Not Ranked
With similar piston area, and caliper mass, performance will be identical. The only true advantage of a 6 piston vs. 4 piston is control of pad taper. The leading edge pistons are smaller to reduce the clamping force so that the pads will wear evenly. On race cars with complete pad and rotor wear over the course of an event, this is important.
The key is to use the smallest / lightest caliper and rotor package, that can absorb the energy (heat) your car produces, then shed it prior to the next input cycle. The system must have sufficient mass to absorb the heat while keeping the pads from exceeding the maximum temp (fade) or causing the fluid to boil (fade).
6, 8, 10 piston calipers look great (to me) but they offer very little performance advantage over a properly sized, differential bore, 4 piston unit unless you are in a 10/10ths application.
Wilwood vs. AP vs. Brembo……
Once upon a time I was a manager @ Wilwood. During my time there, I was afforded the opportunity too play with every bodies toys. I can say without question that the high end Brembo and AP offerings are fantastic parts. Beautifully machined, and assembled. They perform as a very expensive caliper should, perfectly.
However in blind testing, there is no perceivable difference between them and the Wilwoods.
I am asked on a regular basis “Why are Wilwoods so cheap?”
My response is always: “Your question should be, why are the other guys so expensive?”
Are you getting a great caliper from AP for $900.00? Absolutely. Is it $500.00 better than a Wilwood? Not to me. Its nice to be able to buys pads for $50-$60 a set and replacement rotors for $70.00 -$100.00
Many people perceive value in the higher cost item “its more expensive, it must be better” Also a discussion we had many times @ Wilwood.
Hence the name
D-cel
Jason
P.S.
Still a Wilwood dealer if anyone needs parts
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