Welcome fellow auto-enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving deep into the world of automotive brake systems, pitting two heavyweights against each other—Bosch and Raybestos.
We’ll dissect their performance, assess quality, scrutinize prices and weigh their pros and cons to finally answer the burning question: Which is the superior brake system brand?
Buckle up, it’s time for a high-octane showdown!
Bosch vs Raybestos – Brand Comparison Table
| Bosch | Raybestos | |
| Country of Origin | Germany | United States |
| Year Founded | 1886 | 1902 |
| Made In | Germany, Czech Republic, China, Mexico | mostly in China |
| Founder | Robert Bosch | Arthur H. Raymond and Arthur F. Law |
| Parent | Robert Bosch Stiftung (92%), Bosch Family (8%) | Brake Parts Inc |
| Overall Quality | good quality, safe and reliable pick | high-quality with good friction rating |
Bosch QuietCast vs Raybestos Element3 Premium Coated Brake Rotors Comparison
In this section, I’m going to compare the most popular Series – QuietCast and Element3 Premium 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:
| Bosch | Raybestos | |
| Series | QuietCast | Element3 Premium Coated |
| Material | Zinc and aluminum | High Carbon |
| Coating | Aluminum-zinc coating | Grey fusion 4.0 zinc coating |
| Type | Vented | Vented |
| Durability | Heat-flowed castings for silent operation and long product life | Original equipment design, vane configuration, and weight |
| Performance | Reduces unwanted vibrations and noise | Unmatched stopping power, corrosion and rust-resistant finish, reduced brake fade for high performance |
| Price | $28.00 – $269.00 | $19.00 – $307.00 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 12 Months | Raybestos Brake Products will be free from non-conformities in materials and workmanship |
| Stopping Power Rating (More Stars = More Stopping Power) | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Noise Levels Rating (Fewer Stars = Less Noise) | ⭐ | ⭐ |
| Performance Over Stock Rating (More Stars = More Performance) | ⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
Bosch QuietCast Premium vs Raybestos E3 Performance 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:
| Bosch | Raybestos | |
| Series | QuietCast Premium | E3 Performance |
| Material | Ceramic | Ceramic, Organic |
| Performance | Bosch QuietCast Premium Brake Pads represent a significant advancement in aftermarket brake pad technology. Utilizing industry-leading preattached rubber core shims and Molded Shim Technology, QuietCast ensures exceptionally quiet operation, meeting the expectations of both mechanics and customers. | Engineered for smooth and quiet operation, these brake pads are designed to outperform stock options. They incorporate EHT Enhanced Hybrid Technology and professional-grade formulations, ensuring optimum performance and reliability for an enhanced braking experience. |
| Price | $20.72 – $105.04 | $14.00 – $53.00 |
| Warranty | covers defects in materials or workmanship for a period of 12 months | Raybestos Brake Products will be free from non-conformities in materials and workmanship |
| 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 the performance of Bosch and Raybestos, both companies have their strengths and shortcomings, as per customer reviews.
Bosch:
- Some customers report issues with brake pads and rotors failing within a few years.
- Despite this, many customers recommend Bosch Quietcast Premium Rotors and Brake Pads, praising their excellent fit, low dust production, and superior stopping power.
- One user on Reddit suggests Bosch pads can be noisy, but others consider Bosch a safe and reliable choice.
Raybestos:
- Customers recommend Raybestos coated rotors and Centric Posi Quiet ceramic pads, highlighting their performance and quality.
- There are questions about the brand’s quality control after shifting production overseas, but no specific issues were mentioned.
- Users appreciate Raybestos Element3/EHT brake pads for their even performance during warm-up and their applicability across different vehicle types.
- Raybestos is commonly listed as a reliable brand for reasonably priced, well-known brake pads and rotors.
In conclusion, both brands have their advocates and detractors. Bosch is praised for its fit and stopping power but critiqued for noise and occasionally failing components. Raybestos gets high marks for performance and versatility, but there are concerns about recent overseas production.
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:
| Bosch Rotors Prices⁽¹⁾ | Raybestos Rotors Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Rotors | Bosch QuietCast Premium Brake Rotor goes from $26.35 | Raybestos R-Line™ Brake Rotor goes from $14.74 |
| Most Expensive Rotors | Bosch QuietCast™ Premium Front Brake Rotor goes for $328.67 | Raybestos Specialty Street Performance Slotted 1-Piece Rear Brake Rotor goes for $236.02 |
Alternatively, you can see the brake pads prices for Bosch and Raybestos below:
| Bosch Brake Pads Prices⁽¹⁾ | Raybestos Brake Pads Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Pads | Bosch Blue Semi-Metallic Rear Disc Brake Pads go from $11.35 | Raybestos R-Line Semi-Metallic Rear Disc Brake Pads go from $14.49 |
| Most Expensive Pads | Bosch EuroLine Semi-Metallic Front Disc Brake Pads go for $215.32 | Raybestos Street Performance Specialty Metallic Rear Brake Pads go for $146.86 |
3. Pros and Cons
In this section, I’ve tried to showcase the most noticeable advantages and disadvantages for these two experts in brakes.
Bosch
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Cost-effective | ❌ Some users have reported negative experiences with their brakes |
| ✔ Eco-Friendly | |
| ✔ Availability |
Raybestos
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ High-quality brake rotors | ❌ Some customers are experiencing noise issues with their pads |
| ✔ Reputable brand in the brake system market | |
| ✔ Durability |
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
After weighing the pros and cons of both Bosch and Raybestos brakes, it’s clear that the decision is quite close.
However, given the slightly greater number of positive reviews for its quality, durability, and high-performance brake rotors, I’d lean towards declaring Raybestos as the better overall pick in this comparison.