Welcome to the ultimate face-off between two titans of automotive brake systems: Akebono and Bendix.
As an avid gearhead, I’ll scrutinize their performance, quality, and pricing, laying out the pros and cons in plain language.
So buckle up, as we discern which brand truly masters the art of stopping power.
Akebono vs Bendix – Brand Comparison Table
| Akebono | Bendix | |
| Country of Origin | Japan | United States |
| Year Founded | 1929 | 1924 |
| Made In | Japan, United States, China, France, Slovakia | United States, Mexico, China |
| Founder | Sanji Osame | Vincent Bendix |
| Parent | Stand-alone | Knorr Bremse |
| Overall Quality | cost-effective option that provides OEM quality | high-quality, especially their ceramic brake pads |
Akebono PRO-ACT vs Bendix PRT5898 Brake Rotors Comparison
In this section, I’m going to compare the most popular Series – PRO-ACT and PRT5898 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 | Bendix | |
| Series | PRO-ACT | PRT5898 |
| Material | Carbon | Iron |
| Coating | High carbon | Natural |
| Type | Vented | Vented |
| Durability | High resistance to thermal cracking and fade | Designed and tested to stand the test of time, meets or exceeds SAE standards for strength and hardness |
| Performance | Precision machined for optimal performance | OE vane design + configuration for optimal noise performance and heat dissipation, smooth non-directional surface finish for optimal initial braking |
| Price | $118.09 | $38.66 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 24 Months/24,000 Miles | covers defects in material and workmanship for 12 Months/12,000 Miles |
| Stopping Power Rating (More Stars = More Stopping Power) | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Noise Levels Rating (Fewer Stars = Less Noise) | ⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Performance Over Stock Rating (More Stars = More Performance) | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ |
Akebono Performance Ultra-Premium Ceramic vs Bendix Premium Copper Free Semi-Metallic 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 | Bendix | |
| Series | Performance Ultra-Premium Ceramic | Premium Copper Free Semi-Metallic |
| Material | Ceramic | Semi-Metallic |
| 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. | Bendix Copper-Free Semi-Metallic Brake Pads surpass the performance of both OE (Original Equipment) and competitors’ brake pads containing copper. |
| Price | $49.00 – $137.00 | $22.20 – $64.93 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 30 days from the date of installation | covers defects in materials or workmanship for a period of 12 months (12,000 miles) |
| 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 appreciated for their reliability and consistency. They’re often used as OEM parts for various car brands, including Mazda.
- Customers enjoy Akebono brake pads as they produce less brake dust, which makes maintenance easier.
- Users find Akebono’s brakes excellent for street driving and recommend them for their quality performance over multiple years.
- Despite the praise, some users report that Akebono brake pads might not bite as hard as other brands, like Brembo. This could affect braking intensity on some vehicles.
Bendix
- According to various online discussions, Bendix is a preferred choice among brake pad brands. It’s listed alongside other respected brands like Power Stop and Bosch.
- Users report being satisfied with Bendix products, especially their ceramic pads.
- Many customers have Bendix on all their cars, indicating trust in the brand’s consistency and quality.
- Bendix is also mentioned as an OEM replacement, suggesting it’s a reliable choice for those looking to maintain their vehicle’s original performance.
In conclusion, both Akebono and Bendix offer high-quality brake parts. Akebono seems to be a great option for those wanting less brake dust and consistent performance, while Bendix is noted for its overall satisfaction and versatility as an OEM replacement.
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⁾ | Bendix Rotors Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Rotors | Akebono Brake Disc goes from $45.72 | Bendix Global Premium Solid Rear Brake Rotor goes from $20.71 |
| Most Expensive Rotors | Akebono Brake Disc goes for $232.47 | Bendix Global Premium Vented Front Driver Side Brake Rotor goes for $579.73 |
Alternatively, you can see the brake pads prices for Akebono and Bendix below:
| Akebono Brake Pads Prices⁽¹⁾ | Bendix Brake Pads Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Pads | Akebono Pro-ACT™ Ultra-Premium Ceramic Rear Disc Brake Pads go from $28.66 | Bendix STOP Semi-Metallic Rear Disc Brake Pads go from $16.58 |
| Most Expensive Pads | Akebono EURO™ Ultra-Premium Ceramic Front Disc Brake Pads go for $143.04 | Bendix Fleet MetLok Semi-Metallic Front Disc Brake Pads go for $92.38 |
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 |
Bendix
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ High-quality brake products | ❌ Some customers have reported that their brake pads can get noisy |
| ✔ Good reputation in the industry | |
| ✔ OEM supplier |
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Based on the customer’s feedback, both Akebono and Bendix offer high-quality braking parts, with Akebono being praised for its low dust production and Bendix for its industry reputation.
However, considering the slight edge Akebono has in terms of dust reduction and quiet operation, I would lean towards declaring Akebono as the better pick overall.
