Welcome to the thrilling face-off between two giants in the automotive brake systems world: EBC and TRW.
We’ll delve into their performance, quality, and prices, highlighting the pros and cons each brings to the table.
Join me on this ride as we determine who reigns supreme in the realm of braking systems.
Buckle up—it’s going to be a gripping adventure!
EBC vs TRW – Brand Comparison Table
| EBC | TRW | |
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
| Year Founded | 1978 | 1901 |
| Made In | United States and United Kingdom | mostly in United States, Czech Republic, China |
| Founder | Andy Freeman | David Kurtz and four other Cleveland residents |
| Parent | Freeman Automotive UK Ltd. | ZF Friedrichshafen AG |
| Overall Quality | high-quality pads and slotted rotors | high-quality and reliable performance |
EBC Slotted vs TRW Coated Brake Rotors Comparison
In this section, I’m going to compare the most popular Series – Slotted 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:
| EBC | TRW | |
| Series | Slotted | Coated |
| Material | Cast Iron | High Carbon |
| Coating | Anti-corrosion Coating | Anti-corrosion coating |
| Type | Solid | Vented |
| Durability | When used with high-friction brake pads, the braking system demonstrates extended longevity | Equivalent to Original Equipment (OE) standards and designed for a direct fit application |
| Performance | Gases are expelled through the slots, reducing brake fade and minimizing noise for improved performance | Offers increased friction coefficient, durability against vibrations and noise, and enhanced thermal efficiency |
| Price | $88.00 – $898.00 | $116.20 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 12 months or or 10,000 miles of highway 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) | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ |
EBC Redstuff 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:
| EBC | TRW | |
| Series | Redstuff Ceramic | Ceramic |
| Material | Ceramic | Ceramic |
| Performance | EBC Redstuff Ceramic brake pads stand out with superior ceramic pad compounds that resist heat buildup, dust, and squealing. Moreover, they eliminate squealing even under extreme cold or hot temperatures, ensuring a quiet and efficient braking experience in all conditions. | 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 | $56.00 – $310.00 | $21.47 – $160.36 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 12 months or or 10,000 miles of highway 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
I’ve had some experience with both EBC and TRW brake parts. Here’s a brief comparison based on customer reviews and my own insights:
EBC:
- Users generally have mixed feelings about EBC brake parts.
- Many applaud the EBC Redstuff pads and slotted rotors for their efficiency.
- For certain cars, like the 2022 WRX, the EBC Yellowstuff pads have been noted to outperform stock pads.
- In terms of upgrades, a combination of Stoptech slotted rotors and EBC Redstuff pads has been suggested for the Golf GTI.
- However, some customers have reported issues such as screeching noises and compatibility problems despite checks, particularly with OEM sport calipers.
TRW:
- TRW brakes generally get positive reviews from users.
- Some users on Reddit recommend TRW brake pads as a good OEM performance option.
- Reportedly, TRW pads reduce brake dust by around 50%, making them an advantageous swap.
- Another point in their favor is the absence of squeaking, though the initial bite might be less.
- The stopping power of TRW pads is appreciated as more progressive and effective with good pedal pressure.
In conclusion, your choice between EBC and TRW might depend on your specific needs and vehicle. Both have their strengths and drawbacks, but TRW seems to be favored for its consistent performance and reduced brake dust.
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:
| EBC Rotors Prices⁽¹⁾ | TRW Rotors Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Rotors | EBC RK Series Premium Plain 1-Piece Rear Brake Rotors go from $58.19 | TRW Brake Rotor goes from $72.39 |
| Most Expensive Rotors | EBC Fully-Floating Slotted 2-Piece Front Brake Rotors go for $1,581.80 | TRW Brake Rotor goes for $196.58 |
Alternatively, you can see the brake pads prices for EBC and TRW below:
| EBC Brake Pads Prices⁽¹⁾ | TRW Brake Pads Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Pads | EBC Ultimax2 OEM Replacement Rear Brake Pads go from $31.67 | TRW Semi-Metallic Rear Disc Brake Pads go from $19.29 |
| Most Expensive Pads | EBC RP-X Racing Front Brake Pads go for $438.72 | 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.
EBC
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ EBC brake pads and rotors are often recommended for their solid performance | ❌ Some users have reported that EBC brake pads produce a lot of dust and noise |
| ✔ Range of options | |
| ✔ Good value |
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 pros and cons of both EBC and TRW brake brands, I would recommend TRW as the better pick overall.
Despite both brands having a solid range of options and performance, TRW seems to garner more consistently positive feedback from users, with fewer reports of issues like noise and dust.
So, TRW takes the winning spot in this comparison.
