Welcome fellow gearheads! Today, we’re diving deep into the world of automotive brake systems, comparing two titans: PowerStop and Wagner.
We’ll put their performance, quality, and prices under the microscope, unraveling the pros and cons of each, and ultimately determining which brand will bring you to a screeching halt…in the best possible way.
Buckle up, it’s going to be a thrilling ride!
PowerStop vs Wagner – Brand Comparison Table
| PowerStop | Wagner | |
| Country of Origin | United States | United States |
| Year Founded | 1995 | 1891 |
| Made In | mostly in United States, Canada, China | mostly in China |
| Founder | Arvin Scott | Herbert Appleton Wagner |
| Parent | TSG Consumer Partners | Federal-Mogul Motorparts group |
| Overall Quality | good brand for any brake part but there are different levels of quality | generally considered to be of respectable quality |
PowerStop Evolution Performance Drilled, Slotted & Plated vs Wagner BD126407E Brake Rotors Comparison
In this section, I’m going to compare the most popular Series – Evolution Performance Drilled, Slotted & Plated and BD126407E 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 | Wagner | |
| Series | Evolution Performance Drilled, Slotted & Plated | BD126407E |
| Material | Cast Iron | Cast Iron |
| Coating | Zinc coated | Zinc coated |
| Type | Vented | Vented |
| Durability | OEM vane configuration and weight | Balanced through spin balancing and precision cut to minimize vibrations, enhancing stability and control |
| Performance | Solid stopping power, drilled for better cooling and performance, 100% Mill balanced | The Original Equipment (OE)-specific vane design ensures powerful braking performance and efficient heat dissipation, while effectively managing noise, vibration, and harshness |
| Price | $60.00 – $1124.00 | $53.98 |
| Warranty | cover defects in material and poor workmanship for 3 years or 36,000 miles of use | covers defects in material and workmanship for 24 Months/24,000 Miles |
| 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 Wagner QuickStop 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 | Wagner | |
| Series | Z16 Clean Ride Ceramic | QuickStop 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. | Wagner’s QuickStop Ceramic brake pads are meticulously crafted with OE-matched friction formulations and configurations, ensuring reliable, like-new braking performance and maximum durability. |
| Price | $17.34 – $77.96 | $11.21 – $144.42 |
| 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 24 months (24,000 miles) |
| 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
Comparing PowerStop and Wagner brake parts, their performance and quality have both merits and setbacks. Here are my observations:
PowerStop
- PowerStop parts received mixed reviews. Some users appreciate their efficient stopping power and low dust production.
- A user on Reddit commended their front calipers, pads, and rotors, noting they have performed well.
- On the flip side, some customers experienced issues such as an unusual clicking noise that intensifies during braking.
- A recommendation from a Lexus owner suggested opting for Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) brake parts for their longevity and guaranteed performance.
Wagner
- Wagner brake parts, particularly their ThermoQuiet brake pads, have been recommended by many users. A Reddit user noted having Wagner parts on all their cars.
- Users appreciate Wagner’s efficient bite and low brake dust. One customer is planning to repurchase them for their next brake job.
- Wagner’s premium brake rotors are appreciated for their E-Shield protective electro-coating, which resists corrosion on all non-braking surfaces.
- However, there were also reports of Wagner parts failing or generating noise.
In conclusion, both PowerStop and Wagner offer benefits like efficient stopping and low dust production. However, they also have reported issues such as noise and part failure.
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⁾ | Wagner Rotors Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Rotors | Power Stop Autospecialty OE Vented Front Brake Rotor goes from $16.18 | Wagner Solid Rear Brake Rotor goes from $18.86 |
| Most Expensive Rotors | Power Stop Evolution Performance Drilled and Slotted 1-Piece Front Brake Rotors go for $1,240.35 | Wagner Vented Front Brake Rotor goes for $385.06 |
Alternatively, you can see the brake pads prices for PowerStop and Wagner below:
| PowerStop Brake Pads Prices⁽¹⁾ | Wagner Brake Pads Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Pads | Power Stop Euro-Stop Semi-Metallic Rear Disc Brake Pads go from $17.58 | Wagner QuickStop Semi-Metallic Rear Disc Brake Pads go from $10.77 |
| Most Expensive Pads | Power Stop Track Day Spec Advanced Front Brake Pads go for $209.14 | Wagner QuickStop Ceramic Front Disc Brake Pads go for $144.42 |
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 |
Wagner
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Reliability | ❌ Complains about brake dust and noise from some of their brake pads |
| ✔ Respectable quality | |
| ✔ Affordable pricing |
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
After considering all factors, I find Wagner to be the better pick overall.
Despite some complaints about brake dust and noise, the brand still stands out for its reliability, respectable quality, and affordability.
Meanwhile, PowerStop, while offering good value and easy installation, has more prominent concerns about annoying noises from their brake pads, which could affect overall driving experience.