Welcome to the ultimate showdown between two titans of the automotive brake industry: ACDelco and Akebono.
In this article, we’ll perform a deep dive into their performance, quality, pricing, pros, and cons.
Fasten your seatbelts and get ready to discover who takes the crown in the world of brake systems.
Let’s put the pedal to the metal!
ACDelco vs Akebono – Brand Comparison Table
| ACDelco | Akebono | |
| Country of Origin | United States | Japan |
| Year Founded | 1974 | 1929 |
| Made In | mostly in China | Japan, United States, China, France, Slovakia |
| Founder | William C. Durant | Sanji Osame |
| Parent | General Motors | Stand-alone |
| Overall Quality | great quality when it comes to brake pads & shoes products | cost-effective option that provides OEM quality |
ACDelco Gold vs Akebono PRO-ACT Brake Rotors Comparison
In this section, I’m going to compare the most popular Series – Gold and PRO-ACT from both brands by various product specs & features, prices, warranty, durability, performance, stopping power and noise levels.
Here is a detailed comparison table showcasing what each brand has to offer:
| ACDelco | Akebono | |
| Series | Gold | PRO-ACT |
| Material | Cast Iron | Carbon |
| Coating | Black E-Coat | High carbon |
| Type | Vented | Vented |
| Durability | Durable and has high-quality manufacturing that ensures smooth operation | High resistance to thermal cracking and fade |
| Performance | Provides reliable and consistent performance | Precision machined for optimal performance |
| Price | $19.45 – $343.00 | $118.09 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 24 Months/24,000 Miles | covers defects in material and workmanship for 24 Months/24,000 Miles |
| Stopping Power Rating (More Stars = More Stopping Power) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Noise Levels Rating (Fewer Stars = Less Noise) | ⭐ | ⭐ |
| Performance Over Stock Rating (More Stars = More Performance) | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
ACDelco Gold Ceramic vs Akebono Performance Ultra-Premium Ceramic Brake Pads Comparison
In the following section, I’m going to compare the most renowned Brake Pads series from both brands by various product specs & features, prices, warranty, performance, stopping power, brake dust accumulation and noise levels.
Here is a detailed comparison table showcasing what each brand has to offer:
| ACDelco | Akebono | |
| Series | Gold Ceramic | Performance Ultra-Premium Ceramic |
| Material | Ceramic | Ceramic |
| Performance | ACDelco Gold Ceramic Brake Pads excel in performance, delivering superior quietness and durability when compared to semi-metallic alternatives in the market. | These brake pads, formulated with specific applications in mind, guarantee a quiet and smooth braking experience. Designed by experts to endure even the toughest braking conditions, they are the perfect replacement for noisy and dusty semi-metallic pads. |
| Price | $17.60 – $155.85 | $49.00 – $137.00 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 24-Month/Unlimited Mile Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 30 days from the date of installation |
| Dust Levels Rating (Fewer Stars = Less Dust) | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Stopping Power Rating (More Stars = More Stopping Power) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Noise Levels Rating (Fewer Stars = Less Noise) | ⭐ | ⭐ |
| Performance Over Stock Rating (More Stars = More Performance) | ⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
Differences
1. Overall Performance and Quality
ACDelco and Akebono are two prominent brands in the automotive parts industry, recognized for their quality and performance, particularly in brake systems.
ACDelco is highly appreciated by its users. Many find their brake pads to be reliable and quiet upon installation.
The brand’s Gold rotors are noted for their smoothness during regular braking and superior stopping power during sudden halts.
The Advantage rotors and Gold disc brakes also gather praise for their exceptional performance and longevity.
On the other hand, Akebono is lauded for its consistent and reliable brake parts. The brake pads are particularly noted for their less dust production, which can be a big plus for vehicle maintenance.
Users find Akebono’s brakes outstanding for street driving and recommend their ceramic brake pads for their stellar performance over several years. However, some users note that Akebono’s brake pads might not bite as hard as other brands like Brembo.
In conclusion, both ACDelco and Akebono offer high-quality, reliable braking systems.
ACDelco seems to be preferred for its stopping power and quiet operation, while Akebono is favored for its reduced brake dust and reliable performance.
Both brands stand out in their own ways, offering unique advantages to their users.
2. Rotors and Brake Pads Prices
I’ve gathered some interesting information regarding the brake rotor prices for both brands. You can take a look at them in the table below:
| ACDelco Rotors Prices⁽¹⁾ | Akebono Rotors Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Rotors | ACDelco Silver Solid Rear Brake Rotor goes from $6.25 | Akebono Brake Disc goes from $45.72 |
| Most Expensive Rotors | ACDelco Genuine GM Parts Front Driver Side Brake Rotor goes for $4,082.84 | Akebono Brake Disc goes for $232.47 |
Alternatively, you can see the brake pads prices for ACDelco and Akebono below:
| ACDelco Brake Pads Prices⁽¹⁾ | Akebono Brake Pads Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Pads | ACDelco Silver Semi-Metallic Rear Disc Brake Pads go from $14.01 | Akebono Pro-ACT™ Ultra-Premium Ceramic Rear Disc Brake Pads go from $28.66 |
| Most Expensive Pads | ACDelco 171-1254 – Genuine GM Parts Organic Front Disc Brake Pads go for $758.17 | Akebono EURO™ Ultra-Premium Ceramic Front Disc Brake Pads go for $143.04 |
3. Pros and Cons
In this section, I’ve tried to showcase the most noticeable advantages and disadvantages for these two experts in brakes.
ACDelco
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Good all-around performance | ❌ Users report that ACDelco brake pads may produce high amounts of dust |
| ✔ ACDelco offers a range of brake products in three tiers: Advantage, Professional, and GM Original Equipment | |
| ✔ Most of their lineup is relatively affordable |
Akebono
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Low dust | ❌ May not bite quite as hard as OEM pads |
| ✔ Quiet | |
| ✔ Cost-effective |
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Given the feedback and comparisons, both ACDelco and Akebono are highly commendable brands delivering reliable performance.
ACDelco shines for its all-around performance and affordability, while Akebono stands out for its low-dust, quiet, and cost-effective offerings.
However, due to the slight edge in reducing brake dust and noise, I’d lean towards Akebono as the better pick overall.