Welcome, motor enthusiasts! Today, I’ll be your guide on a thrilling journey comparing two industry titans in automotive brake systems – ATE and Centric.
We’ll delve into their performance, scrutinize their quality, compare prices, and weigh their pros and cons.
Will ATE’s European finesse triumph, or will Centric’s American innovation lead the way? Buckle up; let’s find out!
ATE vs Centric – Brand Comparison Table
| ATE | Centric | |
| Country of Origin | Germany | United States |
| Year Founded | 1906 | 2000 |
| Made In | mostly in Germany, Czech Republic, China | mostly in United States, China |
| Founder | Alfred Teves | Dino Crescentini |
| Parent | Continental AG | First Brand Group |
| Overall Quality | they use only high-quality OEM materials, and their name stands for precision and reliability | reputable brand with respectable quality |
ATE Cod vs Centric High Carbon OE Replacement Brake Rotors Comparison
In this section, I’m going to compare the most popular Series – Cod and High Carbon OE Replacement 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:
| ATE | Centric | |
| Series | Cod | High Carbon OE Replacement |
| Material | High Carbon | High Carbon |
| Coating | MetaCote protective anti-corrosion | Electrocoating finish |
| Type | Vented/Solid | Vented |
| Durability | Optimizes durability, prevents brake judder and noise, reduced rotor wear, extends service life of wheel suspension and wheel bearings | Proprietary high carbon alloy resists cracking and decreases pad squeal |
| Performance | Optimum performance at all temperatures, less susceptible to noise and vibration | Double disc ground finish, non-directional surface for better rotor and pad break-in, mill balanced for smooth braking |
| Price | $40.23 – $315.25 | $33.00 – $1,163.00 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 12 months | covers defects in material and workmanship for 90 days or for 3,000 miles of use |
| Stopping Power Rating (More Stars = More Stopping Power) | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Noise Levels Rating (Fewer Stars = Less Noise) | ⭐ | ⭐ |
| Performance Over Stock Rating (More Stars = More Performance) | ⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
ATE Premium One Set vs Centric Posi-Quiet 105 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:
| ATE | Centric | |
| Series | Premium One Set | Posi-Quiet 105 Ceramic |
| Material | Ceramic | Ceramic |
| Performance | ATE Premium One brake pads offer a clean, quiet, and long-lasting braking experience. Their solid performance is attributed to an innovative brake pad compound that incorporates advanced fibre technology. | Centric Posi-Quiet 105 Ceramic Brake Pads are engineered with low dust formulation, promoting cleaner wheels and brakes for a neater appearance. They are 100% scorched during manufacturing, ensuring easy bed-in for quicker and efficient use. |
| Price | $39.95 – $322.33 | $23.00 – $133.00 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 12 months | covers defects in material and workmanship for 90 days or for 3,000 miles of use |
| 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 ATE and Centric brake parts, here are some key points based on customers’ reviews:
ATE:
- ATE brake pads have been praised for their longevity, with one user stating they lasted over 20,000 miles without fading.
- Some users prefer ATE pads, citing them as slightly softer and having better bite than other brands like Pagid.
- ATE performance discs and ceramic pads have received positive feedback, being described as ‘OEM+’—indicating a quality surpassing Original Equipment Manufacturer standards.
- In discussions of brake brands, ATE is frequently mentioned alongside other leading brands like Akebono, Pagid, and Brembo.
Centric:
- Centric’s Posi Quiets have received good reviews, being described as a step up from their lower line products.
- Centric is often recommended alongside other major brands like Raybestos, Wagner, Acdelco, and Power Stop.
- Users have reported satisfaction with Centric’s aftermarket rotors and their compatibility with other brands’ pads, such as Akebono.
- Centric coated rotors are noted for their resistance to warping and corrosion.
In conclusion, both ATE and Centric offer high-quality brake parts with positive reviews from users.
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:
| ATE Rotors Prices⁽¹⁾ | Centric Rotors Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Rotors | ATE Rear Brake Rotor goes from $34.89 | Centric C-Tek™ Standard Solid Rear Brake Rotor goes for $13.22 |
| Most Expensive Rotors | ATE Front Driver Side Brake Rotor goes for $34.89 | Centric SportStop Drilled 1-Piece Rear Driver Side Brake Rotor goes for $1,234.22 |
Alternatively, you can see the brake pads prices for ATE and Centric below:
| ATE Brake Pads Prices⁽¹⁾ | Centric Brake Pads Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Pads | ATE Original Semi-Metallic Front Disc Brake Pads go from $21.61 | Centric C-Tek Semi-Metallic Front Disc Brake Pads go from $9.50 |
| Most Expensive Pads | ATE Original Semi-Metallic Front Disc Brake Pads go for $323.93 | Centric Formula 100 Series OEM Semi-Metallic Front Disc Brake Pads go for $253.80 |
3. Pros and Cons
In this section, I’ve tried to showcase the most noticeable advantages and disadvantages for these two experts in brakes.
ATE
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Outstanding safety and durability | ❌ ATE Brake pads are not intented for heavy loads |
| ✔ Good value for money | |
| ✔ OEM supplier |
Centric
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Reputable brand in the brake system category | ❌ Some users find that Centric rotors do not provide great bite compared to OEM rotors |
| ✔ Centric offers a range of brake pad options, including ceramic and semi-metallic | |
| ✔ Positive user reviews |
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
While both ATE and Centric have received positive reviews, it seems that ATE edges out in terms of performance and quality, with users praising its outstanding safety, durability, and better bite.
However, Centric also offers a great range of options and is appreciated for its reputation.
The differences are marginal, making it a close call, but overall, I lean towards ATE.