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 Motegi.
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 Motegi – Comparison Table
| Apex | Motegi | |
| Year founded | 2007 | 2000 |
| Country of origin | United States | United States |
| Made in | China | China |
| Manufactured by | Apex | American Racing Wheel Company |
| Build quality | High | Very good |
History
Get ready to dive into the stories behind two wheel manufacturing companies – Apex and Motegi.
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.
Motegi Wheels History
Motegi wheels are manufactured by American Racing Wheel Co. – a manufacturer of high-performance aftermarket wheels sold via the retail sector.
American Racing creates these wheels, while the Motegi Racing line is owned by Wheel Pros – one of the biggest marketers and distributors of aftermarket wheels.
Motegi wheels are named after the Japanese Twin Ring Motegi racing track, designed by Honda. These wheels come in different sizes for all types of vehicles.
Initially, these high-end wheels were designed for racing cars. However, they also provide durable and strong rims for street use.
American Racing manufactures these wheels. This company has been in business since the 1950s.
They create high-performance wheels for all kinds of vehicles – especially sports cars.
Besides American Racing, Motegi wheels are also linked with Wheel Pros.
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
Motegi Wheels Manufacturing Methods
In comparison, here are the different methods used by Motegi to make their wheels:
- Cast
- Rotary Forged (Flow Formed)
Wheel Series
Apex and Motegi 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
Motegi Wheel Series
- Cast Series
- Traklite (Flow Formed) Series
Popular Models
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best-selling models for Apex and Motegi.
Apex’s Renowned Models
- Apex ARC 8
- Apex EC 7
- Apex VS-5RS
Motegi’s Renowned Models
- Motegi Racing MR116
- Motegi Racing MR139
- Motegi Racing MR127
- Motegi Racing MR118
- Motegi Racing MR131 Traklite
Price
Alright, let’s dive into the exciting world of wheel prices! We’re talking about Apex and Motegi, 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.
Motegi Wheels Price
Motegi wheels are popular because of their high performance as well as budget-friendly price tags.
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 Motegi, unlocking the promises they extend to keep your wheels spinning smoothly.
Apex Wheels Warranty
- Lifetime manufacturing warranty
- Limited Wheel finish warranty for 1 year
Motegi Wheels Warranty
- Limited warranty to cover defects in material and workmanship for 1 year
Advantages and Disadvantages
Before making a decision, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons that Apex and Motegi 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 |
Motegi Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔Very good quality cast wheels | ❌Heavy weight |
| ✔Quite affordable | |
| ✔JWL and VIA safety standards | |
| ✔Durable on the track and in hot conditions |
Final Verdict
The moment of truth has arrived. After exploring the ins and outs of Apex vs Motegi, it’s time to put the puzzle pieces together:
It is apparent that both Apex and Motegi offer their own unique advantages and disadvantages.
Apex wheels boast high quality, durability, and a lightweight design, making them an excellent choice for performance-oriented individuals. However, the limited style options and higher prices of their forged series may deter some customers.
On the other hand, Motegi wheels offer very good quality cast wheels at an affordable price, appealing to budget-conscious consumers who still seek high performance. Additionally, Motegi wheels adhere to the JWL and VIA safety standards, ensuring their durability on the track and in hot conditions.
Nevertheless, the downside of Motegi wheels lies in their heavier weight, which may impact overall performance.
In conclusion, the decision between Apex and Motegi ultimately depends on the buyer’s priorities. If quality, lightweight design, and performance are of utmost importance, Apex wheels would be the preferred choice, despite the limited style options and higher prices of their forged series.
However, for those seeking a balance between affordability and performance, Motegi wheels provide very good quality cast choices at budget-friendly prices, while still adhering to safety standards.
