Welcome to the ultimate face-off between two titans of the automotive brake system industry: ATE and Duralast.
In this detailed comparison, we’ll delve into their performance, quality, price points, and more.
Buckle up as we dissect the pros and cons of each brand, and determine who takes the crown in the world of braking technology.
ATE vs Duralast – Brand Comparison Table
| ATE | Duralast | |
| Country of Origin | Germany | United States |
| Year Founded | 1906 | 1979 |
| Made In | mostly in Germany, Czech Republic, China | mostly in United States, China, Mexico |
| Founder | Alfred Teves | Pitt Hyde |
| Parent | Continental AG | AutoZone, Inc. |
| Overall Quality | they use only high-quality OEM materials, and their name stands for precision and reliability | great quality if you opt in for their Gold series |
ATE Cod vs Duralast Gold Brake 55097DG Brake Rotors Comparison
In this section, I’m going to compare the most popular Series – Cod and Gold Brake 55097DG 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 | Duralast | |
| Series | Cod | Gold Brake 55097DG |
| Material | High Carbon | Iron Alloy |
| Coating | MetaCote protective anti-corrosion | Fully coated |
| Type | Vented/Solid | Vented |
| Durability | Optimizes durability, prevents brake judder and noise, reduced rotor wear, extends service life of wheel suspension and wheel bearings | Smooth stopping with no pedal pulsation and enhanced durability |
| Performance | Optimum performance at all temperatures, less susceptible to noise and vibration | The high-carbon steel formulation effectively reduces noise and dissipates heat |
| Price | $40.23 – $315.25 | $106.99 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 12 months | 3-year, full-replacement warranty |
| 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 Duralast Elite Copper Free 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 | Duralast | |
| Series | Premium One Set | Elite Copper Free 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. | These next-generation pads are designed to last up to three times longer, ensuring exceptional durability for your vehicle. The patented transfer layer technology safeguards both the brake pads and rotors, minimizing wear and tear. |
| Price | $39.95 – $322.33 | $38.99 – $81.49 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 12 months | Limited-Lifetime |
| 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
After reviewing feedback from users, here’s a comparison between ATE and Duralast brake parts in terms of performance and quality:
ATE:
- Many users have reported positive experiences with ATE brake parts, complimenting their performance and durability.
- One user mentioned the ATE front pads performed excellently over 20,000 miles, outshining the Textar pads that replaced them.
- ATE pads are preferred by some for their bite and reduced noise, especially on rear discs.
- Users also praised ATE performance discs and ceramic pads for an E39, noting they work great and are OEM+.
Duralast:
- The feedback on Duralast brake parts is more mixed, with some users finding them suitable for daily use, while others recommend alternative brands.
- A user appreciated the Duralast gold ceramic brake pads, noting their smooth, fast performance and affordable price.
- However, another user reported that their Duralast Gold rotors and pads squealed badly when stopping.
In conclusion, ATE seems to garner more consistently positive reviews, while Duralast’s performance can vary. Both brands have their supporters, but individual experiences may differ.
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⁾ | Duralast Rotors Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Rotors | ATE Rear Brake Rotor goes from $34.89 | Duralast Brake Rotor 31263 goes from $22.99 |
| Most Expensive Rotors | ATE Front Driver Side Brake Rotor goes for $34.89 | Duralast Brake Rotor 70172DL goes for $1001.99 |
Alternatively, you can see the brake pads prices for ATE and Duralast below:
| ATE Brake Pads Prices⁽¹⁾ | Duralast Brake Pads Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Pads | ATE Original Semi-Metallic Front Disc Brake Pads go from $21.61 | Duralast Ceramic Brake Pads D223 go from $15.49 |
| Most Expensive Pads | ATE Original Semi-Metallic Front Disc Brake Pads go for $323.93 | Duralast Gold Ceramic Brake Pads DG1897 go for $162.99 |
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 |
Duralast
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Good for daily use | ❌ Users report that Duralast Gold brake pads may produce more brake dust than other models |
| ✔ Affordable | |
| ✔ All Auto Zone (Duralast Brand) brake pads have a limited lifetime warranty |
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Based on the information provided, I would choose ATE as the better brake brand overall.
Despite ATE brake pads not being intended for heavy loads, they have received more consistently positive reviews for performance, durability, and value for money.
Duralast, while affordable and suitable for daily use, has mixed reviews and may produce more brake dust.