Welcome! I’m diving into the world of automotive brake systems, comparing two industry leaders: Centric and PowerStop.
We’ll explore their performance, quality, pricing, and weigh the pros and cons.
Will Centric’s reputation triumph, or does PowerStop’s power truly stop everything else?
Fasten your seatbelts; we’re about to find out which brand truly delivers a superior braking experience!
Centric vs PowerStop – Brand Comparison Table
| Centric | PowerStop | |
| Country of Origin | United States | United States |
| Year Founded | 2000 | 1995 |
| Made In | mostly in United States, China | mostly in United States, Canada, China |
| Founder | Dino Crescentini | Arvin Scott |
| Parent | First Brand Group | TSG Consumer Partners |
| Overall Quality | reputable brand with respectable quality | good brand for any brake part but there are different levels of quality |
Centric High Carbon OE Replacement vs PowerStop Evolution Performance Drilled, Slotted & Plated Brake Rotors Comparison
In this section, I’m going to compare the most popular Series – High Carbon 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:
| Centric | PowerStop | |
| Series | High Carbon OE Replacement | Evolution Performance Drilled, Slotted & Plated |
| Material | High Carbon | Cast Iron |
| Coating | Electrocoating finish | Zinc coated |
| Type | Vented | Vented |
| Durability | Proprietary high carbon alloy resists cracking and decreases pad squeal | OEM vane configuration and weight |
| Performance | Double disc ground finish, non-directional surface for better rotor and pad break-in, mill balanced for smooth braking | Solid stopping power, drilled for better cooling and performance, 100% Mill balanced |
| Price | $33.00 – $1,163.00 | $60.00 – $1124.00 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 90 days or for 3,000 miles of use | 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) | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ |
Centric Posi-Quiet 105 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:
| Centric | PowerStop | |
| Series | Posi-Quiet 105 Ceramic | Z16 Clean Ride Ceramic |
| Material | Ceramic | Ceramic |
| Performance | Centric Posi-Quiet 105 Ceramic Brake Pads are engineered with low dust formulation, promoting cleaner wheels and brakes for a neater appearance. They are 100% scorched during manufacturing, ensuring easy bed-in for quicker and efficient use. | 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 | $23.00 – $133.00 | $17.34 – $77.96 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 90 days or for 3,000 miles of use | 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
In comparing Centric and PowerStop, it appears both brands have their strengths, yet also face some criticisms.
Centric:
- Users have generally given positive reviews for Centric brake parts.
- The Centric Posi Quiets, in particular, have received many good reviews, and are seen as superior to the brand’s lower line.
- Many users recommend Centric as a reliable brand for brake parts, placing it alongside reputable brands like Raybestos, Wagner, ACDelco, and Power Stop.
- One user praised the cheaper yet effective Centric rotors and Akebono pads.
- Centric coated rotors are recommended for their durability and resistance to corrosion.
PowerStop:
- Reviews for PowerStop brake parts are mixed.
- Several users appreciate PowerStop brake parts for their stopping power and dust-free performance.
- A user reported satisfaction with their front calipers, pads, and rotors from PowerStop.
- However, some users reported issues such as a strange clicking noise that worsens during braking.
- One user advised opting for OEM brake parts instead, asserting that they are more durable and guaranteed to perform.
In summary, both Centric and PowerStop have their own merits, but it’s crucial to consider user experiences and individual vehicle compatibility before making a decision.
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:
| Centric Rotors Prices⁽¹⁾ | PowerStop Rotors Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Rotors | Centric C-Tek™ Standard Solid Rear Brake Rotor goes for $13.22 | Power Stop Autospecialty OE Vented Front Brake Rotor goes from $16.18 |
| Most Expensive Rotors | Centric SportStop Drilled 1-Piece Rear Driver Side Brake Rotor goes for $1,234.22 | 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 Centric and PowerStop below:
| Centric Brake Pads Prices⁽¹⁾ | PowerStop Brake Pads Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Pads | Centric C-Tek Semi-Metallic Front Disc Brake Pads go from $9.50 | Power Stop Euro-Stop Semi-Metallic Rear Disc Brake Pads go from $17.58 |
| Most Expensive Pads | Centric Formula 100 Series OEM Semi-Metallic Front Disc Brake Pads go for $253.80 | 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.
Centric
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Reputable brand in the brake system category | ❌ Some users find that Centric rotors do not provide great bite compared to OEM rotors |
| ✔ Centric offers a range of brake pad options, including ceramic and semi-metallic | |
| ✔ Positive user reviews |
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 customer feedback and evaluating the pros and cons of both brands, I believe Centric emerges as the preferred choice.
Despite a few criticisms, it consistently receives positive reviews for its quality and performance.
PowerStop, while offering good value and easy installation, has mixed reviews, with some users reporting noise issues.
Therefore, Centric is the better pick overall.