Rev up your curiosity as we introduce you to a wheel showdown like no other.
We’re kicking off with a comprehensive wheel brand comparison of Apex vs Enkei.
Discover their origins, manufacturing secrets, and what sets them apart in terms of quality, pricing, and warranties.
We’ll analyze the pros and cons, ultimately answering the question: Who takes the wheel throne?
Stick around – it’s time to find out!
Apex vs Enkei – Comparison Table
| Apex | Enkei | |
| Year founded | 2007 | 1950 |
| Country of origin | United States | Japan |
| Made in | China | Japan, Thailand, United States, Germany, China, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, India and Vietnam |
| Manufactured by | Apex | Enkei |
| Build quality | High | High |
History
Get ready to dive into the stories behind two wheel manufacturing companies – Apex and Enkei.
These brands didn’t just appear out of thin air; they’ve got histories filled with interesting twists and turns.
We’ll walk you through their journeys, from their early days to where they stand today.
Apex Wheels History
Apex was established in 2007 by Eddy Pintacsi.
They are a Californian-based wheel brand with their main warehouse in Sacramento, CA, and their head office in Pleasanton, CA.
The classic ARC-8 wheel is one of the notable products from Apex Wheels.
It is considered the wheel that started it all for the company.
The founding of the Apex brand and the success of the ARC-8 wheels were intricately tied to Eddy Pintacsi’s personal experience with his E30 M3 track car and his determination to address the specific challenges he encountered while maintaining and upgrading the car.
This experience led to the development of a unique wheel solution that not only met Eddy’s needs but also resonated with other BMW enthusiasts, ultimately shaping the Apex brand’s identity and offerings in the aftermarket wheel industry.
After that, they added more types of wheels for different BMW cars, and recently, they’ve also started making wheels for various other cars like Mustangs, Corvettes, Supras, and Porsches.
In summary, Apex Wheels is known for its focus on engineering and designing track wheels.
They aim to create wheels that enhance performance on the track.
Enkei Wheels History
Enkei Corporation is a Japanese passenger car and motorcycle wheel manufacturer and distributor.
This company was formed in 1950 under the name Ensyu Keigoukin, abbreviated as Enkei. Along with aftermarket wheels, Enkei also offers OEM-style wheels for assembly vehicles.
Since 1995, Enkei has been manufacturing products for sporty vehicles, including F1, providing wheels for the Super GT series and McLaren F1 Team.
During its initial stages, Enkei manufactured anything that involved aluminum alloy.
The company didn’t manufacture its first wheel until 1967, developing its 1st OEM wheels for Japanese cars.
Soon after, they started to create wheels in different sizes for all types of vehicles, including Japanese, American, and German.
In the 1980s, Enkei got involved in racing cars by manufacturing wheels for McLaren F1 with magnesium wheels.
As of today, Enkei is considered a leading wheel manufacturer all around the globe, with more than 19 factories in different countries.
Manufacturing Techniques
Wheel manufacturing is an art that employs three primary methods: casting, flow-forming, and forging.
Casting involves molten metal being poured into a mold, allowing intricate designs but with moderate strength.
Flow-forming merges casting and forging, spinning the wheel under high pressure to enhance strength without compromising weight.
Forging, the most robust method, employs extreme pressure to shape solid metal, producing lightweight and incredibly durable wheels.
Apex Wheels Manufacturing Methods
The manufacturing methods used by Apex are the following:
- Rotary Forged (Flow Formed)
- Forged
Enkei Wheels Manufacturing Methods
In comparison, here are the different methods used by Enkei to make their wheels:
- Durville Die Casting
- MAT Process (a form of Flow forming)
Wheel Series
Apex and Enkei have a number of series available. Below you’ll find information about their current line-up.
Apex Wheel Series
- Forged Sprint Line
- Forged Classic Line
- Flow Formed Classic Line
- Flow Formed Evolution Line
- BMW Apex Wheels
Enkei Wheel Series
- Racing Series
- Racing Revolution Series
- Tuning Series
- Classic Series
- Performance Series
- Truck & SUV
Popular Models
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best-selling models for Apex and Enkei.
Apex’s Renowned Models
- Apex ARC 8
- Apex EC 7
- Apex VS-5RS
Enkei’s Renowned Models
- Enkei RPF1
- Enkei NT03
- Enkei RS05RR
- Enkei Raijin
Price
Alright, let’s dive into the exciting world of wheel prices! We’re talking about Apex and Enkei, the masterminds behind those round wonders.
It’s like a treasure hunt – each brand has its own stash of price tags, ranging from budget-friendly to splurge-worthy.
Apex Wheels Price
Apex wheels can be affordable or rather costly, depending on the model, size, and style of the wheel.
Forged wheels will always be more expensive than cast/flow formed wheels.
Enkei Wheels Price
Enkei wheels are not very expensive. In fact, Enkei wheels are quite affordable compared to most other popular brands.
Warranty
When it comes to peace of mind, warranties play a vital role in the wheel-buying journey.
Let’s delve into the warranty offerings of Apex and Enkei, unlocking the promises they extend to keep your wheels spinning smoothly.
Apex Wheels Warranty
- Lifetime manufacturing warranty
- Limited Wheel finish warranty for 1 year
Enkei Wheels Warranty
- Lifetime structural warranty
- Limited warranty to cover defects in material and workmanship
Advantages and Disadvantages
Before making a decision, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons that Apex and Enkei bring to the wheel table.
In this section, we’ll take a close look at what each brand brings to the road – the advantages that make them shine, and the drawbacks to consider. Get ready for the full scoop!
Apex Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔High build quality | ❌You have limited style options to choose from and their forged series can get rather pricey |
| ✔Durable and lightweight | |
| ✔Strong | |
| ✔Performance oriented |
Enkei Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔High-quality construction, durability, and strength | ❌None |
| ✔Lightweight | |
| ✔Fantastic price to performance ratio | |
| ✔Aesthetically pleasing |
Final Verdict
The moment of truth has arrived. After exploring the ins and outs of Apex vs Enkei, it’s time to put the puzzle pieces together:
In comparing the wheel brands Apex and Enkei, both exhibit high levels of quality.
Apex wheels are known for their high build quality, durability, and lightweight nature. They are designed with performance in mind, ensuring a strong and reliable wheel. However, Apex does have limited style options available, and their forged series can be quite expensive.
On the other hand, Enkei wheels also offer high-quality construction, durability, and strength. They are lightweight and provide a fantastic price to performance ratio.
Enkei wheels excel in their affordability, making them a popular choice among car enthusiasts. Additionally, Enkei wheels are aesthetically pleasing, further adding to their appeal.
When considering the overall verdict, both brands have their strengths. Apex wheels are top-notch in terms of quality, but the limited style options and higher prices of their forged series may be off-putting for some.
Enkei wheels, on the other hand, deliver excellent quality, durability, and strength, coupled with an affordable price tag.
Given the absence of any notable disadvantages for Enkei, it emerges as the better choice for most consumers seeking a high-quality wheel that offers exceptional value for money.
