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 ESR vs Enkei.
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!
ESR vs Enkei – Comparison Table
| ESR | Enkei | |
| Year founded | 2014 | 1950 |
| Country of origin | United States | Japan |
| Made in | United States | Japan, Thailand, United States, Germany, China, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, India and Vietnam |
| Manufactured by | Wheelimage Corp | Enkei |
| Build quality | Good | High |
History
Get ready to dive into the stories behind two wheel manufacturing companies – ESR and Enkei.
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.
ESR Wheels History
ESR began its journey in 2014 and is under the ownership of a company called Wheelimage Corp.
Their main headquarters are located in Southern California, where they work on creating wheels.
In the beginning, they focused on making wheels that looked like well-known designs such as BBS RS, Volk TE37, and others.
Basically, they were blatantly ripping off designs and manufacturing complete replicas.
These reps came at a very affordable price, often just around $600-$800 for a whole set.
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.
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.
ESR Wheels Manufacturing Methods
The manufacturing methods used by ESR are the following:
- Cast Wheels
- Forged & Multi-Piece Wheels
Enkei Wheels Manufacturing Methods
In comparison, here are the different methods used by Enkei to make their wheels:
- Durville Die Casting
- MAT Process (a form of Flow forming)
Wheel Series
ESR and Enkei have a number of series available. Below you’ll find information about their current line-up.
ESR Wheel Series
- ESR Cast Wheels Series
- ESR Forged Wheels Series
Enkei Wheel Series
- Racing Series
- Racing Revolution Series
- Tuning Series
- Classic Series
- Performance Series
- Truck & SUV
Popular Models
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best-selling models for ESR and Enkei.
ESR’s Renowned Models
- ESR CS15
- ESR SR01
- ESR SR07
- ESR CS8
Enkei’s Renowned Models
- Enkei RPF1
- Enkei NT03
- Enkei RS05RR
- Enkei Raijin
Price
Alright, let’s dive into the exciting world of wheel prices! We’re talking about ESR and Enkei, 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.
ESR Wheels Price
ESR wheels can range from affordable options to higher-end, forged series wheels.
It’s recommended to check with specific retailers or online platforms for the most up-to-date pricing information on ESR wheels.
Enkei Wheels Price
Enkei wheels are not very expensive. In fact, Enkei wheels are quite affordable compared to most other popular brands.
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 ESR and Enkei, unlocking the promises they extend to keep your wheels spinning smoothly.
ESR Wheels Warranty
- Lifetime structural warranty
- Limited Wheel finish warranty for 2 years
Enkei Wheels Warranty
- Lifetime structural warranty
- Limited warranty to cover defects in material and workmanship
Advantages and Disadvantages
Before making a decision, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons that ESR and Enkei 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!
ESR Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔Budget-friendly price | ❌Lower quality cast wheels, heavy and some of their wheel series are complete knock-offs to other popular brands |
| ✔Variety of sizes | |
| ✔Wide range of finishes | |
| ✔Decent quality for their Forged series |
Enkei Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔High-quality construction, durability, and strength | ❌None |
| ✔Lightweight | |
| ✔Fantastic price to performance ratio | |
| ✔Aesthetically pleasing |
Final Verdict
The moment of truth has arrived. After exploring the ins and outs of ESR vs Enkei, it’s time to put the puzzle pieces together:
In the comparison between ESR and Enkei wheel brands, Enkei emerges as the superior choice.
Enkei wheels boast a high level of quality, offering exceptional construction, durability, and strength. Their lightweight design enhances overall performance, making them an attractive option for drivers.
Perhaps the most notable advantage of Enkei wheels is their affordability, setting them apart from other popular brands.
On the other hand, ESR wheels are known for their budget-friendly price range and a wide variety of sizes and finishes. However, the quality of ESR’s cast wheels is lower, and some of their wheel series are essentially replicas of other well-known brands.
While ESR offers decent quality in their Forged series, Enkei maintains a consistent level of excellence across their entire range.
Considering Enkei’s impressive price to performance ratio, aesthetic appeal, and lack of disadvantages, it is undeniably the better choice.
When seeking a wheel brand that combines exceptional quality, affordability, and overall value, Enkei stands out as the clear winner.
