Welcome gearheads and auto-aficionados alike!
Prepare to dive deep into the world of automotive brake systems as I dissect and debate the dynamics of two industry titans: Bendix and PowerStop.
We’ll hit the brakes on performance, quality, price, and more in this thrilling comparison review.
Buckle up, it’s time to see who truly stops the show!
Bendix vs PowerStop – Brand Comparison Table
| Bendix | PowerStop | |
| Country of Origin | United States | United States |
| Year Founded | 1924 | 1995 |
| Made In | United States, Mexico, China | mostly in United States, Canada, China |
| Founder | Vincent Bendix | Arvin Scott |
| Parent | Knorr Bremse | TSG Consumer Partners |
| Overall Quality | high-quality, especially their ceramic brake pads | good brand for any brake part but there are different levels of quality |
Bendix PRT5898 vs PowerStop Evolution Performance Drilled, Slotted & Plated Brake Rotors Comparison
In this section, I’m going to compare the most popular Series – PRT5898 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:
| Bendix | PowerStop | |
| Series | PRT5898 | Evolution Performance Drilled, Slotted & Plated |
| Material | Iron | Cast Iron |
| Coating | Natural | Zinc coated |
| Type | Vented | Vented |
| Durability | Designed and tested to stand the test of time, meets or exceeds SAE standards for strength and hardness | OEM vane configuration and weight |
| Performance | OE vane design + configuration for optimal noise performance and heat dissipation, smooth non-directional surface finish for optimal initial braking | Solid stopping power, drilled for better cooling and performance, 100% Mill balanced |
| Price | $38.66 | $60.00 – $1124.00 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 12 Months/12,000 Miles | 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) | ⭐ | ⭐ |
Bendix Premium Copper Free Semi-Metallic 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:
| Bendix | PowerStop | |
| Series | Premium Copper Free Semi-Metallic | Z16 Clean Ride Ceramic |
| Material | Semi-Metallic | Ceramic |
| Performance | Bendix Copper-Free Semi-Metallic Brake Pads surpass the performance of both OE (Original Equipment) and competitors’ brake pads containing copper. | 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 | $22.20 – $64.93 | $17.34 – $77.96 |
| Warranty | covers defects in materials or workmanship for a period of 12 months (12,000 miles) | 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
From my analysis, both Bendix and PowerStop offer reliable brake components, but their performance and quality have some differences based on customer reviews. Let’s take a deeper look:
Bendix
- Regarded as a top choice among diverse brake pad brands in online discussions.
- Customers report high satisfaction with Bendix, especially their ceramic pads.
- Many users outfit all their vehicles with Bendix, indicating trust in the brand.
- Known for OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) replacements, matching the quality of original parts.
PowerStop
- Reviews for PowerStop are varied. Many users find them great for stopping and appreciate their minimal dust production.
- Installation of front calipers, pads, and rotors from PowerStop has been reportedly successful.
- Some users have encountered issues, like unusual clicking noises while braking.
- Recommendations suggest considering OEM parts for longevity and guaranteed performance, which may suggest PowerStop’s durability could be improved.
In conclusion, while Bendix appears to have more consistently positive feedback, PowerStop also has its advantages.
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:
| Bendix Rotors Prices⁽¹⁾ | PowerStop Rotors Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Rotors | Bendix Global Premium Solid Rear Brake Rotor goes from $20.71 | Power Stop Autospecialty OE Vented Front Brake Rotor goes from $16.18 |
| Most Expensive Rotors | Bendix Global Premium Vented Front Driver Side Brake Rotor goes for $579.73 | 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 Bendix and PowerStop below:
| Bendix Brake Pads Prices⁽¹⁾ | PowerStop Brake Pads Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Pads | Bendix STOP Semi-Metallic Rear Disc Brake Pads go from $16.58 | Power Stop Euro-Stop Semi-Metallic Rear Disc Brake Pads go from $17.58 |
| Most Expensive Pads | Bendix Fleet MetLok Semi-Metallic Front Disc Brake Pads go for $92.38 | 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.
Bendix
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ High-quality brake products | ❌ Some customers have reported that their brake pads can get noisy |
| ✔ Good reputation in the industry | |
| ✔ 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 carefully reviewing the feedback, it appears that Bendix has a slight edge over PowerStop.
While both brands have pros and cons, Bendix’s reputation for high-quality products and being an OEM supplier outweighs the reports of occasional noise.
PowerStop, although offering good value and easy installation, has mixed reviews due to some reported noise issues.