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 Work.
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 Work – Comparison Table
| Enkei | Work | |
| Year founded | 1950 | 1977 |
| Country of origin | Japan | Japan |
| Made in | Japan, Thailand, United States, Germany, China, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, India and Vietnam | Japan |
| Manufactured by | Enkei | Work |
| Build quality | High | High |
History
Get ready to dive into the stories behind two wheel manufacturing companies – Enkei and Work.
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.
Work Wheels History
Work wheels was founded in March 1977 by its Japanese president – Takeshi Tanaka. The company started with a capital of JPY 4,000,000 (~40,000 USD).
In August 1977, Work launched its first line of wheels – the Work Equip series. That same year, they increased their capital to JPY 10,000,000 (~100,000 USD).
In 1979, they established their first 3 piece wheel assembly plant.
In 1983 they started exporting to the USA. They also expanded and opened more branches all over Japan. In December 2003, they acquired the certificate of Quality Management System ISO 9001,
Currently, Work has 4 factories in Japan and is one of the most respected wheel manufacturers in the world.
A true testament to their success is the fact that brands like Dunlop, Falken, Toyo Tires, Toyota Modellista International Co, FUJI Corporation, Bridgestone, and Ralliart are some of their largest customers.
Sadly, the company’s founder, Takeshi Tanaka, passed away in 2015.
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)
Work Wheels Manufacturing Methods
In comparison, here are the different methods used by Work to make their wheels:
- Rotary Forged (Flowed Formed)
- Forged
Wheel Series
Enkei and Work 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
Work Wheel Series
- Equip
- LS
- VS
- Emitz
- Zeast
- Gnosis
- Schwert
- Lanvec
- Raizaltado
- Emotion
- Meister
- M.C.O. Racing
- Seeker
- Crag
- Leadsled
- Goocars
- Xtrap
- Zistance
- Back Label
Popular Models
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best-selling models for Enkei and Work.
Enkei’s Renowned Models
- Enkei RPF1
- Enkei NT03
- Enkei RS05RR
- Enkei Raijin
Work’s Renowned Models
- Work Emotion
- Work Equip
- Work Meister
Price
Alright, let’s dive into the exciting world of wheel prices! We’re talking about Enkei and Work, 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.
Work Wheels Price
Work Wheels are generally considered to be on the more expensive side within the aftermarket wheel market.
Work Wheels is a prestigious and well-respected brand known for producing high-quality wheels with intricate designs and excellent craftsmanship.
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 Work, 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
Work Wheels Warranty
- Limited warranty to cover defects in material and workmanship for 3 year
Advantages and Disadvantages
Before making a decision, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons that Enkei and Work 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 |
Work Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔High-quality craftsmanship | ❌Higher price point |
| ✔Prestigious reputation | |
| ✔Innovative and unique designs | |
| ✔Wide range of sizes and fitments |
Final Verdict
The moment of truth has arrived. After exploring the ins and outs of Enkei vs Work, it’s time to put the puzzle pieces together:
In the debate between Enkei and Work wheel brands, both options exhibit high quality and are well-regarded within the market.
Enkei wheels stand out for their exceptional construction, durability, and strength, providing a reliable and long-lasting option.
Not only are they lightweight, but they also offer an impressive price to performance ratio.
Enkei wheels are aesthetically pleasing, making them a popular choice for car enthusiasts.
Moreover, Enkei wheels are known for their affordability, presenting a fantastic value for their quality.
On the other hand, Work Wheels carries a prestigious reputation, offering top-notch craftsmanship and innovative designs.
With a wide range of sizes and fitments available, they cater to diverse preferences and vehicle specifications.
While Work Wheels undoubtedly deliver on quality, their higher price point may deter some potential buyers.
Considering the factors at hand, Enkei emerges as a strong contender due to its superior price affordability without compromising on quality, durability, or aesthetics.
Enkei’s wheels provide an excellent combination of performance and value, making them an attractive choice for those seeking reliable and visually appealing options for their vehicles.
However, individuals who prioritize the prestige, craftsmanship, and unique designs associated with Work Wheels may find the higher price point worth the investment.
Ultimately, the decision between Enkei and Work rests on personal preferences and budget considerations.
