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 SSR 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!
SSR vs VMR – Comparison Table
| SSR | VMR | |
| Year founded | 1971 | 2004 |
| Country of origin | Japan | United States |
| Made in | Japan | United States, Taiwan and China |
| Manufactured by | SSR | VMR |
| Build quality | Very High | Good |
History
Get ready to dive into the stories behind two wheel manufacturing companies – SSR 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.
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.
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.
SSR Wheels Manufacturing Methods
The manufacturing methods used by SSR are the following:
- FFT (Flow Formed) & FFT-R
- 2-Piece Hybrid With Seamless Barrel
- SSF Technology
- HTM 3 Piece Technology
VMR Wheels Manufacturing Methods
In comparison, here are the different methods used by VMR to make their wheels:
- Rotary Forged (Flow Formed)
Wheel Series
SSR and VMR have a number of series available. Below you’ll find information about their current line-up.
SSR Wheel Series
- GTX
- GTV
- Professor
- Reiner
- Minerva
- Formula
- Speed Star (Original SSR Designs)
- Executor
- Abela
- Blikker
- Devide
VMR Wheel Series
- Flow Form Collection
- Luxury Collection
Popular Models
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best-selling models for SSR and VMR.
SSR’s Renowned Models
- SSR SP1
- SSR GT3
- SSR GTX01
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 SSR 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.
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.
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 SSR and VMR, unlocking the promises they extend to keep your wheels spinning smoothly.
SSR Wheels Warranty
- Limited warranty to cover defects in material and workmanship for 1 year
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 SSR 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!
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 |
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 SSR vs VMR, it’s time to put the puzzle pieces together:
In evaluating the wheel brands SSR and VMR, it is evident that SSR provides a very high level of quality, while VMR offers a good quality standard.
SSR wheels are recognized for their exceptional construction, durability, and strength, making them a top choice for those seeking reliability and performance.
Moreover, the aesthetic appeal of SSR wheels is noteworthy, and their lightweight nature further enhances their desirability.
These wheels cater to both show and track purposes, showcasing their versatility.
On the other hand, VMR wheels, while not reaching the same level of quality as SSR, do offer precision craftsmanship and a diverse range of designs.
Additionally, VMR wheels effortlessly fit onto vehicles, simplifying the installation process for users.
However, it should be noted that VMR wheels tend to be on the heavier side, which can impact overall vehicle performance.
Considering the price aspect, SSR wheels are known for their higher cost, which varies depending on factors such as size, design, and finish.
Prices for SSR wheels range from $400 to $800 per wheel on average.
Conversely, VMR wheels are generally more affordable, with prices starting at $275 per wheel for the VMR V701 Hyper Silver and $280 per wheel for the VMR V710 Matte Black.
A set of four VMR V703 VB3 CSL Style Wheels can be obtained for $881.
In summary, if budget is a primary consideration, VMR wheels provide a more affordable option.
However, for those seeking exceptional quality and performance, SSR can provide that and much more.
