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 OZ Racing.
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 OZ Racing – Comparison Table
| Apex | OZ Racing | |
| Year founded | 2007 | 1971 |
| Country of origin | United States | Italy |
| Made in | China | Italy |
| Manufactured by | Apex | OZ |
| Build quality | High | High |
History
Get ready to dive into the stories behind two wheel manufacturing companies – Apex and OZ Racing.
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.
OZ Racing Wheels History
OZ Racing is an Italian company renowned for its high-performance wheels and components in the automotive industry.
Established in 1971 by Silvano Oselladore and Pietro Zen, the company’s name, “OZ,” is derived from the initials of its founders’ last names.
Over the years, OZ Racing has become synonymous with cutting-edge wheel design and technology, and it has played a significant role in motorsports and the aftermarket wheel market.
OZ Racing started as a small workshop in Italy, producing magnesium alloy wheels for racing cars.
Their lightweight and durable wheels quickly gained attention in motorsports, and OZ began supplying wheels to various racing teams and manufacturers.
In the 1980s and 1990s, OZ Racing expanded its presence in motorsports, particularly in Formula One.
Their wheels were used by numerous championship-winning teams and drivers, solidifying their reputation for high-quality and high-performance products.
Beyond the track, OZ Racing also ventured into the consumer market, offering a range of aftermarket wheels for road cars.
Their designs often reflected their motorsports heritage, appealing to enthusiasts seeking style and performance.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, OZ Racing continued to innovate by introducing new manufacturing techniques and materials, including forged aluminum and carbon fiber.
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
OZ Racing Wheels Manufacturing Methods
In comparison, here are the different methods used by OZ Racing to make their wheels:
- Low Pressure Cast
- Forged
Wheel Series
Apex and OZ Racing 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
OZ Racing Wheel Series
- OZ Atelier Forged Series
- OZ Racing Series
- MSW Series
- Sparco Wheels Series
Popular Models
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best-selling models for Apex and OZ Racing.
Apex’s Renowned Models
- Apex ARC 8
- Apex EC 7
- Apex VS-5RS
OZ Racing’s Renowned Models
- OZ Gran Turismo
- OZ Racing Leggera
- OZ Racing Ultraleggera
Price
Alright, let’s dive into the exciting world of wheel prices! We’re talking about Apex and OZ Racing, 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.
OZ Racing Wheels Price
OZ Racing wheels are generally considered to be on the higher end of the price spectrum when it comes to aftermarket wheels.
The brand’s reputation for quality, performance, and innovative design often comes with a premium price tag.
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 OZ Racing, unlocking the promises they extend to keep your wheels spinning smoothly.
Apex Wheels Warranty
- Lifetime manufacturing warranty
- Limited Wheel finish warranty for 1 year
OZ Racing Wheels Warranty
- Limited warranty to cover defects in material and workmanship for 1 or 2 years (depending on the finish)
Advantages and Disadvantages
Before making a decision, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons that Apex and OZ Racing 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 |
OZ Racing Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔Strength and durability | ❌Higher end of the price spectrum |
| ✔Lightweight | |
| ✔Careful manufacturing | |
| ✔Thermal and electrochemical finishing |
Final Verdict
The moment of truth has arrived. After exploring the ins and outs of Apex vs OZ Racing, it’s time to put the puzzle pieces together:
In the battle of wheel brands, Apex and OZ Racing both stand out with their high-quality offerings. Apex wheels are known for their excellent build quality, durability, and lightweight nature, making them a top choice for performance-oriented individuals.
However, Apex’s limited style options and the higher cost of their forged series might be downsides for some.
On the other hand, OZ Racing wheels maintain a strong reputation for exceptional quality, performance, and innovative design. They excel in strength and durability while being lightweight, thanks to careful manufacturing techniques.
The brand’s wheels also undergo thermal and electrochemical finishing, adding to their appeal. Nevertheless, it should be noted that OZ Racing wheels are generally priced on the higher end of the spectrum, reflecting their renowned reputation and premium attributes.
When comparing the two, it is evident that both Apex and OZ Racing offer impressive wheel options. If you prioritize high build quality, durability, and performance orientation, Apex wheels may be a suitable choice.
However, those seeking the utmost strength, careful manufacturing, and innovative design, without hesitation, should consider OZ Racing, albeit at a higher price point.
