Welcome, gearheads and auto-enthusiasts!
I’m diving deep into the world of automotive brake systems, putting two titans—Brembo and Duralast—head-to-head.
We’ll be checking out their performance, quality, prices, and weighing their pros and cons.
Strap in, it’s time to find out which brand will take the pole position in our brake system showdown!
Brembo vs Duralast – Brand Comparison Table
| Brembo | Duralast | |
| Country of Origin | Italy | United States |
| Year Founded | 1961 | 1979 |
| Made In | Italy, Germany, China | mostly in United States, China, Mexico |
| Founder | Emilio, Sergio and Alberto Bombassei and Italo Breda | Pitt Hyde |
| Parent | Stand-alone | AutoZone, Inc. |
| Overall Quality | high-quality option, but there may be cheaper alternatives that provide similar performance | great quality if you opt in for their Gold series |
Brembo OE Replacement vs Duralast Gold Brake 55097DG Brake Rotors Comparison
In this section, I’m going to compare the most popular Series – OE Replacement and Gold Brake 55097DG 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:
| Brembo | Duralast | |
| Series | OE Replacement | Gold Brake 55097DG |
| Material | Cast Iron | Iron Alloy |
| Coating | UV coating technology for maximum corrosion resistance | Fully coated |
| Type | Vented | Vented |
| Durability | Engineered with precision to precise tolerances, utilizing advanced technology for unmatched durability and comfort | Smooth stopping with no pedal pulsation and enhanced durability |
| Performance | Good performance and lifespan, thanks to innovative features such as exclusive pillar venting technology | The high-carbon steel formulation effectively reduces noise and dissipates heat |
| Price | $39.00 – $1201.00 | $106.99 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 24 Months | 3-year, full-replacement warranty |
| Stopping Power Rating (More Stars = More Stopping Power) | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Noise Levels Rating (Fewer Stars = Less Noise) | ⭐ | ⭐ |
| Performance Over Stock Rating (More Stars = More Performance) | ⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
Brembo Ceramic vs Duralast Elite Copper Free 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:
| Brembo | Duralast | |
| Series | Ceramic | Elite Copper Free Ceramic |
| Material | Ceramic | Ceramic |
| Performance | Brembo Ceramic brake pads are engineered to deliver superior braking performance, effectively enhancing your vehicle’s stopping power. These pads also excel in minimizing noise, vibration, and harshness during braking. | These next-generation pads are designed to last up to three times longer, ensuring exceptional durability for your vehicle. The patented transfer layer technology safeguards both the brake pads and rotors, minimizing wear and tear. |
| Price | $23.95 – $238.95 | $38.99 – $81.49 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 24 Months | Limited-Lifetime |
| 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
In comparing Brembo and Duralast brake parts, there are significant differences in both performance and quality:
Brembo
- These brake parts are known for high-performance, often used in high-performance applications.
- Users report that Brembo pads are excellent, with smooth, consistent stopping power.
- Pairing Brembo discs with pads reportedly improves braking performance immensely.
- While more expensive, Brembo parts are considered a worthy investment for those seeking high performance and power, especially during repeated high-speed braking.
Duralast
- The performance of Duralast brake parts is mixed. They are generally seen as good for daily use, though some users recommend other brands for better performance.
- A user reported that the Duralast gold ceramic brake pads work well, providing smooth and fast braking at a low price.
- However, other users have experienced problems, such as squealing noises when coming to a stop using Duralast Gold rotors and pads.
In conclusion, Brembo seems to excel in high-performance applications, delivering consistent and superior braking power at a higher cost.
Duralast, on the other hand, offers affordable brake parts that are suitable for daily use but may not provide the same level of performance and may potentially have noise issues.
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:
| Brembo Rotors Prices⁽¹⁾ | Duralast Rotors Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Rotors | Brembo OE Replacement Solid Rear Brake Rotor goes from $30.80 | Duralast Brake Rotor 31263 goes from $22.99 |
| Most Expensive Rotors | Brembo GT Series CCM-R Cross Drilled 2-Piece Brake Rotors go for $13,795 | Duralast Brake Rotor 70172DL goes for $1001.99 |
Alternatively, you can see the brake pads prices for Brembo and Duralast below:
| Brembo Brake Pads Prices⁽¹⁾ | Duralast Brake Pads Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Pads | Brembo Ceramic Brake Pads go from $23.95 | Duralast Ceramic Brake Pads D223 go from $15.49 |
| Most Expensive Pads | Brembo Premium Low-Met OE Equivalent Rear Brake Pads go for $545.95 | Duralast Gold Ceramic Brake Pads DG1897 go for $162.99 |
3. Pros and Cons
In this section, I’ve tried to showcase the most noticeable advantages and disadvantages for these two experts in brakes.
Brembo
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ High performance | ❌ Cost |
| ✔ Brand reputation | |
| ✔ Heat capacity |
Duralast
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Good for daily use | ❌ Users report that Duralast Gold brake pads may produce more brake dust than other models |
| ✔ Affordable | |
| ✔ All Auto Zone (Duralast Brand) brake pads have a limited lifetime warranty |
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Considering the feedback and key points, Brembo emerges as the superior brand.
It’s recognized for high performance, especially in demanding conditions, and receives consistently positive customer reviews.
Duralast, while affordable and suitable for everyday use, has mixed reviews and potential issues with brake dust.
Despite Brembo’s higher cost, its overall quality and performance make it the better choice.
