Some might insist that the price tag is the primary major difference between EBC and PowerStop brakes. I don’t really agree. Sure, PowerStop kits run cheaper, but we’re mainly talking about utility differences here. And honestly – about driving preferences too.
But what are the specific qualities of these two brands of brakes, and which one is the right choice for your needs? Well, let me tell you more about both EBC and PowerStop rotors so you can decide which one to choose for the best driving experience.
When to Pick EBC Rotors
The two biggest benefits of EBC are:
- 1-Year, 10,000-Mile Warranty
- The Premium series plain rotors & these Yellowstuff break pads
Want to really go ham and pedal to the metal with your vehicle? Yellowstuff series helps with zero fade, medium bite, and a surface portion for instant safe braking. These break pads are great for short-track events or extreme racing.
In a set, these also come with a plain brake rotor which is always your best option for racing purposes. The reason? These rotor designs come with fewer structural stress points. This is very important for high-speed driving, as it minimizes the chance of any warping.$129.90
$100.77
Important: Amazon prices and shipping are usually the best. However, sometimes AutoAnything has discounts. Make sure you check AutoAnything’s prices too.
EBC’s best Premium series rotor is this one.
It gets even better if you pair such a rotor with EBC’s improved Yellowstuff brake pads. These are a racing/highway driving hybrid – they work from cold even though they were born to dominate the track. They offer more versatility, which is a good reason to install them.
Here’s a good demonstration of this hybrid nature of theirs:
When to Choose a PowerStop Rotor Kit
Are PowerStop rotors good? Absolutely! In fact, for normal driving circumstances – daily driving, moderate offroad adventures, and moderate towing/hauling, a PowerStop rotor kit is a much more sensible choice. It is perfectly functional for your needs and lighter on your wallet. But I don’t want to only focus on the price.
PowerStop setups are just better at dusting. Minimal dust, and there’s always this fantastic pad bite without any screeching noise that will wake up the entire neighborhood. The standard for daily commutes and casual street performances. Cheap, low-dust, and surprisingly silent. Any sedan will love a set of these pads with a bite.$70.93
$45.99
The small catch here can be the warranty. It’s not as generous as EBC at 60 days for warping, rusting, and premature wear and tear. However, if you read some reviews, you’ll see it’s not that big of a deal – quality stuff, honestly.
By the way, let’s get things straight. Both brands have many types of rotors, and you can easily get lost.
Generally, the two most widely used applications are:
- For SUVs and trucks: EBC’s Greenstuff vs PowerStop z36. The z36 is one of the most popular brake kits for trucks and SUVs because of its value for money.
- For racing and muscle cars: EBC’s Yellowstuff vs PowerStop z26. Here you’ve got a more heated competition. However, for serious track action, Yellowstuff brake pads will always be superior, in my humble opinion.
- Heavy-duty performance at a great price.
- Less fade, more bite.
- Will take you through rugged terrain and copes with heavy loads too.
EBC vs PowerStop Rotors: Manufacture Differences
Are there any manufacturing differences between PowerStop and EBC rotors? Yes, there are.
EBC’s rotors are made in the UK from the highest quality British steel. Before, EBC coated the brake discs with zinc to prevent rusting. Now, they’re doing the so-called ‘thermic black’ coating. In terms of protection, it’s the same. However, from a cosmetic viewpoint, the EBC rotors look way cooler.
PowerStop’s biggest manufacturing benefit is the carbon-fiber ceramic construction. It’s a newer take on rotor manufacture, as rotors were quite expensive until a few years ago. Not anymore, and especially not with PowerStop.
This guy over here agrees with me, mentioning how affordable PowerStop configs are:
The disks are lighter without sacrificing durability compared to purely steel-constructed rotors. The zinc coating prevents rust, yes, but as I mentioned, the lack of that stylish ‘thermic black’ means PowerStop rotors won’t stay shiny as long.
In terms of manufacture, both brands stick to the highest rotor or brake pad standards. That’s all you need to know. For example, they’re leagues better than what Bosch does, as I’ve pointed out in my Bosch Quietcast review.
Making the Final Decision
How to choose between these high quality rotors? As I mentioned before, your main consideration should be the extremity of your driving style. PowerStop sticks to drilled and slotted rotors, while EBC has plain, slotted, or drilled products. Needless to say, I vouch for their Premium (plain) rotors as their highest-grade series. Their heat dissipation is superior if you’re going to race like a raging maniac. You’ll need that, trust me. In that sense, EBC plain rotors outshine Centric rotors too.
In fact, let me say it: EBC’s plain designed discs are the best brake quality you can get in that price range.
However, if you want a complete kit with everything from rotors to brake pads to accessories included, they’ll be a tad too expensive. As I mentioned before, just go with your staple PowerStop kit in that case. There’s a reason why they’re popular!
Also, if you have had any experience with either of these brands, make sure you share them in the comments below!