Passionate about brakes? So am I! In this thrilling head-to-head battle, we’ll pit Akebono against Zimmermann, two titans of the automotive brake system industry.
We’ll dive into their performance, quality, pricing, pros and cons, and ultimately, determine which reigns supreme.
Buckle up as we delve into the world of high-performance braking!
Akebono vs Zimmermann – Brand Comparison Table
| Akebono | Zimmermann | |
| Country of Origin | Japan | Germany |
| Year Founded | 1929 | 1947 |
| Made In | Japan, United States, China, France, Slovakia | Germany |
| Founder | Sanji Osame | Otto Zimmermann |
| Parent | Stand-alone | Stand-alone |
| Overall Quality | cost-effective option that provides OEM quality | just as good as OEM brake discs with their Coat-Z series |
Akebono PRO-ACT vs Zimmermann Coat-Z Brake Rotors Comparison
In this section, I’m going to compare the most popular Series – PRO-ACT and Coat-Z 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 | Zimmermann | |
| Series | PRO-ACT | Coat-Z |
| Material | Carbon | Cast Iron |
| Coating | High carbon | Coat Z – anti corrosion coating |
| Type | Vented | Vented |
| Durability | High resistance to thermal cracking and fade | The grey cast iron is further treated with additional ingredients to stabilize its properties, ensuring maximum durability |
| Performance | Precision machined for optimal performance | German production quality with Coat-Z coating that not only enhances longevity but also improves the overall performance |
| Price | $118.09 | $28.25 – $445.32 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 24 Months/24,000 Miles | covers defects in material and workmanship for 24 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 Zimmermann 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:
| Akebono | Zimmermann | |
| Series | Performance Ultra-Premium Ceramic | Premium 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. | Zimmermann Premium Ceramic brake pads are engineered to provide a quieter and consistently pleasant braking experience, minimizing noise and enhancing overall performance. |
| Price | $49.00 – $137.00 | $24.29 – $308.69 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 30 days from the date of installation | covers defects in material and workmanship for 24 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
When deciding between Akebono and Zimmermann brake parts, it’s essential to consider user reviews and experiences. Here’s a comparison based on customer feedback:
Akebono
- Renowned for their reliability and consistency, Akebono brake pads are often used as OEM parts for various car manufacturers, including Mazda.
- These brake pads are praised for producing less dust, making them a cleaner option.
- Several users report excellent performance for street driving with zero complaints.
- However, some users noted that Akebono brake pads may not bite as hard as other brands like Brembo.
Zimmermann
- Zimmermann brake parts also receive positive reviews, with their Z coated and drilled rotors recommended for daily use.
- These rotors are appreciated for biting a little harder and producing less dust.
- Users have reported running Zimmermann parts on their cars for years without any issues.
- Additional features like zinc coating for rust prevention and vents on the front rotors have also been highlighted.
In conclusion, both Akebono and Zimmermann offer high-quality brake parts with unique features. Your choice depends on your personal preference and specific needs.
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⁾ | Zimmermann Rotors Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Rotors | Akebono Brake Disc goes from $45.72 | Zimmermann Coat-Z Brake Rotor goes from $19.97 |
| Most Expensive Rotors | Akebono Brake Disc goes for $232.47 | Zimmermann Formula-Z Front Passenger Side Brake Rotor goes for $1,072.23 |
Alternatively, you can see the brake pads prices for Akebono and Zimmermann below:
| Akebono Brake Pads Prices⁽¹⁾ | Zimmermann Brake Pads Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Pads | Akebono Pro-ACT™ Ultra-Premium Ceramic Rear Disc Brake Pads go from $28.66 | Zimmermann Front Disc Brake Pad Set go from $19.68 |
| Most Expensive Pads | Akebono EURO™ Ultra-Premium Ceramic Front Disc Brake Pads go for $143.04 | Zimmermann Rear Disc Brake Pad Set go for $269.93 |
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 |
Zimmermann
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ German production quality | ❌ Rare durability issues |
| ✔ Coat Z Coated Brake Discs | |
| ✔ Positive customer reviews |
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Considering the feedback, both Akebono and Zimmermann offer high-quality, reliable brake parts with positive customer experiences.
They both have their pros and cons, making this a tough call.
However, due to the slightly superior performance quality and the added benefit of rust-free zinc coating, I would lean towards declaring Zimmermann as the better pick overall.