In the high-stakes world of automotive brake systems, two giants hold court: Brembo and PowerStop.
As an avid car enthusiast, I’ve dived into the nitty-gritty of both brands, comparing performance, quality, prices, and more.
Join me as we navigate the pros and cons, and ultimately determine which brand takes the checkered flag—is it Brembo or PowerStop? Buckle up, it’s time to hit the brakes!
Brembo vs PowerStop – Brand Comparison Table
| Brembo | PowerStop | |
| Country of Origin | Italy | United States |
| Year Founded | 1961 | 1995 |
| Made In | Italy, Germany, China | mostly in United States, Canada, China |
| Founder | Emilio, Sergio and Alberto Bombassei and Italo Breda | Arvin Scott |
| Parent | Stand-alone | TSG Consumer Partners |
| Overall Quality | high-quality option, but there may be cheaper alternatives that provide similar performance | good brand for any brake part but there are different levels of quality |
Brembo OE Replacement vs PowerStop Evolution Performance Drilled, Slotted & Plated Brake Rotors Comparison
In this section, I’m going to compare the most popular Series – OE Replacement 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:
| Brembo | PowerStop | |
| Series | OE Replacement | Evolution Performance Drilled, Slotted & Plated |
| Material | Cast Iron | Cast Iron |
| Coating | UV coating technology for maximum corrosion resistance | Zinc coated |
| Type | Vented | Vented |
| Durability | Engineered with precision to precise tolerances, utilizing advanced technology for unmatched durability and comfort | OEM vane configuration and weight |
| Performance | Good performance and lifespan, thanks to innovative features such as exclusive pillar venting technology | Solid stopping power, drilled for better cooling and performance, 100% Mill balanced |
| Price | $39.00 – $1201.00 | $60.00 – $1124.00 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 24 Months | 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) | ⭐ | ⭐ |
Brembo Ceramic 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:
| Brembo | PowerStop | |
| Series | Ceramic | Z16 Clean Ride 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. | 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 | $23.95 – $238.95 | $17.34 – $77.96 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 24 Months | 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
Comparing Brembo and PowerStop brake parts will help us understand their performance and quality better. Here’s what we know:
Brembo:
- This brand is well-known for high performance, and is often used in high-performance applications.
- Users report that Brembo pads are excellent, providing linear, consistent stopping power.
- One user recommended pairing Brembo discs with their pads for amazing stopping power.
- Though more expensive, Brembo parts are viewed as a worthy investment for those prioritizing high performance and braking power, especially when braking from high speeds repeatedly.
PowerStop:
- Some users reported that PowerStop parts stop well and produce zero dust.
- A user who had installed front calipers, pads, and rotors reported they’ve been great so far.
- However, there were complaints about PowerStop parts making a weird clicky noise that worsens when braking.
- One user recommended using OEM parts over PowerStop for guaranteed performance and longer lifespan.
In conclusion, Brembo seems to be favored by those seeking high performance, while PowerStop has mixed reviews, with some users experiencing 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⁾ | PowerStop Rotors Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Rotors | Brembo OE Replacement Solid Rear Brake Rotor goes from $30.80 | Power Stop Autospecialty OE Vented Front Brake Rotor goes from $16.18 |
| Most Expensive Rotors | Brembo GT Series CCM-R Cross Drilled 2-Piece Brake Rotors go for $13,795 | 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 Brembo and PowerStop below:
| Brembo Brake Pads Prices⁽¹⁾ | PowerStop Brake Pads Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Pads | Brembo Ceramic Brake Pads go from $23.95 | Power Stop Euro-Stop Semi-Metallic Rear Disc Brake Pads go from $17.58 |
| Most Expensive Pads | Brembo Premium Low-Met OE Equivalent Rear Brake Pads go for $545.95 | 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.
Brembo
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ High performance | ❌ Cost |
| ✔ Brand reputation | |
| ✔ Heat capacity |
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 considering the customer feedback and pros and cons of both brands, I’d declare Brembo as the better pick overall.
Despite being pricier, Brembo’s superior performance, brand reputation, and excellent heat capacity outweigh PowerStop’s value and accessibility advantages, especially given the reported noise issues with some PowerStop brake parts.
For those prioritizing high performance, Brembo seems a worthwhile investment.