Welcome, fellow car enthusiasts! Brace yourselves as we dive deep into the world of automotive brake systems, putting two giants, Bendix and Zimmermann, head-to-head.
We’ll scrutinize their performance, quality, pricing, and weigh the pros and cons.
So buckle up, as we determine which brand deserves to be crowned the champion of stopping power!
Bendix vs Zimmermann – Brand Comparison Table
| Bendix | Zimmermann | |
| Country of Origin | United States | Germany |
| Year Founded | 1924 | 1947 |
| Made In | United States, Mexico, China | Germany |
| Founder | Vincent Bendix | Otto Zimmermann |
| Parent | Knorr Bremse | Stand-alone |
| Overall Quality | high-quality, especially their ceramic brake pads | just as good as OEM brake discs with their Coat-Z series |
Bendix PRT5898 vs Zimmermann Coat-Z Brake Rotors Comparison
In this section, I’m going to compare the most popular Series – PRT5898 and Coat-Z 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 | Zimmermann | |
| Series | PRT5898 | Coat-Z |
| Material | Iron | Cast Iron |
| Coating | Natural | Coat Z – anti corrosion coating |
| Type | Vented | Vented |
| Durability | Designed and tested to stand the test of time, meets or exceeds SAE standards for strength and hardness | The grey cast iron is further treated with additional ingredients to stabilize its properties, ensuring maximum durability |
| Performance | OE vane design + configuration for optimal noise performance and heat dissipation, smooth non-directional surface finish for optimal initial braking | German production quality with Coat-Z coating that not only enhances longevity but also improves the overall performance |
| Price | $38.66 | $28.25 – $445.32 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 12 Months/12,000 Miles | covers defects in material and workmanship for 24 Months |
| 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 Zimmermann Premium 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 | Zimmermann | |
| Series | Premium Copper Free Semi-Metallic | Premium 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. | Zimmermann Premium Ceramic brake pads are engineered to provide a quieter and consistently pleasant braking experience, minimizing noise and enhancing overall performance. |
| Price | $22.20 – $64.93 | $24.29 – $308.69 |
| Warranty | covers defects in materials or workmanship for a period of 12 months (12,000 miles) | covers defects in material and workmanship for 24 months |
| 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
When comparing Bendix and Zimmermann, it’s clear both brands have their strengths and loyal customers. Here’s what I found about each:
Bendix
- Bendix is often recommended as a trusted brake pad brand on various online forums, including Reddit.
- Users appreciate the quality of Bendix’s ceramic pads and often use them on all their cars.
- Bendix Premium brake pads are noted for their performance as original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacements.
Zimmermann
- Zimmermann also receives positive feedback from users, especially for their Z coated and drilled rotors.
- Users note that Zimmermann’s brake components produce less dust and have a stronger bite, making them a solid choice for street and daily use.
- Zimmermann products are appreciated for their quality, with one user highlighting their rust-free zinc coating and effective venting on the front rotors.
- Like Bendix, some users are so satisfied with Zimmermann that they use them on all their cars.
In conclusion, both Bendix and Zimmermann offer reliable, high-performing brake components. Your choice may depend on your specific needs, such as whether you prioritize less dust production, stronger bite, or OEM replacement quality.
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⁾ | Zimmermann Rotors Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Rotors | Bendix Global Premium Solid Rear Brake Rotor goes from $20.71 | Zimmermann Coat-Z Brake Rotor goes from $19.97 |
| Most Expensive Rotors | Bendix Global Premium Vented Front Driver Side Brake Rotor goes for $579.73 | Zimmermann Formula-Z Front Passenger Side Brake Rotor goes for $1,072.23 |
Alternatively, you can see the brake pads prices for Bendix and Zimmermann below:
| Bendix Brake Pads Prices⁽¹⁾ | Zimmermann Brake Pads Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Pads | Bendix STOP Semi-Metallic Rear Disc Brake Pads go from $16.58 | Zimmermann Front Disc Brake Pad Set go from $19.68 |
| Most Expensive Pads | Bendix Fleet MetLok Semi-Metallic Front Disc Brake Pads go for $92.38 | Zimmermann Rear Disc Brake Pad Set go for $269.93 |
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 |
Zimmermann
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ German production quality | ❌ Rare durability issues |
| ✔ Coat Z Coated Brake Discs | |
| ✔ Positive customer reviews |
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
After evaluating the feedback, both Bendix and Zimmermann have strong reputations for quality and performance.
However, Zimmermann edges out slightly due to their German production quality, their Coat Z Coated Brake Discs, and consistently positive customer reviews.
Despite occasional durability concerns, overall customer satisfaction suggests Zimmermann as the superior choice between the two.
