Welcome, fellow car enthusiasts! Today we’re putting ATE and PowerStop brake systems head-to-head.
We’ll delve deep into their performance, evaluate their quality, compare prices, and weigh the pros and cons.
Which of these automotive giants offers the better brake system? Fasten your seatbelts, folks—it’s going to be an exhilarating ride!
ATE vs PowerStop – Brand Comparison Table
| ATE | PowerStop | |
| Country of Origin | Germany | United States |
| Year Founded | 1906 | 1995 |
| Made In | mostly in Germany, Czech Republic, China | mostly in United States, Canada, China |
| Founder | Alfred Teves | Arvin Scott |
| Parent | Continental AG | TSG Consumer Partners |
| Overall Quality | they use only high-quality OEM materials, and their name stands for precision and reliability | good brand for any brake part but there are different levels of quality |
ATE Cod vs PowerStop Evolution Performance Drilled, Slotted & Plated Brake Rotors Comparison
In this section, I’m going to compare the most popular Series – Cod and Evolution Performance Drilled, Slotted & Plated 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 | PowerStop | |
| Series | Cod | Evolution Performance Drilled, Slotted & Plated |
| Material | High Carbon | Cast Iron |
| Coating | MetaCote protective anti-corrosion | Zinc 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 | OEM vane configuration and weight |
| Performance | Optimum performance at all temperatures, less susceptible to noise and vibration | Solid stopping power, drilled for better cooling and performance, 100% Mill balanced |
| Price | $40.23 – $315.25 | $60.00 – $1124.00 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 12 months | cover defects in material and poor workmanship for 3 years or 36,000 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 PowerStop Z16 Clean Ride 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 | PowerStop | |
| Series | Premium One Set | Z16 Clean Ride 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. | Power Stop Z16 Clean Ride Ceramic Brake pads feature Evolution ceramic with a low dust formula, delivering superior braking power while keeping your wheels cleaner. The pad surfaces are thermal scorched for a quick break-in process. |
| Price | $39.95 – $322.33 | $17.34 – $77.96 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 12 months | covers defects in materials or workmanship for 90 days from the purchase date or 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
Let’s dive into the performance and quality of brake parts from ATE and PowerStop based on customer reviews.
ATE:
- ATE brake parts have received positive reviews from users.
- One user reported that they used ATE front pads for over 20,000 miles without any issue, praising them for being quiet and never fading.
- Another user praised ATE pads for their better bite and no squeal performance compared to Pagid.
- Users in Reddit threads discussing brake pads for an E39 highlighted ATE’s great performance and put them alongside other good brands like Akebono, Pagid, and Brembo.
PowerStop:
- PowerStop brake parts have received mixed reviews from users.
- Some users have praised PowerStop pads and rotors for stopping well and producing zero dust.
- However, some users reported issues with PowerStop parts, like a weird clicky noise that gets worse when braking.
- In a Reddit thread, one user recommended going with OEM brake parts for longer-lasting performance.
In a nutshell, both brands have their pros and cons. ATE seems to enjoy more positive feedback, while PowerStop has mixed reviews with some users experiencing issues.
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⁾ | PowerStop Rotors Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Rotors | ATE Rear Brake Rotor goes from $34.89 | Power Stop Autospecialty OE Vented Front Brake Rotor goes from $16.18 |
| Most Expensive Rotors | ATE Front Driver Side Brake Rotor goes for $34.89 | Power Stop Evolution Performance Drilled and Slotted 1-Piece Front Brake Rotors go for $1,240.35 |
Alternatively, you can see the brake pads prices for ATE and PowerStop below:
| ATE Brake Pads Prices⁽¹⁾ | PowerStop Brake Pads Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Pads | ATE Original Semi-Metallic Front Disc Brake Pads go from $21.61 | Power Stop Euro-Stop Semi-Metallic Rear Disc Brake Pads go from $17.58 |
| Most Expensive Pads | ATE Original Semi-Metallic Front Disc Brake Pads go for $323.93 | Power Stop Track Day Spec Advanced Front Brake Pads go for $209.14 |
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 |
PowerStop
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Good value for the price | ❌ Users are reporting annoying squeaking or grinding noises that can come from some of their brake pads |
| ✔ Availability | |
| ✔ Easy installation |
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
After comparing both brands, I declare ATE as the better choice overall.
Although PowerStop is praised for its price and availability, ATE’s positive reviews regarding safety, durability, and overall performance outweigh the potential noise issues reported with PowerStop.
The fact that ATE is an OEM supplier also adds to its credibility, making it a reliable choice for brake parts.