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 Volk.
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 Volk – Comparison Table
Enkei | Volk | |
Year founded | 1950 | 1973 |
Country of origin | Japan | Japan |
Made in | Japan, Thailand, United States, Germany, China, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, India and Vietnam | Japan |
Manufactured by | Enkei | Rays Engineering |
Build quality | High | Very High |
History
Get ready to dive into the stories behind two wheel manufacturing companies – Enkei and Volk.
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.
Volk Wheels History
Volk Racing is a Japanese wheel manufacturer that has been producing high-quality wheels for over 40 years.
The company is known for its TE37 wheel, which is considered a masterpiece and the origin of the forged sports wheel.
Here is a brief history of Volk Racing and the TE37 wheel:
Volk Racing was founded in 1973 by RAYS Co., Ltd, a Japanese wheel manufacturer.
In the early years, Volk Racing produced wheels for both street and motorsports applications.
In the 1990s, Volk Racing began to focus more on motorsports and produced wheels for various racing teams.
In 1996, Volk Racing released the TE37 wheel, which was a one-piece forged aluminum wheel designed for both motorsports and street applications.
The TE37 wheel quickly gained popularity among racing enthusiasts due to its lightweight construction and durability.
Over the years, Volk Racing has released various variants of the TE37 wheel, including the Super Lap edition, which was a bare-bones forged wheel designed for racing.
Today, Volk Racing continues to produce high-quality wheels for both street and motorsports applications, and the TE37 wheel remains one of the company’s most popular and iconic designs.
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)
Volk Wheels Manufacturing Methods
In comparison, here are the different methods used by Volk to make their wheels:
- Forged
Wheel Series
Enkei and Volk 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
Volk Wheel Series
- TE37 Series
- CE28 Series
- ZE40 Series
- G25 Series
- RE30 Series
- SF Winning Series
- SE37K Series
- Progressive Model Series
- Formula Model Series
- Racing Model Series
Popular Models
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best-selling models for Enkei and Volk.
Enkei’s Renowned Models
- Enkei RPF1
- Enkei NT03
- Enkei RS05RR
- Enkei Raijin
Volk’s Renowned Models
- Volk TE37
Price
Alright, let’s dive into the exciting world of wheel prices! We’re talking about Enkei and Volk, 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.
Volk Wheels Price
Volk Racing are much more expensive than most aftermarket wheel brands.
Volk Racing wheels start at around $500 per wheel and can go up to $1000 or more for a single wheel.
Volk Racing wheels are known for their high-quality construction, unique designs, and lightweight forged construction.
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 Volk, 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
Volk Wheels Warranty
- General structural warranty for 3 years
- Limited Wheel finish warranty for 1 year
Advantages and Disadvantages
Before making a decision, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons that Enkei and Volk 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 |
Volk Wheels Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
✔Supreme build quality | ❌Very Expensive |
✔Style and street cred | |
✔Strong and lightweight construction | |
✔Advanced forging techniques |
Final Verdict
The moment of truth has arrived. After exploring the ins and outs of Enkei vs Volk, it’s time to put the puzzle pieces together:
In the contest between Enkei and Volk, both wheel brands offer exceptional qualities, but Volk Racing edges ahead with its very high-quality construction and advanced forging techniques.
Volk Racing wheels are known for their supreme build quality, unique designs, and lightweight forged construction.
They bring a significant style and street cred to any vehicle they adorn.
However, their undeniable advantages come with a hefty price tag.
Starting at around $500 per wheel and potentially exceeding $1000, Volk Racing wheels are considerably more expensive than most aftermarket brands.
On the other hand, Enkei wheels excel in terms of high quality and are surprisingly affordable.
With their durable construction, strength, and lightweight attributes, Enkei wheels provide an excellent price-to-performance ratio.
Additionally, their aesthetically pleasing designs add a touch of sophistication to any car.
Moreover, Enkei wheels have no notable disadvantages that could detract from their overall appeal.
Considering the factors of quality, price, and overall value, Volk Racing emerges as the superior option for those seeking uncompromising build quality, advanced forging techniques, and a distinct style statement.
However, Enkei should not be overlooked, as it offers an impressive combination of high-quality construction, durability, strength, and affordability.
Ultimately, the choice between Enkei and Volk Racing wheels depends on the buyer’s budget, priorities, and desired level of distinction in automotive aesthetics.