Welcome fellow auto enthusiasts!
Today, we’re hitting the brakes to bring you an in-depth comparison of two leading brands in brake systems: Duralast and Zimmermann.
We’ll be examining their performance, quality, prices, pros and cons to determine which brand truly stops the show.
So buckle up and let’s dive into this exhilarating journey of automotive excellence together.
Duralast vs Zimmermann – Brand Comparison Table
| Duralast | Zimmermann | |
| Country of Origin | United States | Germany |
| Year Founded | 1979 | 1947 |
| Made In | mostly in United States, China, Mexico | Germany |
| Founder | Pitt Hyde | Otto Zimmermann |
| Parent | AutoZone, Inc. | Stand-alone |
| Overall Quality | great quality if you opt in for their Gold series | just as good as OEM brake discs with their Coat-Z series |
Duralast Gold Brake 55097DG vs Zimmermann Coat-Z Brake Rotors Comparison
In this section, I’m going to compare the most popular Series – Gold Brake 55097DG 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:
| Duralast | Zimmermann | |
| Series | Gold Brake 55097DG | Coat-Z |
| Material | Iron Alloy | Cast Iron |
| Coating | Fully coated | Coat Z – anti corrosion coating |
| Type | Vented | Vented |
| Durability | Smooth stopping with no pedal pulsation and enhanced durability | The grey cast iron is further treated with additional ingredients to stabilize its properties, ensuring maximum durability |
| Performance | The high-carbon steel formulation effectively reduces noise and dissipates heat | German production quality with Coat-Z coating that not only enhances longevity but also improves the overall performance |
| Price | $106.99 | $28.25 – $445.32 |
| Warranty | 3-year, full-replacement warranty | 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) | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Duralast Elite Copper Free 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:
| Duralast | Zimmermann | |
| Series | Elite Copper Free Ceramic | Premium 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. | Zimmermann Premium Ceramic brake pads are engineered to provide a quieter and consistently pleasant braking experience, minimizing noise and enhancing overall performance. |
| Price | $38.99 – $81.49 | $24.29 – $308.69 |
| Warranty | Limited-Lifetime | 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 comparing Duralast and Zimmermann brake parts, there are some notable differences in user experiences:
Duralast:
- The performance of Duralast brake parts is somewhat mixed.
- Some users find them suitable for daily use, enjoying the smooth and quick brake response of their Duralast gold ceramic brake pads.
- They also appreciate the affordability of these parts.
- However, a few users have reported issues like squealing when coming to a stop, suggesting there might be inconsistencies in performance.
Zimmermann:
- On the other hand, Zimmermann brake parts generally receive positive feedback from users.
- The Zimmermann Z coated and drilled rotors are often recommended for street and daily use.
- Users particularly highlight that the rotors bite harder, produce less brake dust, and the zinc coating prevents rusting.
- The Zimmermann parts have proven to be reliable, with some customers using them for almost 2 years without any issues.
Overall, while Duralast parts offer good performance at a lower price, Zimmermann’s parts seem to provide a more consistent, higher-end performance, with added benefits like less brake dust 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:
| Duralast Rotors Prices⁽¹⁾ | Zimmermann Rotors Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Rotors | Duralast Brake Rotor 31263 goes from $22.99 | Zimmermann Coat-Z Brake Rotor goes from $19.97 |
| Most Expensive Rotors | Duralast Brake Rotor 70172DL goes for $1001.99 | Zimmermann Formula-Z Front Passenger Side Brake Rotor goes for $1,072.23 |
Alternatively, you can see the brake pads prices for Duralast and Zimmermann below:
| Duralast Brake Pads Prices⁽¹⁾ | Zimmermann Brake Pads Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Pads | Duralast Ceramic Brake Pads D223 go from $15.49 | Zimmermann Front Disc Brake Pad Set go from $19.68 |
| Most Expensive Pads | Duralast Gold Ceramic Brake Pads DG1897 go for $162.99 | 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.
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 |
Zimmermann
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ German production quality | ❌ Rare durability issues |
| ✔ Coat Z Coated Brake Discs | |
| ✔ Positive customer reviews |
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Based on the feedback provided, Zimmermann seems to be the better pick overall.
Customers appreciate their German production quality, Coat Z Coated brake discs, and positive reviews.
While both brands have pros and cons, Zimmermann’s advantages appear to outweigh rare durability issues, making it a stronger choice compared to Duralast, which has mixed reviews and potential brake dust issues.
