Welcome, auto-enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into a riveting face-off between two titans of automotive brake systems: Akebono and ATE.
We’ll compare their performance, quality, and prices, and weigh their pros and cons.
Who will come out on top? Let’s hit the brakes, delve deep, and find out which brand truly stops the competition.
Akebono vs ATE – Brand Comparison Table
| Akebono | ATE | |
| Country of Origin | Japan | Germany |
| Year Founded | 1929 | 1906 |
| Made In | Japan, United States, China, France, Slovakia | mostly in Germany, Czech Republic, China |
| Founder | Sanji Osame | Alfred Teves |
| Parent | Stand-alone | Continental AG |
| Overall Quality | cost-effective option that provides OEM quality | they use only high-quality OEM materials, and their name stands for precision and reliability |
Akebono PRO-ACT vs ATE Cod Brake Rotors Comparison
In this section, I’m going to compare the most popular Series – PRO-ACT and Cod 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:
| Akebono | ATE | |
| Series | PRO-ACT | Cod |
| Material | Carbon | High Carbon |
| Coating | High carbon | MetaCote protective anti-corrosion |
| Type | Vented | Vented/Solid |
| Durability | High resistance to thermal cracking and fade | Optimizes durability, prevents brake judder and noise, reduced rotor wear, extends service life of wheel suspension and wheel bearings |
| Performance | Precision machined for optimal performance | Optimum performance at all temperatures, less susceptible to noise and vibration |
| Price | $118.09 | $40.23 – $315.25 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 24 Months/24,000 Miles | covers defects in material and workmanship for 12 months |
| Stopping Power Rating (More Stars = More Stopping Power) | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Noise Levels Rating (Fewer Stars = Less Noise) | ⭐ | ⭐ |
| Performance Over Stock Rating (More Stars = More Performance) | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ |
Akebono Performance Ultra-Premium Ceramic vs ATE Premium One Set 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:
| Akebono | ATE | |
| Series | Performance Ultra-Premium Ceramic | Premium One Set |
| Material | Ceramic | Ceramic |
| Performance | 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. | ATE Premium One brake pads offer a clean, quiet, and long-lasting braking experience. Their solid performance is attributed to an innovative brake pad compound that incorporates advanced fibre technology. |
| Price | $49.00 – $137.00 | $39.95 – $322.33 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 30 days from the date of installation | covers defects in material and workmanship for 12 months |
| 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
Akebono
- Akebono brake parts are admired for their reliability and consistency. They’re often chosen as OEM parts for car manufacturers like Mazda.
- Compared to other brands, Akebono brake pads are known for producing less dust. This makes them an excellent choice for street driving.
- One user confirms having used Akebono ceramics for three years with no complaints and highly recommends them.
- Despite their benefits, some users report Akebono brake pads may not bite as hard as brands like Brembo.
- In conclusion, Akebono brake parts are a solid choice for those seeking improved braking performance and less brake dust.
ATE
- ATE brake parts have received positive reviews. A user reported using ATE front pads for over 20,000 miles with no fading and less noise than Textar pads.
- Some users prefer ATE for their slightly softer pads, which provide better bite, especially on rear discs, and no squeal.
- In discussions about brake pads and rotors for specific car models, ATE is often considered alongside other reputable brands like Akebono and Pagid.
- One user considering both ATE and Brembo indicates these are both quality brake brands.
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:
| Akebono Rotors Prices⁽¹⁾ | ATE Rotors Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Rotors | Akebono Brake Disc goes from $45.72 | ATE Rear Brake Rotor goes from $34.89 |
| Most Expensive Rotors | Akebono Brake Disc goes for $232.47 | ATE Front Driver Side Brake Rotor goes for $34.89 |
Alternatively, you can see the brake pads prices for Akebono and ATE below:
| Akebono Brake Pads Prices⁽¹⁾ | ATE Brake Pads Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Pads | Akebono Pro-ACT™ Ultra-Premium Ceramic Rear Disc Brake Pads go from $28.66 | ATE Original Semi-Metallic Front Disc Brake Pads go from $21.61 |
| Most Expensive Pads | Akebono EURO™ Ultra-Premium Ceramic Front Disc Brake Pads go for $143.04 | ATE Original Semi-Metallic Front Disc Brake Pads go for $323.93 |
3. Pros and Cons
In this section, I’ve tried to showcase the most noticeable advantages and disadvantages for these two experts in brakes.
Akebono
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Low dust | ❌ May not bite quite as hard as OEM pads |
| ✔ Quiet | |
| ✔ Cost-effective |
ATE
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Outstanding safety and durability | ❌ ATE Brake pads are not intented for heavy loads |
| ✔ Good value for money | |
| ✔ OEM supplier |
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
After considering the customer feedback and pros and cons of both brands, it’s clear that both Akebono and ATE offer high-quality brake parts.
However, Akebono seems to edge out ATE for their low dust and quiet performance, despite biting slightly less hard.
ATE is a great choice, but might not suit those with heavy loads.
Hence, I’d declare Akebono as the better pick overall.
