 point rating & tire B has a 6 point rating, tire A is better than tire B by 5%. The tire size of interest is a 255/45 R20 which is a common tire size for Audi Q5. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a KIA EV6 & KIA Sorento.
Wet Performance Face-off :
When it comes to wet performances, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV and the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P have showcased distinct capabilities, drawing the attention of many discerning motorists.
In terms of wet braking, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV slightly outperforms the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P, stopping at 35.2 meters as opposed to the latter’s 35.7 meters. This marginal difference can be significant in real-world conditions, especially during unexpected halts on slippery roads. Lateral stability, an essential factor for ensuring safety during turns and swift maneuvers on wet terrains, sees the Michelin holding a slight edge once again. Scoring a subjective rating of 7.18/10, it fares slightly better than the Continental, which stands at 7.05/10.
In the arena of wet handling, particularly concerning lap times, the distinction is quite narrow. The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV completes its lap a mere 0.2 seconds faster than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P, showcasing that both tires deliver closely matched handling performance. However, subjective perceptions of wet handling present a clearer divide. Drivers rated the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV at a commendable 8/10, while the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P received a slightly lesser 6/10. This suggests that, while objective metrics are close, there’s a noticeable difference in how drivers feel about the handling characteristics of each tire in wet conditions.
Lastly, regarding straight aquaplaning – a crucial aspect for maintaining control during heavy downpours – both tires demonstrate admirable performances. The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV manages to maintain grip until 76.6 km/h, whereas the Continental starts slipping at a near-identical 76 km/h.
In summary, while both the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV and the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P exhibit remarkable wet performance attributes, the Michelin appears to have a slight edge in several categories, providing drivers with an incremental assurance during damp and challenging drives.
WinterContact TS 870 P :
- -1% in wet braking
- +2% in wet lateral stability
- ~0% in wet handling (lap time)
- -10% in wet handling (subjective)
- -1% in straight aquaplaning
Snow Performance Analysis:
In the snowy terrains where grip and control become paramount, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV and the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P reveal distinct performance nuances.
For snow braking, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV exhibits superior performance, stopping at 29.8 meters. In contrast, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P takes a slightly longer distance of 31.2 meters. This 1.4-meter difference might seem minimal on paper but can be pivotal during unexpected stops on snow-covered roads. When assessing snow traction, the Michelin again marginally outshines the Continental. The Pilot Alpin 5 SUV travels a distance of 3.38 meters after a given time, whereas the WinterContact TS 870 P covers a slightly shorter 3.28 meters in the same duration. This indicates that the Michelin tire provides a touch more traction in snowy conditions.
In the realm of snow handling, specifically regarding lap times, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV impressively completes its lap 1.8 seconds faster than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P. This time gap emphasizes that the Michelin tire might offer enhanced agility and responsiveness on snow-laden tracks. Furthermore, when considering the drivers’ subjective feelings on snow handling, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV shines brightly, securing a perfect score of 10/10. In comparison, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P follows closely but with a score of 8/10, indicating that while it performs commendably, drivers feel a tad more confident with the Michelin under snowy circumstances.
Overall, in the snowy performance showdown, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV appears to have a consistent edge across various metrics, solidifying its position as a formidable choice for those seeking optimal snow handling and safety.
WinterContact TS 870 P :
- -4% in snow braking
- 0% in snow lateral stability
- -3% in snow traction
- -4% in snow handling (lap time)
- -10% in snow handling (subjective)
Dry Performance Duel:
Navigating dry terrains, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV and the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P showcase their prowess and draw sharp contrasts in performance.
In the realm of dry braking, both tires exhibit closely matched capabilities. The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV halts at 43.7 meters, while the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P takes a fractionally longer distance, stopping at 44.2 meters. This 0.5-meter variance, although slight, underscores the Michelin’s marginally better braking performance on dry surfaces.
For the challenging dry moose test, which evaluates evasive maneuvers, drivers gave the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV a subjective rating of 9/10. In comparison, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P secured a score of 7/10. This two-point gap suggests that drivers feel more confident and in control with the Michelin when executing sudden changes in direction on dry roads. Delving into steering response, another crucial factor for vehicular control, the Michelin again holds an advantage. With a subjective score of 9/10, it narrowly surpasses the Continental’s rating of 8/10, indicating a slightly more immediate and crisp steering feel.
Turning our attention to dry handling, particularly the lap times, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P emerges ahead, completing its lap a significant 2.1 seconds faster than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV. This indicates that the Continental tire offers superior agility and speed on dry tracks.
Lastly, when drivers voiced their feelings about dry handling, both tires stood neck and neck, each securing an impressive score of 9/10. This parity highlights that, in terms of how the tires feel during dry handling, both are held in high esteem.
In summary, while the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV garners praise for its braking and steering capabilities in dry conditions, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P demonstrates its own strengths, especially in terms of handling agility. However taking into account the spectrum of dry evaluation, it is safe to say Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV has the overall dry edge.
WinterContact TS 870 P :
- -1% in dry braking
- -10% in dry moose test
- -5% in dry steering response
- +2% in dry handling (lap time)
- 0% in dry handling (subjective)
Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH)
In the domain of Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH), the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV and the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P once again draw distinctions, though subtle, in their performances.
From a comfort standpoint, both tires present high levels of ride quality. However, drivers have expressed a slight preference for the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV, awarding it a subjective score of 9/10. The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P, while commendable in its own right, receives a score of 8/10. This suggests that users might perceive the Michelin as being marginally more comfortable during their drives.
On the noise front, which plays a pivotal role in the overall driving experience, especially during long journeys, the two tires showcase closely matched attributes. The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV registers an exterior noise level of 71.2 dB, while the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P comes in slightly higher at 71.8 dB. This 0.6 dB difference, though minimal, points to the Michelin being a tad quieter, which might be more appealing to those who prioritize serenity in their rides.
In summary, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV appears to offer a slightly better NVH performance, both in terms of comfort and exterior noise. Still, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P remains a strong contender, ensuring a relatively serene and comfortable journey for its users.
WinterContact TS 870 P :
- -1% in exterior noise (+0.6 dB)
- -5% in subjective comfort
Rolling Resistance Evaluation:
Rolling resistance is a pivotal metric in tire performance, impacting aspects like fuel efficiency and environmental impact. When comparing the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV and the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P based on their rolling resistance values, subtle differences emerge.
The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV registers a rolling resistance value of 8 N/kN. In contrast, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P comes in slightly lower at 7.2 N/kN.
This difference implies that the Continental tire has a lower rolling resistance by 0.8 N/kN compared to the Michelin. A lower rolling resistance is generally associated with better fuel efficiency as it requires less energy to move the tire. Therefore, in this aspect, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P might offer a marginal advantage in terms of fuel economy over the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV.
WinterContact TS 870 P :
- +11% in rolling resistance
Price
When considering the costs associated with the tire size 255/45R 20, there’s a notable price difference between the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV and the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P. The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV is priced at €329. In comparison, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P is considerably more affordable, coming in at €252.
This price gap means that the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P is 30% cheaper than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV. For budget-conscious consumers or those seeking value for money, the Continental tire might present a more appealing option given its significant price advantage.
Tire size: 255/45R 20
- Pilot Alpin 5 SUV : € 329
- WinterContact TS 870 P : € 252
Difference: +30% cheaper for WinterContact TS 870 P
Conclusion from a Tire Expert’s Perspective:
Having spent years in the tire industry and rigorously tested countless models across various conditions, I’ve gained a keen sense for identifying nuanced differences that might elude the average consumer. In this head-to-head battle between the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV and the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P, some distinct characteristics stood out.
The Michelin, in my professional estimation, exhibited superior prowess especially when it came to subjective evaluations in snow, wet, and dry conditions. It consistently instilled a sense of confidence and command, an attribute highly valued in the tire world.
On the other hand, the Continental didn’t trail far behind. It was particularly impressive in snow traction and snow handling, evidenced by its lap times. Moreover, its lower rolling resistance is an undeniable advantage, offering the potential for improved fuel efficiency—a feature many eco-conscious and budget-aware drivers might appreciate.
However, when one delves into the technicalities and assimilates the myriad performance metrics, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV, in my expert opinion, emerges as the preferred choice in this duel. While both tires are commendable in their respective rights, Michelin’s consistent high performance across multiple parameters gives it the edge in this competition.
Dr Edwin Pang