Welcome, gearheads and casual drivers alike! Today, we’re diving deep into the world of automotive brake systems, comparing two industry titans: Akebono and Centric.
We’ll dissect their performance, quality, cost, and the inevitable pros and cons to help you decide which brand truly stops the competition in its tracks.
Fasten your seatbelts; it’s going to be a riveting ride!
Akebono vs Centric – Brand Comparison Table
| Akebono | Centric | |
| Country of Origin | Japan | United States |
| Year Founded | 1929 | 2000 |
| Made In | Japan, United States, China, France, Slovakia | mostly in United States, China |
| Founder | Sanji Osame | Dino Crescentini |
| Parent | Stand-alone | First Brand Group |
| Overall Quality | cost-effective option that provides OEM quality | reputable brand with respectable quality |
Akebono PRO-ACT vs Centric High Carbon OE Replacement Brake Rotors Comparison
In this section, I’m going to compare the most popular Series – PRO-ACT and High Carbon OE Replacement 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 | Centric | |
| Series | PRO-ACT | High Carbon OE Replacement |
| Material | Carbon | High Carbon |
| Coating | High carbon | Electrocoating finish |
| Type | Vented | Vented |
| Durability | High resistance to thermal cracking and fade | Proprietary high carbon alloy resists cracking and decreases pad squeal |
| Performance | Precision machined for optimal performance | Double disc ground finish, non-directional surface for better rotor and pad break-in, mill balanced for smooth braking |
| Price | $118.09 | $33.00 – $1,163.00 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 24 Months/24,000 Miles | covers defects in material and workmanship for 90 days or for 3,000 miles of use |
| 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 Centric Posi-Quiet 105 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:
| Akebono | Centric | |
| Series | Performance Ultra-Premium Ceramic | Posi-Quiet 105 Ceramic |
| 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. | Centric Posi-Quiet 105 Ceramic Brake Pads are engineered with low dust formulation, promoting cleaner wheels and brakes for a neater appearance. They are 100% scorched during manufacturing, ensuring easy bed-in for quicker and efficient use. |
| Price | $49.00 – $137.00 | $23.00 – $133.00 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 30 days from the date of installation | covers defects in material and workmanship for 90 days or for 3,000 miles of use |
| 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 is a well-regarded brand for brake parts, with its brake pads garnering high praise from customers. Here are some key points I gathered from the reviews:
- Akebono brake parts are known for their reliability and consistency.
- The brand’s brake pads are often used as OEM parts for various car manufacturers, including Mazda.
- Compared to other brands, Akebono brake pads produce less dust, which is a significant advantage for many users.
- While they might not have as much bite as some other brands, users generally find Akebono’s braking performance satisfactory.
However, it’s important to note that some users reported that Akebono brake pads may not bite as hard as other brands such as Brembo.
Centric
Centric also received positive reviews from customers. Here’s a summary of what users said about their brake parts:
- Centric Posi Quiets, in particular, have plenty of good reviews, and are considered a step up from Centric’s lower line.
- In discussions about recommended brake parts brands, Centric is often mentioned alongside other reputable brands.
- Users reported that they’ve had no issues with the combination of upgraded Centric rotors and Akebono pads.
- Centric coated rotors are recommended for their good corrosion resistance and lack of warping.
In conclusion, both Akebono and Centric stand out for their quality and performance, each with its own unique strengths.
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⁾ | Centric Rotors Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Rotors | Akebono Brake Disc goes from $45.72 | Centric C-Tek™ Standard Solid Rear Brake Rotor goes for $13.22 |
| Most Expensive Rotors | Akebono Brake Disc goes for $232.47 | Centric SportStop Drilled 1-Piece Rear Driver Side Brake Rotor goes for $1,234.22 |
Alternatively, you can see the brake pads prices for Akebono and Centric below:
| Akebono Brake Pads Prices⁽¹⁾ | Centric Brake Pads Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Pads | Akebono Pro-ACT™ Ultra-Premium Ceramic Rear Disc Brake Pads go from $28.66 | Centric C-Tek Semi-Metallic Front Disc Brake Pads go from $9.50 |
| Most Expensive Pads | Akebono EURO™ Ultra-Premium Ceramic Front Disc Brake Pads go for $143.04 | Centric Formula 100 Series OEM Semi-Metallic Front Disc Brake Pads go for $253.80 |
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 |
Centric
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Reputable brand in the brake system category | ❌ Some users find that Centric rotors do not provide great bite compared to OEM rotors |
| ✔ Centric offers a range of brake pad options, including ceramic and semi-metallic | |
| ✔ Positive user reviews |
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
After reviewing customer feedback and considering the pros and cons, I would declare Akebono as the winner.
This is due to their reliable performance, reduced brake dust production, and overall positive customer reviews.
While both brands have their strengths, Akebono’s consistent quality and OEM use in various car manufacturers gives it a slight edge over Centric.
