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 OZ Racing 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!
OZ Racing vs SSR – Comparison Table
| OZ Racing | SSR | |
| Year founded | 1971 | 1971 |
| Country of origin | Italy | Japan |
| Made in | Italy | Japan |
| Manufactured by | OZ | SSR |
| Build quality | High | Very High |
History
Get ready to dive into the stories behind two wheel manufacturing companies – OZ Racing 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.
OZ Racing Wheels History
OZ Racing is an Italian company renowned for its high-performance wheels and components in the automotive industry.
Established in 1971 by Silvano Oselladore and Pietro Zen, the company’s name, “OZ,” is derived from the initials of its founders’ last names.
Over the years, OZ Racing has become synonymous with cutting-edge wheel design and technology, and it has played a significant role in motorsports and the aftermarket wheel market.
OZ Racing started as a small workshop in Italy, producing magnesium alloy wheels for racing cars.
Their lightweight and durable wheels quickly gained attention in motorsports, and OZ began supplying wheels to various racing teams and manufacturers.
In the 1980s and 1990s, OZ Racing expanded its presence in motorsports, particularly in Formula One.
Their wheels were used by numerous championship-winning teams and drivers, solidifying their reputation for high-quality and high-performance products.
Beyond the track, OZ Racing also ventured into the consumer market, offering a range of aftermarket wheels for road cars.
Their designs often reflected their motorsports heritage, appealing to enthusiasts seeking style and performance.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, OZ Racing continued to innovate by introducing new manufacturing techniques and materials, including forged aluminum and carbon fiber.
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.
OZ Racing Wheels Manufacturing Methods
The manufacturing methods used by OZ Racing are the following:
- Low Pressure Cast
- Forged
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
OZ Racing and SSR have a number of series available. Below you’ll find information about their current line-up.
OZ Racing Wheel Series
- OZ Atelier Forged Series
- OZ Racing Series
- MSW Series
- Sparco Wheels Series
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 OZ Racing and SSR.
OZ Racing’s Renowned Models
- OZ Gran Turismo
- OZ Racing Leggera
- OZ Racing Ultraleggera
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 OZ Racing 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.
OZ Racing Wheels Price
OZ Racing wheels are generally considered to be on the higher end of the price spectrum when it comes to aftermarket wheels.
The brand’s reputation for quality, performance, and innovative design often comes with a premium price tag.
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 OZ Racing and SSR, unlocking the promises they extend to keep your wheels spinning smoothly.
OZ Racing Wheels Warranty
- Limited warranty to cover defects in material and workmanship for 1 or 2 years (depending on the finish)
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 OZ Racing 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!
OZ Racing Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔Strength and durability | ❌Higher end of the price spectrum |
| ✔Lightweight | |
| ✔Careful manufacturing | |
| ✔Thermal and electrochemical finishing |
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 OZ Racing vs SSR, it’s time to put the puzzle pieces together:
In the battle between OZ Racing and SSR wheel brands, both offer exceptional quality, but with some key differences.
OZ Racing is renowned for its high-quality manufacturing, strength, durability, and innovative design.
Their wheels are carefully crafted, utilizing thermal and electrochemical finishing techniques.
However, it’s important to note that OZ Racing tends to sit on the higher end of the price spectrum, making them a more expensive option.
On the other hand, SSR wheels boast very high quality, durability, and strength, with a reputation for high-performance.
They offer a wide range of aesthetically pleasing wheels suitable for both show and track purposes.
Additionally, SSR wheels are relatively lightweight, enhancing overall performance.
Nevertheless, similar to OZ Racing, SSR wheels can be pricey, fluctuating based on factors such as size, design, and finish, with average prices ranging from $400 to $800 per wheel.
Ultimately, the decision between OZ Racing and SSR depends on one’s personal preferences and budget.
While OZ Racing delivers exceptional quality and innovative design, it comes at a premium price.
Meanwhile, SSR offers high-quality construction, durability, and appealing aesthetics, but also at a higher cost.
Therefore, for those seeking top-notch performance and are willing to invest, SSR may be the preferred choice.
However, for those prioritizing a well-established brand and innovative design, OZ Racing remains a strong contender.
