Welcome, car enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving deep into the world of automotive brake systems, comparing two titans: Centric and TRW.
We’ll explore their performance, scrutinize their quality, compare their prices, and lay bare their pros and cons.
So buckle up, as we decide which brand pulls ahead in the relentless pursuit of stopping power.
Centric vs TRW – Brand Comparison Table
| Centric | TRW | |
| Country of Origin | United States | United States |
| Year Founded | 2000 | 1901 |
| Made In | mostly in United States, China | mostly in United States, Czech Republic, China |
| Founder | Dino Crescentini | David Kurtz and four other Cleveland residents |
| Parent | First Brand Group | ZF Friedrichshafen AG |
| Overall Quality | reputable brand with respectable quality | high-quality and reliable performance |
Centric High Carbon OE Replacement vs TRW Coated Brake Rotors Comparison
In this section, I’m going to compare the most popular Series – High Carbon OE Replacement 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:
| Centric | TRW | |
| Series | High Carbon OE Replacement | Coated |
| Material | High Carbon | High Carbon |
| Coating | Electrocoating finish | Anti-corrosion coating |
| Type | Vented | Vented |
| Durability | Proprietary high carbon alloy resists cracking and decreases pad squeal | Equivalent to Original Equipment (OE) standards and designed for a direct fit application |
| Performance | Double disc ground finish, non-directional surface for better rotor and pad break-in, mill balanced for smooth braking | Offers increased friction coefficient, durability against vibrations and noise, and enhanced thermal efficiency |
| Price | $33.00 – $1,163.00 | $116.20 |
| 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 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) | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ |
Centric Posi-Quiet 105 Ceramic 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:
| Centric | TRW | |
| Series | Posi-Quiet 105 Ceramic | 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. | 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 | $23.00 – $133.00 | $21.47 – $160.36 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 90 days or for 3,000 miles of use | 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
As someone who has used both Centric and TRW brake parts, I have a good idea of how both brands stack up. Here’s my comparison on their overall performance:
Centric:
- Centric brake parts often get positive reviews. Users report that the Centric Posi Quiets, a higher-end line, perform well and are a noticeable improvement over the more basic line.
- Users suggest Centric as a reliable brand, often mentioned alongside others like Raybestos, Wagner, Acdelco, and Power Stop.
- Some users even prefer Centric’s upgraded rotors and Akebono pads over original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, as they have found them cheaper and without any issues.
- Centric coated rotors have been recommended for their resistance to warping and corrosion.
TRW:
- TRW brakes also receive positive feedback from users.
- One user mentioned that TRW brake pads perform as well as OEM parts, with the added benefit of producing 50% less brake dust.
- Many users appreciate TRW’s quality. As a European manufacturer for many car companies, the brand is well-regarded.
- According to users, TRW pads offer a more progressive stopping power. Although the initial bite may be less, they stop well with good pressure on the brake pedal and less squeaking.
In conclusion, both Centric and TRW offer good-quality brake parts, but they differ slightly in their features and performance.
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⁾ | TRW Rotors Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Rotors | Centric C-Tek™ Standard Solid Rear Brake Rotor goes for $13.22 | TRW Brake Rotor goes from $72.39 |
| Most Expensive Rotors | Centric SportStop Drilled 1-Piece Rear Driver Side Brake Rotor goes for $1,234.22 | TRW Brake Rotor goes for $196.58 |
Alternatively, you can see the brake pads prices for Centric and TRW below:
| Centric Brake Pads Prices⁽¹⁾ | TRW Brake Pads Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Pads | Centric C-Tek Semi-Metallic Front Disc Brake Pads go from $9.50 | TRW Semi-Metallic Rear Disc Brake Pads go from $19.29 |
| Most Expensive Pads | Centric Formula 100 Series OEM Semi-Metallic Front Disc Brake Pads go for $253.80 | 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.
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 |
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?
After considering the customer feedback and pros and cons for both brands, it’s a close call.
However, I lean slightly towards TRW.
Despite producing more brake dust, their overall performance, value for price, and good range of options give them an edge.
Centric, while reputable, has some mixed reviews and their rotors may lack the bite of OEM ones.