Welcome, gearheads and auto enthusiasts! In this high-octane showdown, we’re pitting Bosch against TRW—two titans of the automotive brake system industry.
We’ll delve into performance, quality, pricing, and even the nitty-gritty pros and cons to determine which brand truly stops the competition in its tracks.
Buckle up, it’s time to delve deep into the world of braking systems!
Bosch vs TRW – Brand Comparison Table
| Bosch | TRW | |
| Country of Origin | Germany | United States |
| Year Founded | 1886 | 1901 |
| Made In | Germany, Czech Republic, China, Mexico | mostly in United States, Czech Republic, China |
| Founder | Robert Bosch | David Kurtz and four other Cleveland residents |
| Parent | Robert Bosch Stiftung (92%), Bosch Family (8%) | ZF Friedrichshafen AG |
| Overall Quality | good quality, safe and reliable pick | high-quality and reliable performance |
Bosch QuietCast vs TRW Coated Brake Rotors Comparison
In this section, I’m going to compare the most popular Series – QuietCast 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:
| Bosch | TRW | |
| Series | QuietCast | Coated |
| Material | Zinc and aluminum | High Carbon |
| Coating | Aluminum-zinc coating | Anti-corrosion coating |
| Type | Vented | Vented |
| Durability | Heat-flowed castings for silent operation and long product life | Equivalent to Original Equipment (OE) standards and designed for a direct fit application |
| Performance | Reduces unwanted vibrations and noise | Offers increased friction coefficient, durability against vibrations and noise, and enhanced thermal efficiency |
| Price | $28.00 – $269.00 | $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) | ⭐ | ⭐ |
Bosch QuietCast Premium 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:
| Bosch | TRW | |
| Series | QuietCast Premium | Ceramic |
| Material | Ceramic | Ceramic |
| 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. | 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 | $20.72 – $105.04 | $21.47 – $160.36 |
| Warranty | covers defects in materials or workmanship for a period of 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
When comparing the performance, durability and quality of Bosch and TRW, each has its own strengths and weaknesses:
Bosch
- Some users report issues with Bosch brake pads and rotors failing within a few years.
- But many others recommend Bosch Quietcast Premium Rotors and Brake Pads as a top pick due to their perfect fit, excellent quality, and better than OEM stopping power.
- These brake pads are also praised for being quiet, producing low dust, and having great stopping power.
- In brake pad brand discussions, Bosch is generally considered a safe and reliable choice.
- However, a user on Reddit mentioned that Bosch pads can be noisy.
TRW
- TRW brakes generally receive positive feedback from users.
- One Reddit user recommended TRW brake pads as an OEM performance option, with the same stopping power but 50% less dust production.
- TRW is a European manufacturer known for good quality pads used by many car companies.
- Users report the initial bite of TRW pads is less, but they provide a more progressive stopping power with good pedal pressure, and they are not squeaky.
Overall, both brands offer quality products. The choice between Bosch and TRW might come down to personal preference and specific vehicle needs.
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⁾ | TRW Rotors Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Rotors | Bosch QuietCast Premium Brake Rotor goes from $26.35 | TRW Brake Rotor goes from $72.39 |
| Most Expensive Rotors | Bosch QuietCast™ Premium Front Brake Rotor goes for $328.67 | TRW Brake Rotor goes for $196.58 |
Alternatively, you can see the brake pads prices for Bosch and TRW below:
| Bosch Brake Pads Prices⁽¹⁾ | TRW Brake Pads Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Pads | Bosch Blue Semi-Metallic Rear Disc Brake Pads go from $11.35 | TRW Semi-Metallic Rear Disc Brake Pads go from $19.29 |
| Most Expensive Pads | Bosch EuroLine Semi-Metallic Front Disc Brake Pads go for $215.32 | 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.
Bosch
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Cost-effective | ❌ Some users have reported negative experiences with their brakes |
| ✔ Eco-Friendly | |
| ✔ Availability |
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?
Looking at the customer feedback and weighing the pros and cons, I would lean towards TRW as the better pick overall.
Despite producing more brake dust, TRW brake pads and rotors receive consistently positive reviews for their performance, quality, and value for price.
Bosch, while also a reliable option, has had mixed reviews, with some users reporting issues with noise and durability.