Welcome to this high-octane showdown between two titans of the automotive brake world: Akebono vs. TRW.
We’ll put the pedal to the metal, comparing performance, quality, price, and more to determine which brand takes pole position.
Strap in as we navigate the pros and cons of each, and discover who truly rules the road.
Akebono vs TRW – Brand Comparison Table
| Akebono | TRW | |
| Country of Origin | Japan | United States |
| Year Founded | 1929 | 1901 |
| Made In | Japan, United States, China, France, Slovakia | mostly in United States, Czech Republic, China |
| Founder | Sanji Osame | David Kurtz and four other Cleveland residents |
| Parent | Stand-alone | ZF Friedrichshafen AG |
| Overall Quality | cost-effective option that provides OEM quality | high-quality and reliable performance |
Akebono PRO-ACT vs TRW Coated Brake Rotors Comparison
In this section, I’m going to compare the most popular Series – PRO-ACT and Coated 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 | TRW | |
| Series | PRO-ACT | Coated |
| Material | Carbon | High Carbon |
| Coating | High carbon | Anti-corrosion coating |
| Type | Vented | Vented |
| Durability | High resistance to thermal cracking and fade | Equivalent to Original Equipment (OE) standards and designed for a direct fit application |
| Performance | Precision machined for optimal performance | Offers increased friction coefficient, durability against vibrations and noise, and enhanced thermal efficiency |
| Price | $118.09 | $116.20 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 24 Months/24,000 Miles | cover defects in material and poor 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 TRW 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 | TRW | |
| Series | Performance Ultra-Premium Ceramic | 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. | TRW takes pride in its 100% in-house production of brake pads, coupled with state-of-the-art technology, ensure the production of brake pads that meet the highest industry standards for quality, performance, and safety. |
| Price | $49.00 – $137.00 | $21.47 – $160.36 |
| 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 from date of installation or 18 months from delivery |
| 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
Comparing Akebono and TRW brakes, both brands have their unique strengths and are trusted by users for their quality and performance. Here’s a breakdown:
Akebono:
- Akebono brake parts are known for their reliability and consistency.
- They are often used as Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts for various car manufacturers, including Mazda.
- These brake pads produce less dust compared to other brands, making them an excellent choice for street driving.
- Many users recommend Akebono ceramics due to their satisfactory performance over years of use.
- However, some users feel that Akebono brake pads may not bite as hard as other brands, like Brembo.
TRW:
- TRW brakes also receive positive feedback from users for their quality and performance.
- Recommended as an OEM performance option, TRW brake pads are known for their stopping power.
- These pads reportedly produce 50% less dust than other brands.
- TRW brake pads offer a more progressive stopping power and perform well with good pressure on the brake pedal, despite having less initial bite.
In conclusion, both Akebono and TRW offer reliable brake parts that are appreciated by users. Akebono stands out for their consistency and low dust production, while TRW is favored for its stopping power and reduced dust.
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⁾ | TRW Rotors Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Rotors | Akebono Brake Disc goes from $45.72 | TRW Brake Rotor goes from $72.39 |
| Most Expensive Rotors | Akebono Brake Disc goes for $232.47 | TRW Brake Rotor goes for $196.58 |
Alternatively, you can see the brake pads prices for Akebono and TRW below:
| Akebono Brake Pads Prices⁽¹⁾ | TRW Brake Pads Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Pads | Akebono Pro-ACT™ Ultra-Premium Ceramic Rear Disc Brake Pads go from $28.66 | TRW Semi-Metallic Rear Disc Brake Pads go from $19.29 |
| Most Expensive Pads | Akebono EURO™ Ultra-Premium Ceramic Front Disc Brake Pads go for $143.04 | TRW Semi-Metallic Front Disc Brake Pads go for $351.82 |
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 |
TRW
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ TRW brake pads and rotors are often considered to be a good value for the price | ❌ Their pads can produce more brake dust than usual |
| ✔ Good all-around performance | |
| ✔ Range of options |
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
After considering the customer feedback and pros & cons, I’d say it’s a tie between Akebono and TRW.
Both brands are praised for their reliability, quality, and all-around performance.
While Akebono is recognized for low dust and quiet operation, TRW offers good value and a range of options.
However, both may not provide as much bite as some users prefer.
