Welcome, fellow auto enthusiasts!
Today, we’re diving into the world of automotive brake systems, focusing on two giants: PowerStop and TRW.
We’ll compare their performance, quality, and pricing, weighing up the pros and cons of each.
So, tighten your seat belts as we determine which brand truly stops the competition in its tracks!
PowerStop vs TRW – Brand Comparison Table
| PowerStop | TRW | |
| Country of Origin | United States | United States |
| Year Founded | 1995 | 1901 |
| Made In | mostly in United States, Canada, China | mostly in United States, Czech Republic, China |
| Founder | Arvin Scott | David Kurtz and four other Cleveland residents |
| Parent | TSG Consumer Partners | ZF Friedrichshafen AG |
| Overall Quality | good brand for any brake part but there are different levels of quality | high-quality and reliable performance |
PowerStop Evolution Performance Drilled, Slotted & Plated vs TRW Coated Brake Rotors Comparison
In this section, I’m going to compare the most popular Series – Evolution Performance Drilled, Slotted & Plated and Coated from both brands by various product specs & features, prices, warranty, durability, performance, stopping power and noise levels.
Here is a detailed comparison table showcasing what each brand has to offer:
| PowerStop | TRW | |
| Series | Evolution Performance Drilled, Slotted & Plated | Coated |
| Material | Cast Iron | High Carbon |
| Coating | Zinc coated | Anti-corrosion coating |
| Type | Vented | Vented |
| Durability | OEM vane configuration and weight | Equivalent to Original Equipment (OE) standards and designed for a direct fit application |
| Performance | Solid stopping power, drilled for better cooling and performance, 100% Mill balanced | Offers increased friction coefficient, durability against vibrations and noise, and enhanced thermal efficiency |
| Price | $60.00 – $1124.00 | $116.20 |
| Warranty | cover defects in material and poor workmanship for 3 years or 36,000 miles of use | cover defects in material and poor workmanship for 12 months |
| Stopping Power Rating (More Stars = More Stopping Power) | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Noise Levels Rating (Fewer Stars = Less Noise) | ⭐ | ⭐ |
| Performance Over Stock Rating (More Stars = More Performance) | ⭐ | ⭐ |
PowerStop Z16 Clean Ride Ceramic vs TRW Ceramic Brake Pads Comparison
In the following section, I’m going to compare the most renowned Brake Pads series from both brands by various product specs & features, prices, warranty, performance, stopping power, brake dust accumulation and noise levels.
Here is a detailed comparison table showcasing what each brand has to offer:
| PowerStop | TRW | |
| Series | Z16 Clean Ride Ceramic | Ceramic |
| Material | Ceramic | Ceramic |
| Performance | Power Stop Z16 Clean Ride Ceramic Brake pads feature Evolution ceramic with a low dust formula, delivering superior braking power while keeping your wheels cleaner. The pad surfaces are thermal scorched for a quick break-in process. | TRW takes pride in its 100% in-house production of brake pads, coupled with state-of-the-art technology, ensure the production of brake pads that meet the highest industry standards for quality, performance, and safety. |
| Price | $17.34 – $77.96 | $21.47 – $160.36 |
| Warranty | covers defects in materials or workmanship for 90 days from the purchase date or 3,000 miles of use | covers defects in materials or workmanship for a period of 12 months from date of installation or 18 months from delivery |
| Dust Levels Rating (Fewer Stars = Less Dust) | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Stopping Power Rating (More Stars = More Stopping Power) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Noise Levels Rating (Fewer Stars = Less Noise) | ⭐ | ⭐ |
| Performance Over Stock Rating (More Stars = More Performance) | ⭐ | ⭐ |
Differences
1. Overall Performance and Quality
As someone who’s researched both brands extensively, here’s my take on the overall performance of PowerStop and TRW brakes:
PowerStop
- PowerStop brake parts have received a variety of reviews. Some users praise their performance, stating they stop well and create little to no dust.
- A user on Reddit mentioned that their PowerStop front calipers, pads, and rotors have been performing excellently.
- However, not all reviews are positive. Some users have mentioned issues such as weird noises during braking.
- A particular user recommended opting for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) brake parts, suggesting they last longer and offer guaranteed performance.
TRW
- Overall, TRW brakes have been positively reviewed by users. They are praised for their quality and performance.
- On a Reddit thread, a user recommended TRW brake pads as an OEM performance option, stating that they provide the same stopping power with 50% less dust.
- Another user liked the quality of TRW pads and noted that they offer a more progressive stopping power that works well with a good pressure on the brake pedal. They also mentioned the elimination of squeaking sounds.
In conclusion, while PowerStop receives a mix of reviews, TRW appears to be favorably regarded for its consistent performance and quality.
2. Rotors and Brake Pads Prices
I’ve gathered some interesting information regarding the brake rotor prices for both brands. You can take a look at them in the table below:
| PowerStop Rotors Prices⁽¹⁾ | TRW Rotors Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Rotors | Power Stop Autospecialty OE Vented Front Brake Rotor goes from $16.18 | TRW Brake Rotor goes from $72.39 |
| Most Expensive Rotors | Power Stop Evolution Performance Drilled and Slotted 1-Piece Front Brake Rotors go for $1,240.35 | TRW Brake Rotor goes for $196.58 |
Alternatively, you can see the brake pads prices for PowerStop and TRW below:
| PowerStop Brake Pads Prices⁽¹⁾ | TRW Brake Pads Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Pads | Power Stop Euro-Stop Semi-Metallic Rear Disc Brake Pads go from $17.58 | TRW Semi-Metallic Rear Disc Brake Pads go from $19.29 |
| Most Expensive Pads | Power Stop Track Day Spec Advanced Front Brake Pads go for $209.14 | TRW Semi-Metallic Front Disc Brake Pads go for $351.82 |
3. Pros and Cons
In this section, I’ve tried to showcase the most noticeable advantages and disadvantages for these two experts in brakes.
PowerStop
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Good value for the price | ❌ Users are reporting annoying squeaking or grinding noises that can come from some of their brake pads |
| ✔ Availability | |
| ✔ Easy installation |
TRW
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ TRW brake pads and rotors are often considered to be a good value for the price | ❌ Their pads can produce more brake dust than usual |
| ✔ Good all-around performance | |
| ✔ Range of options |
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Based on the available information, TRW appears to be the better pick overall.
Customers generally give TRW brakes positive feedback, appreciating their performance and quality.
While PowerStop also has its strengths and satisfied customers, it has been reported to produce squeaking or grinding noises.
Therefore, despite both brands having their respective pros and cons, TRW seems to offer a more consistent user experience.
