Welcome to the ultimate faceoff between the titans of automotive brake systems – Centric and Wagner.
Join me as we dive deep into their performance, scrutinize their quality, compare prices, and weigh pros and cons.
In the end, we’ll crown the superior brand.
Buckle up, because it’s going to be an exciting ride through the world of brakes!
Centric vs Wagner – Brand Comparison Table
| Centric | Wagner | |
| Country of Origin | United States | United States |
| Year Founded | 2000 | 1891 |
| Made In | mostly in United States, China | mostly in China |
| Founder | Dino Crescentini | Herbert Appleton Wagner |
| Parent | First Brand Group | Federal-Mogul Motorparts group |
| Overall Quality | reputable brand with respectable quality | generally considered to be of respectable quality |
Centric High Carbon OE Replacement vs Wagner BD126407E Brake Rotors Comparison
In this section, I’m going to compare the most popular Series – High Carbon OE Replacement and BD126407E 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 | Wagner | |
| Series | High Carbon OE Replacement | BD126407E |
| Material | High Carbon | Cast Iron |
| Coating | Electrocoating finish | Zinc coated |
| Type | Vented | Vented |
| Durability | Proprietary high carbon alloy resists cracking and decreases pad squeal | Balanced through spin balancing and precision cut to minimize vibrations, enhancing stability and control |
| Performance | Double disc ground finish, non-directional surface for better rotor and pad break-in, mill balanced for smooth braking | The Original Equipment (OE)-specific vane design ensures powerful braking performance and efficient heat dissipation, while effectively managing noise, vibration, and harshness |
| Price | $33.00 – $1,163.00 | $53.98 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 90 days or for 3,000 miles of use | covers defects in material and workmanship for 24 Months/24,000 Miles |
| 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 Wagner QuickStop 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 | Wagner | |
| Series | Posi-Quiet 105 Ceramic | QuickStop 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. | Wagner’s QuickStop Ceramic brake pads are meticulously crafted with OE-matched friction formulations and configurations, ensuring reliable, like-new braking performance and maximum durability. |
| Price | $23.00 – $133.00 | $11.21 – $144.42 |
| 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 24 months (24,000 miles) |
| 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
I’ve conducted a thorough comparison between Centric and Wagner, two well-respected brands of brake parts. Here’s my analysis on their overall performance and quality:
Centric:
- Many users appreciate the quality of Centric brake parts. One notable product is the Centric Posi Quiets, which receive particularly positive reviews.
- Centric is frequently mentioned as a recommended brand for brake parts in various Reddit threads, alongside other brands such as Raybestos, Wagner, Acdelco, and Power Stop.
- Some users have reported satisfactory experiences with Centric’s upgraded rotors and Akebono pads. They claim these parts were less expensive than original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, but performed just as well.
- Users have also highlighted the good corrosion resistance of Centric coated rotors, stating they experienced no warping issues.
Wagner:
- Wagner is another brand trusted by many users. Their ThermoQuiet brake pads are often recommended for their good bite and low brake dust.
- Many users have Wagner brake parts installed on all their cars, and plan to continue using them in the future.
- Premium Wagner brake rotors are praised for their E-Shield protective electro-coating that resists corrosion.
- However, some users have reported issues with Wagner brake parts, such as premature failure or noisy operation.
Overall, both Centric and Wagner offer quality brake parts, but user experiences may vary.
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⁾ | Wagner Rotors Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Rotors | Centric C-Tek™ Standard Solid Rear Brake Rotor goes for $13.22 | Wagner Solid Rear Brake Rotor goes from $18.86 |
| Most Expensive Rotors | Centric SportStop Drilled 1-Piece Rear Driver Side Brake Rotor goes for $1,234.22 | Wagner Vented Front Brake Rotor goes for $385.06 |
Alternatively, you can see the brake pads prices for Centric and Wagner below:
| Centric Brake Pads Prices⁽¹⁾ | Wagner Brake Pads Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Pads | Centric C-Tek Semi-Metallic Front Disc Brake Pads go from $9.50 | Wagner QuickStop Semi-Metallic Rear Disc Brake Pads go from $10.77 |
| Most Expensive Pads | Centric Formula 100 Series OEM Semi-Metallic Front Disc Brake Pads go for $253.80 | Wagner QuickStop Ceramic Front Disc Brake Pads go for $144.42 |
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 |
Wagner
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Reliability | ❌ Complains about brake dust and noise from some of their brake pads |
| ✔ Respectable quality | |
| ✔ Affordable pricing |
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Based on the given information, it’s a close call.
While both Centric and Wagner have their strengths and weaknesses, Centric gets the edge due to more consistent positive feedback from users and fewer reported issues.
Despite some criticism about their bite, Centric’s rotors have been praised for their quality, durability, and value for money.