Rev up your curiosity as we introduce you to a wheel showdown like no other.
We’re kicking off with a comprehensive wheel brand comparison of Enkei vs SSR.
Discover their origins, manufacturing secrets, and what sets them apart in terms of quality, pricing, and warranties.
We’ll analyze the pros and cons, ultimately answering the question: Who takes the wheel throne?
Stick around – it’s time to find out!
Enkei vs SSR – Comparison Table
| Enkei | SSR | |
| Year founded | 1950 | 1971 |
| Country of origin | Japan | Japan |
| Made in | Japan, Thailand, United States, Germany, China, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, India and Vietnam | Japan |
| Manufactured by | Enkei | SSR |
| Build quality | High | Very High |
History
Get ready to dive into the stories behind two wheel manufacturing companies – Enkei and SSR.
These brands didn’t just appear out of thin air; they’ve got histories filled with interesting twists and turns.
We’ll walk you through their journeys, from their early days to where they stand today.
Enkei Wheels History
Enkei Corporation is a Japanese passenger car and motorcycle wheel manufacturer and distributor.
This company was formed in 1950 under the name Ensyu Keigoukin, abbreviated as Enkei. Along with aftermarket wheels, Enkei also offers OEM-style wheels for assembly vehicles.
Since 1995, Enkei has been manufacturing products for sporty vehicles, including F1, providing wheels for the Super GT series and McLaren F1 Team.
During its initial stages, Enkei manufactured anything that involved aluminum alloy.
The company didn’t manufacture its first wheel until 1967, developing its 1st OEM wheels for Japanese cars.
Soon after, they started to create wheels in different sizes for all types of vehicles, including Japanese, American, and German.
In the 1980s, Enkei got involved in racing cars by manufacturing wheels for McLaren F1 with magnesium wheels.
As of today, Enkei is considered a leading wheel manufacturer all around the globe, with more than 19 factories in different countries.
SSR Wheels History
SSR is an abbreviation for “Speed Star Racing”, a Japanese-based wheel manufacturer with a long history dating back to 1971.
Speed Star Racing Wheels were launched by Speed Star Co., Ltd.
Now, their headquarters are located in Osaka, Japan.
Frequently acknowledged for pioneering the creation of a three-piece wheel with their groundbreaking MK-I model back in 1971, the company stands as a prominent Japanese manufacturer renowned for its exceptional line of aftermarket and motorsport wheels.
SSR played a significant role in driving the development of the JWL standard in 1973 and was instrumental in the establishment of the VIA third-party statutory board in 1981.
In 1985, the brand set up a new overseas office in Los Angeles as they wanted to expand into the US market. SSR’s office was specifically aimed at handling international sales operations.
SSR stood alone as an alloy wheel pioneer when, in 1991, it harnessed the semi-solid forging (SSF) process, a groundbreaking technique that the company would go on to patent.
Tanabe Co.,Ltd bought SSR in 2005.
Manufacturing Techniques
Wheel manufacturing is an art that employs three primary methods: casting, flow-forming, and forging.
Casting involves molten metal being poured into a mold, allowing intricate designs but with moderate strength.
Flow-forming merges casting and forging, spinning the wheel under high pressure to enhance strength without compromising weight.
Forging, the most robust method, employs extreme pressure to shape solid metal, producing lightweight and incredibly durable wheels.
Enkei Wheels Manufacturing Methods
The manufacturing methods used by Enkei are the following:
- Durville Die Casting
- MAT Process (a form of Flow forming)
SSR Wheels Manufacturing Methods
In comparison, here are the different methods used by SSR to make their wheels:
- FFT (Flow Formed) & FFT-R
- 2-Piece Hybrid With Seamless Barrel
- SSF Technology
- HTM 3 Piece Technology
Wheel Series
Enkei and SSR have a number of series available. Below you’ll find information about their current line-up.
Enkei Wheel Series
- Racing Series
- Racing Revolution Series
- Tuning Series
- Classic Series
- Performance Series
- Truck & SUV
SSR Wheel Series
- GTX
- GTV
- Professor
- Reiner
- Minerva
- Formula
- Speed Star (Original SSR Designs)
- Executor
- Abela
- Blikker
- Devide
Popular Models
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best-selling models for Enkei and SSR.
Enkei’s Renowned Models
- Enkei RPF1
- Enkei NT03
- Enkei RS05RR
- Enkei Raijin
SSR’s Renowned Models
- SSR SP1
- SSR GT3
- SSR GTX01
Price
Alright, let’s dive into the exciting world of wheel prices! We’re talking about Enkei and SSR, the masterminds behind those round wonders.
It’s like a treasure hunt – each brand has its own stash of price tags, ranging from budget-friendly to splurge-worthy.
Enkei Wheels Price
Enkei wheels are not very expensive. In fact, Enkei wheels are quite affordable compared to most other popular brands.
SSR Wheels Price
SSR wheels are known for their high-quality and performance, which can make them more expensive compared to other wheel brands.
However, the cost of SSR wheels can vary depending on factors such as size, design, and finish.
On average, SSR wheels can range from around $400 to $800 per wheel.
Warranty
When it comes to peace of mind, warranties play a vital role in the wheel-buying journey.
Let’s delve into the warranty offerings of Enkei and SSR, unlocking the promises they extend to keep your wheels spinning smoothly.
Enkei Wheels Warranty
- Lifetime structural warranty
- Limited warranty to cover defects in material and workmanship
SSR Wheels Warranty
- Limited warranty to cover defects in material and workmanship for 1 year
Advantages and Disadvantages
Before making a decision, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons that Enkei and SSR bring to the wheel table.
In this section, we’ll take a close look at what each brand brings to the road – the advantages that make them shine, and the drawbacks to consider. Get ready for the full scoop!
Enkei Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔High-quality construction, durability, and strength | ❌None |
| ✔Lightweight | |
| ✔Fantastic price to performance ratio | |
| ✔Aesthetically pleasing |
SSR Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔High-quality construction, durability, and strength | ❌Pricey |
| ✔Aesthetically pleasing | |
| ✔Lightweight | |
| ✔Wheels that are suitable for both show and track purposes |
Final Verdict
The moment of truth has arrived. After exploring the ins and outs of Enkei vs SSR, it’s time to put the puzzle pieces together:
In the competition between Enkei and SSR wheel brands, it is evident that both offer outstanding quality.
Enkei wheels are of high quality, while SSR wheels take it a step further with their very high-quality construction, durability, and strength. Moreover, both brands offer lightweight options that enhance performance.
In terms of price, Enkei wheels have an advantage as they are known for their affordability when compared to other popular brands.
On the other hand, SSR wheels tend to be more expensive due to their exceptional quality and performance. The cost of SSR wheels can vary, ranging from approximately $400 to $800 per wheel based on factors such as size, design, and finish.
Looking at the advantages, both brands share commonalities. Enkei wheels are not only aesthetically pleasing but also offer a fantastic price to performance ratio. Similarly, SSR wheels provide an appealing design while being suitable for both show and track purposes.
While Enkei wheels exhibit no specific disadvantages, SSR wheels stand out as being pricey. However, this drawback is somewhat expected given their remarkable quality and performance.
In conclusion, while Enkei offers high-quality wheels at an affordable price, SSR surpasses it in terms of overall quality.
Therefore, if budget is not a constraint, opting for SSR wheels would be an excellent choice, considering their exceptional construction, durability, and versatility for various purposes.
