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 VMR.
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 VMR – Comparison Table
| ESR | VMR | |
| Year founded | 2014 | 2004 |
| Country of origin | United States | United States |
| Made in | United States | United States, Taiwan and China |
| Manufactured by | Wheelimage Corp | VMR |
| Build quality | Good | Good |
History
Get ready to dive into the stories behind two wheel manufacturing companies – ESR and VMR.
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.
VMR Wheels History
VMR Wheels is a manufacturer of aftermarket wheels that has been in operation for several years.
Here is a detailed history of VMR Wheels:
- Founding: VMR Wheels was founded in 2004 by a group of enthusiasts who were passionate about helping other fanatics with their builds. The brand’s main headquarters are located in Anaheim, California.
- Manufacturing: VMR Wheels are manufactured in ISO-9001:2000 certified facilities, with a portion of the manufacturing and final finishing being performed in Southern California.
- Product Offerings: VMR Wheels offers a range of aftermarket wheels for various makes and models, including BMW, Tesla, Audi, Volkswagen, and more. The company is known for producing wheels that are at the top of their class when it comes to design, build quality, and long-lasting performance.
- Ownership: The names of the original owners of VMR Wheels are not mentioned. There is no information about any acquisitions made by the brand.
- Reputation: VMR Wheels has gained a reputation for producing high-quality aftermarket wheels that are both stylish and functional.
The company’s staff is dedicated to helping customers find the perfect fitment and design for their builds.
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
VMR Wheels Manufacturing Methods
In comparison, here are the different methods used by VMR to make their wheels:
- Rotary Forged (Flow Formed)
Wheel Series
ESR and VMR 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
VMR Wheel Series
- Flow Form Collection
- Luxury Collection
Popular Models
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best-selling models for ESR and VMR.
ESR’s Renowned Models
- ESR CS15
- ESR SR01
- ESR SR07
- ESR CS8
VMR’s Renowned Models
- VMR V710
- VMR V801
- VMR V703
Price
Alright, let’s dive into the exciting world of wheel prices! We’re talking about ESR and VMR, 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.
VMR Wheels Price
VMR Wheels are generally considered affordable compared to other aftermarket wheel brands.
Here are some examples of VMR wheel prices:
VMR V701 Hyper Silver: Starting at $275 per wheel.
VMR V710 Matte Black: Starting at $280 per wheel.
VMR V703 VB3 CSL Style Wheels: Starting at $881 for a set of 4.
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 VMR, unlocking the promises they extend to keep your wheels spinning smoothly.
ESR Wheels Warranty
- Lifetime structural warranty
- Limited Wheel finish warranty for 2 years
VMR 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 ESR and VMR 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 |
VMR Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔Precision and craftsmanship | ❌Heavy |
| ✔Design variety | |
| ✔Effortless fitment | |
| ✔Okay build quality |
Final Verdict
The moment of truth has arrived. After exploring the ins and outs of ESR vs VMR, it’s time to put the puzzle pieces together:
Both ESR and VMR offer good quality wheels, but there are some key differences to consider. ESR wheels come with a range of options, from affordable choices to higher-end forged series wheels.
On the other hand, VMR wheels are generally considered affordable compared to other aftermarket wheel brands, with specific models like the VMR V701 Hyper Silver starting at $275 per wheel.
ESR has the advantage of being budget-friendly, offering a wide variety of sizes and finishes. Their forged series wheels also provide decent quality.
However, ESR falls short in terms of lower quality cast wheels and some wheel series that are complete knock-offs of other popular brands.
VMR shines in terms of precision and craftsmanship, providing a diverse range of designs and effortless fitment. While their build quality is okay, one drawback is that VMR wheels tend to be on the heavier side.
Ultimately, the decision between ESR and VMR depends on individual preferences and priorities.
If budget-friendliness and a wide range of options are important, ESR wheels may be a suitable choice. However, if precision, craftsmanship, and design variety take precedence, VMR wheels could be a better fit.
