Welcome, auto enthusiasts! Get ready for a brake-down showdown between two titans of the automotive brake world – Centric and Zimmermann.
We’ll put the pedal to the metal, comparing performance, quality, prices, and more.
Buckle up as we navigate the pros, cons, and ultimately crown the superior brake system.
Let’s gear up for this riveting ride!
Centric vs Zimmermann – Brand Comparison Table
| Centric | Zimmermann | |
| Country of Origin | United States | Germany |
| Year Founded | 2000 | 1947 |
| Made In | mostly in United States, China | Germany |
| Founder | Dino Crescentini | Otto Zimmermann |
| Parent | First Brand Group | Stand-alone |
| Overall Quality | reputable brand with respectable quality | just as good as OEM brake discs with their Coat-Z series |
Centric High Carbon OE Replacement vs Zimmermann Coat-Z Brake Rotors Comparison
In this section, I’m going to compare the most popular Series – High Carbon 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:
| Centric | Zimmermann | |
| Series | High Carbon OE Replacement | Coat-Z |
| Material | High Carbon | Cast Iron |
| Coating | Electrocoating finish | Coat Z – anti corrosion coating |
| Type | Vented | Vented |
| Durability | Proprietary high carbon alloy resists cracking and decreases pad squeal | The grey cast iron is further treated with additional ingredients to stabilize its properties, ensuring maximum durability |
| Performance | Double disc ground finish, non-directional surface for better rotor and pad break-in, mill balanced for smooth braking | German production quality with Coat-Z coating that not only enhances longevity but also improves the overall performance |
| Price | $33.00 – $1,163.00 | $28.25 – $445.32 |
| 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 |
| 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 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:
| Centric | Zimmermann | |
| Series | Posi-Quiet 105 Ceramic | Premium 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. | Zimmermann Premium Ceramic brake pads are engineered to provide a quieter and consistently pleasant braking experience, minimizing noise and enhancing overall performance. |
| Price | $23.00 – $133.00 | $24.29 – $308.69 |
| 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 |
| 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
When it comes to brake parts, both Centric and Zimmermann have received positive feedback from users. Here is a comparison of their performance on customer reviews:
Centric:
- Centric’s Posi Quiets have received good reviews, considered a step up from their lower line.
- Centric is recommended in discussions about top brake parts brands along with Raybestos, Wagner, Acdelco, and Power Stop.
- Users have upgraded to Centric rotors and Akebono pads for a price cheaper than original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, with no reported issues.
- Centric coated rotors have been recommended for their resistance to warping and corrosion.
Zimmermann:
- Zimmermann Z coated rotors are endorsed for street and daily use.
- Zimmermann drilled rotors are seen as higher-end OEM replacements. Their pads bite harder and produce less brake dust.
- Many users report positive experiences with Zimmermann products, with one user running them on all his cars for nearly 2 years without problems.
- Users praise the zinc coating on Zimmermann rotors for preventing rust and the vents on their front rotors.
Overall, both brands are well-regarded, with Centric praised for its affordability and quality, and Zimmermann for its high-end OEM replacement parts and rust resistance.
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⁾ | Zimmermann Rotors Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Rotors | Centric C-Tek™ Standard Solid Rear Brake Rotor goes for $13.22 | Zimmermann Coat-Z Brake Rotor goes from $19.97 |
| Most Expensive Rotors | Centric SportStop Drilled 1-Piece Rear Driver Side Brake Rotor goes for $1,234.22 | Zimmermann Formula-Z Front Passenger Side Brake Rotor goes for $1,072.23 |
Alternatively, you can see the brake pads prices for Centric and Zimmermann below:
| Centric Brake Pads Prices⁽¹⁾ | Zimmermann Brake Pads Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Pads | Centric C-Tek Semi-Metallic Front Disc Brake Pads go from $9.50 | Zimmermann Front Disc Brake Pad Set go from $19.68 |
| Most Expensive Pads | Centric Formula 100 Series OEM Semi-Metallic Front Disc Brake Pads go for $253.80 | 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.
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 |
Zimmermann
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ German production quality | ❌ Rare durability issues |
| ✔ Coat Z Coated Brake Discs | |
| ✔ Positive customer reviews |
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
After reviewing the customer feedback, both Centric and Zimmermann are highly praised in terms of performance and quality.
However, Zimmermann, with its German production quality, Coat Z Coated Brake Discs, and positive reviews slightly outshines Centric, thanks to its strong reputation for long-lasting and rust-free performance.
Therefore, Zimmermann is the better pick overall.
