Embarking on the adrenaline-charged journey of comparing two titans in automotive brake systems, Duralast and PowerStop, is no small task.
We’ll delve into their performance, quality, and prices, weighing up pros and cons to determine which brand takes pole position.
Buckle up, we’re about to find out who really stops the show in the world of brakes.
Duralast vs PowerStop – Brand Comparison Table
| Duralast | PowerStop | |
| Country of Origin | United States | United States |
| Year Founded | 1979 | 1995 |
| Made In | mostly in United States, China, Mexico | mostly in United States, Canada, China |
| Founder | Pitt Hyde | Arvin Scott |
| Parent | AutoZone, Inc. | TSG Consumer Partners |
| Overall Quality | great quality if you opt in for their Gold series | good brand for any brake part but there are different levels of quality |
Duralast Gold Brake 55097DG vs PowerStop Evolution Performance Drilled, Slotted & Plated Brake Rotors Comparison
In this section, I’m going to compare the most popular Series – Gold Brake 55097DG 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:
| Duralast | PowerStop | |
| Series | Gold Brake 55097DG | Evolution Performance Drilled, Slotted & Plated |
| Material | Iron Alloy | Cast Iron |
| Coating | Fully coated | Zinc coated |
| Type | Vented | Vented |
| Durability | Smooth stopping with no pedal pulsation and enhanced durability | OEM vane configuration and weight |
| Performance | The high-carbon steel formulation effectively reduces noise and dissipates heat | Solid stopping power, drilled for better cooling and performance, 100% Mill balanced |
| Price | $106.99 | $60.00 – $1124.00 |
| Warranty | 3-year, full-replacement warranty | 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) | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ |
Duralast Elite Copper Free 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:
| Duralast | PowerStop | |
| Series | Elite Copper Free Ceramic | Z16 Clean Ride Ceramic |
| Material | Ceramic | Ceramic |
| Performance | These next-generation pads are designed to last up to three times longer, ensuring exceptional durability for your vehicle. The patented transfer layer technology safeguards both the brake pads and rotors, minimizing wear and tear. | 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 | $38.99 – $81.49 | $17.34 – $77.96 |
| Warranty | Limited-Lifetime | 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
Duralast:
- Performance is mixed according to users. Some find the brake parts suitable for daily use, while others suggest brands like Centric or Powerstop might be superior.
- One user praised the Duralast gold ceramic brake pads for their smooth, fast operation and affordable cost.
- Although some users find Duralast brakes and rotors fine, a user mentioned that their Duralast Gold rotors and pads made a squealing noise when stopping.
PowerStop:
- Powerstop brake parts also received mixed reviews. Users praised their stopping ability and lack of dust.
- One user was satisfied with their Powerstop front calipers, pads, and rotors, stating they were performing great.
- Despite the positive reviews, some users reported issues like a strange clicking noise that got worse upon braking.
- One user, discussing Powerstop pads and rotors on a Lexus, advised going with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) brake parts for longer life and guaranteed performance.
In conclusion, both Duralast and Powerstop have their strengths and weaknesses, as reported by users.
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:
| Duralast Rotors Prices⁽¹⁾ | PowerStop Rotors Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Rotors | Duralast Brake Rotor 31263 goes from $22.99 | Power Stop Autospecialty OE Vented Front Brake Rotor goes from $16.18 |
| Most Expensive Rotors | Duralast Brake Rotor 70172DL goes for $1001.99 | 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 Duralast and PowerStop below:
| Duralast Brake Pads Prices⁽¹⁾ | PowerStop Brake Pads Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Pads | Duralast Ceramic Brake Pads D223 go from $15.49 | Power Stop Euro-Stop Semi-Metallic Rear Disc Brake Pads go from $17.58 |
| Most Expensive Pads | Duralast Gold Ceramic Brake Pads DG1897 go for $162.99 | 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.
Duralast
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Good for daily use | ❌ Users report that Duralast Gold brake pads may produce more brake dust than other models |
| ✔ Affordable | |
| ✔ All Auto Zone (Duralast Brand) brake pads have a limited lifetime warranty |
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?
Both Duralast and PowerStop have their merits, but based on the feedback, Duralast’s affordability, limited lifetime warranty, and suitability for daily use slightly outweigh PowerStop’s value and easy installation.
However, it’s worth noting that both brands have had mixed reviews, with some users reporting noise issues.
So, I’d declare Duralast as the marginally better pick overall.