Welcome to the ultimate showdown between ATE and TRW, the titans of automotive brake systems!
We’ll delve deep into their performance, dissect their quality, compare prices, and lay bare the pros and cons of each.
Buckle up as we put these brands head-to-head in a quest to determine the champion of braking solutions!
ATE vs TRW – Brand Comparison Table
| ATE | TRW | |
| Country of Origin | Germany | United States |
| Year Founded | 1906 | 1901 |
| Made In | mostly in Germany, Czech Republic, China | mostly in United States, Czech Republic, China |
| Founder | Alfred Teves | David Kurtz and four other Cleveland residents |
| Parent | Continental AG | ZF Friedrichshafen AG |
| Overall Quality | they use only high-quality OEM materials, and their name stands for precision and reliability | high-quality and reliable performance |
ATE Cod vs TRW Coated Brake Rotors Comparison
In this section, I’m going to compare the most popular Series – Cod and Coated 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 | TRW | |
| Series | Cod | Coated |
| Material | High Carbon | High Carbon |
| Coating | MetaCote protective anti-corrosion | Anti-corrosion coating |
| Type | Vented/Solid | Vented |
| Durability | Optimizes durability, prevents brake judder and noise, reduced rotor wear, extends service life of wheel suspension and wheel bearings | Equivalent to Original Equipment (OE) standards and designed for a direct fit application |
| Performance | Optimum performance at all temperatures, less susceptible to noise and vibration | Offers increased friction coefficient, durability against vibrations and noise, and enhanced thermal efficiency |
| Price | $40.23 – $315.25 | $116.20 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 12 months | cover defects in material and poor workmanship for 12 months |
| 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 TRW 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 | TRW | |
| Series | Premium One Set | 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. | TRW takes pride in its 100% in-house production of brake pads, coupled with state-of-the-art technology, ensure the production of brake pads that meet the highest industry standards for quality, performance, and safety. |
| Price | $39.95 – $322.33 | $21.47 – $160.36 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 12 months | covers defects in materials or workmanship for a period of 12 months from date of installation or 18 months from delivery |
| 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 TRW brake parts, both brands have their strengths and are generally well-regarded by users:
ATE
- ATE brake parts have received positive feedback from users. One user noted that the ATE front pads they used for over 20,000 miles were excellent and quieter than other brands.
- Users reported preferring ATE pads, finding them slightly softer and therefore having better grip, especially on rear discs. Bonus: no squeaking noises.
- In discussions about brake parts for specific car models like the E39, ATE has been mentioned favorably alongside other premium brands such as Akebono and Pagid.
- ATE is also often considered in the same category with Brembo, another top-tier brake brand.
TRW
- TRW brakes also receive positive reviews from users. One user recommended TRW brake pads as a good OEM performance option.
- Several users reported that TRW brake pads produce less brake dust while maintaining the same stopping power.
- According to some users, TRW pads have a more progressive stopping power, eliminating the initial bite but also getting rid of the squeaking noise. They report that the brakes stop well with good pressure on the pedal.
- TRW is recognized as a quality European manufacturer for many car companies.
In conclusion, both ATE and TRW produce high-quality brake parts, with users praising their performance, durability, and reduced noise levels.
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⁾ | TRW Rotors Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Rotors | ATE Rear Brake Rotor goes from $34.89 | TRW Brake Rotor goes from $72.39 |
| Most Expensive Rotors | ATE Front Driver Side Brake Rotor goes for $34.89 | TRW Brake Rotor goes for $196.58 |
Alternatively, you can see the brake pads prices for ATE and TRW below:
| ATE Brake Pads Prices⁽¹⁾ | TRW Brake Pads Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Pads | ATE Original Semi-Metallic Front Disc Brake Pads go from $21.61 | TRW Semi-Metallic Rear Disc Brake Pads go from $19.29 |
| Most Expensive Pads | ATE Original Semi-Metallic Front Disc Brake Pads go for $323.93 | TRW Semi-Metallic Front Disc Brake Pads go for $351.82 |
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 |
TRW
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ TRW brake pads and rotors are often considered to be a good value for the price | ❌ Their pads can produce more brake dust than usual |
| ✔ Good all-around performance | |
| ✔ Range of options |
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
As someone who values reliable, durable, and cost-effective options, it’s a tough decision between ATE and TRW brake brands.
However, considering the positive feedback, OEM status, and overall performance, I’d lean slightly more towards ATE.
Although both brands are excellent, ATE’s better bite and quieter operation gives it a slight edge in this comparison.