As an automotive enthusiast, I’ve always been intrigued by the battle of brake systems: Brembo vs Zimmermann.
Each boasts superior performance, quality, and competitive pricing.
But which one truly stands out?
Buckle up as we dive deep into their pros, cons, and everything in-between, to determine who holds the checkered flag in the world of automotive braking.
Brembo vs Zimmermann – Brand Comparison Table
| Brembo | Zimmermann | |
| Country of Origin | Italy | Germany |
| Year Founded | 1961 | 1947 |
| Made In | Italy, Germany, China | Germany |
| Founder | Emilio, Sergio and Alberto Bombassei and Italo Breda | Otto Zimmermann |
| Parent | Stand-alone | Stand-alone |
| Overall Quality | high-quality option, but there may be cheaper alternatives that provide similar performance | just as good as OEM brake discs with their Coat-Z series |
Brembo OE Replacement vs Zimmermann Coat-Z Brake Rotors Comparison
In this section, I’m going to compare the most popular Series – OE Replacement 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:
| Brembo | Zimmermann | |
| Series | OE Replacement | Coat-Z |
| Material | Cast Iron | Cast Iron |
| Coating | UV coating technology for maximum corrosion resistance | Coat Z – anti corrosion coating |
| Type | Vented | Vented |
| Durability | Engineered with precision to precise tolerances, utilizing advanced technology for unmatched durability and comfort | The grey cast iron is further treated with additional ingredients to stabilize its properties, ensuring maximum durability |
| Performance | Good performance and lifespan, thanks to innovative features such as exclusive pillar venting technology | German production quality with Coat-Z coating that not only enhances longevity but also improves the overall performance |
| Price | $39.00 – $1201.00 | $28.25 – $445.32 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 24 Months | 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) | ⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Brembo Ceramic 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:
| Brembo | Zimmermann | |
| Series | Ceramic | Premium 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. | Zimmermann Premium Ceramic brake pads are engineered to provide a quieter and consistently pleasant braking experience, minimizing noise and enhancing overall performance. |
| Price | $23.95 – $238.95 | $24.29 – $308.69 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 24 Months | 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
Both Brembo and Zimmermann offer high-quality automobile brake parts. Here’s a comparison of their performance and quality based on customer reviews:
Brembo
- Known for high-performance brake parts, often used in high-speed applications.
- According to users, Brembo pads are excellent, offering linear stopping power and consistency.
- One user recommends pairing Brembo discs with pads for amazing stopping power.
- The performance of Brembo brakes is most noticeable when braking from high speeds repeatedly.
- While more expensive than some brands, Brembo is worth the investment for those who prioritize high performance.
Zimmermann
- Users recommend Zimmermann Z coated rotors for street and daily use.
- Zimmerman drilled rotors are considered high-end OEM replacements, offering harder bite and less brake dust.
- Favorably reviewed by long-term users, Zimmermann parts are reliable and efficient.
- The zinc coating on Zimmermann parts prevents rust, and the front rotors have beneficial vents.
In conclusion, Brembo is ideal for high-performance, high-speed applications, while Zimmermann offers reliable, rust-free brake parts suitable for daily use.
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⁾ | Zimmermann Rotors Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Rotors | Brembo OE Replacement Solid Rear Brake Rotor goes from $30.80 | Zimmermann Coat-Z Brake Rotor goes from $19.97 |
| Most Expensive Rotors | Brembo GT Series CCM-R Cross Drilled 2-Piece Brake Rotors go for $13,795 | Zimmermann Formula-Z Front Passenger Side Brake Rotor goes for $1,072.23 |
Alternatively, you can see the brake pads prices for Brembo and Zimmermann below:
| Brembo Brake Pads Prices⁽¹⁾ | Zimmermann Brake Pads Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Pads | Brembo Ceramic Brake Pads go from $23.95 | Zimmermann Front Disc Brake Pad Set go from $19.68 |
| Most Expensive Pads | Brembo Premium Low-Met OE Equivalent Rear Brake Pads go for $545.95 | 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.
Brembo
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ High performance | ❌ Cost |
| ✔ Brand reputation | |
| ✔ Heat capacity |
Zimmermann
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ German production quality | ❌ Rare durability issues |
| ✔ Coat Z Coated Brake Discs | |
| ✔ Positive customer reviews |
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Given the feedback, if you prioritize high performance, especially for high-speed applications, then Brembo seems to be the better choice.
However, Zimmermann offers great quality, especially for daily street use, and is more cost-effective.
Therefore, considering both performance and cost, I would declare it to be a tie between Brembo and Zimmermann.
Both have their unique strengths catering to different user needs.