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 Rota 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!
Rota vs SSR – Comparison Table
| Rota | SSR | |
| Year founded | 1976 | 1971 |
| Country of origin | Philippines | Japan |
| Made in | Philippines | Japan |
| Manufactured by | Philippine Alloy Wheels Inc (PAWI) | SSR |
| Build quality | Good | Very High |
History
Get ready to dive into the stories behind two wheel manufacturing companies – Rota 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.
Rota Wheels History
The Philippine Aluminum Wheels, Inc. was established in 1976.
It is a joint venture between Filipino Entrepreneur Romeo Rojas and Italian Company FPS to manufacture high-performance and budget-friendly alloy wheels in the Philippines.
In 1976, the company imported and exported automotive accessories and gears like aftermarket wheels into the Philippines.
Afterward, FPS had to retire the market, which left Rojas full ownership of the Philippine Alloy Wheels, Inc. (PAWI).
Fortunately, PAWI came into existence at the perfect time. During this period, the Philippine car market was at its peak, increasing demand for automotive wheels and other accessories.
Due to this demand, PAWI created Rota – a separate brand to focus on affordable yet high-performance wheels.
Rota also offers OE wheels to the Philippine automotive industry, along with their affordable aftermarket wheels.
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.
Rota Wheels Manufacturing Methods
The manufacturing methods used by Rota are the following:
- Low Pressure Gravity Cast
- Rotary Forged (Flow Formed)
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
Rota and SSR have a number of series available. Below you’ll find information about their current line-up.
Rota Wheel Series
- Low Pressure Gravity Cast Series
- Flow Formed 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 Rota and SSR.
Rota’s Renowned Models
- Rota Grid (TE37 Replica)
- Rota Slipstream
- Rota GTR
- Rota Fighter (CE28 Replica)
- Rota HM3
- Rota Shakotan
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 Rota 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.
Rota Wheels Price
Rota wheels are famous due to their affordable price tags.
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 Rota and SSR, unlocking the promises they extend to keep your wheels spinning smoothly.
Rota Wheels Warranty
- 1 year structural warranty
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 Rota 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!
Rota Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔Good quality for the price | ❌Reliability concerns and the fact that they are knock offs |
| ✔Stylish designs | |
| ✔JWL and VIA certified | |
| ✔Affordable prices |
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 Rota vs SSR, it’s time to put the puzzle pieces together:
In the debate between Rota and SSR wheels, both brands present their strengths and weaknesses.
Rota wheels are undeniably attractive due to their affordable price tags, making them accessible to a wider range of consumers.
They offer good quality for their price and boast stylish designs.
Additionally, Rota wheels are JWL and VIA certified, ensuring a certain level of safety and reliability.
However, concerns about reliability persist, as Rota wheels are often considered knock-offs, which can be a deterrent for some buyers.
On the other hand, SSR wheels excel in terms of quality, with a reputation for very high standards.
Constructed with durability and strength in mind, they are known for their exceptional performance on both the show and track circuit.
SSR wheels are aesthetically pleasing, lightweight, and trusted by automotive enthusiasts.
However, these advantages come at a price, quite literally.
SSR wheels are generally more expensive than other wheel brands, with prices ranging from approximately $400 to $800 per wheel, depending on various factors.
In the end, the choice between Rota and SSR wheels boils down to budget, priorities, and preferences.
If affordability is a significant factor and you are willing to accept potential reliability concerns, Rota wheels offer a solid option.
On the other hand, if you prioritize high-quality construction, durability, and are willing to invest in top-notch performance, SSR wheels emerge as an excellent choice.
