AC Delco vs Duralast Battery: Which One to Choose?

Installing a good battery in your vehicle is crucial to ensure it’s running optimally. But apart from the right specifications, it’s also essential to choose a brand you can trust. And so you might wonder whether to go with an AC Delco or a Duralast, two of the market’s most popular brands.

Although both battery brands share a similar price point, their products have some differences in terms of quality and features. Notably, they differ mainly in terms of their warranty coverage and the number of cold cranking amps (CCA). However, there are other factors to consider as well.

In this article, we’ll compare AC Delco vs Duralast battery on a broader scale to help you determine which one best suits your vehicle.

Overview of AC Delco Battery

AC Delco is a parts brand of General Motors (GM). The company has been around for over 100 years and is one of the oldest suppliers of auto parts in the United States. AC Delco batteries are designed specifically for GM vehicles, although they can be used on other makes and models as well.

One of the main advantages of AC Delco batteries is that they come with a longer warranty than most other brands. For example, the AC Delco Advantage battery has an 84-month free replacement period and a prorated warranty extends the period to a further 12 months.

Another trademark feature of AC Delco batteries is its use of lead-calcium-alloy grids. These grids provide 20% more cold cranking amps (CCA) compared to standard lead-acid batteries, resulting in better starting power in cold weather.

In fact, they offer up to 850 CCA, more than enough for most vehicles, although some high-performance cars may require all of it.

Overview of Duralast Battery

Duralast is an auto parts brand owned by AutoZone. The company specializes in batteries, brakes, and other car parts. Duralast batteries are available for all makes and models of vehicles, including domestic, import, and commercial vehicles.

One of the main advantages of Duralast batteries is their competitive price. For example, the Duralast Gold battery has a starting price of just $129.99. And you can even find some Duralast batteries on sale for less than a hundred bucks.

Besides, their use of Silver-Calcium alloy grids helps reduce water loss, resulting in less frequent maintenance. They also improve the battery’s resistance to vibration, high temperatures, and shocks, making them ideal for off-road use.

Although the warranty isn’t as long as AC Delco’s, it’s still decent at 36 months. In terms of CCA, Duralast batteries offer up to 760 cold cranking amps. Although it’s a bit lower than what AC Delco batteries offer, it’s still more than enough for most vehicles.

AC Delco vs Duralast Battery: Comparison Chart

Before we get into more detail, let’s take a look at how ACDelco and Duralast batteries measure up through the below comparison chart. Here, we’ve picked AC Delco Gold 48 AGM and Duralast H6 Platinum, the two most popular alternatives to each other from each brand.

Criteria	AC Delco Gold 48 AGM	Duralast H6 Platinum
Type	Lead-Acid	Lead-Acid
Dimensions	Dimension 11.91 X 7.5 X 7.6 Inches	Dimension is 11 X 6.9 X 7.5 Inches
Group Size	48	48
Voltage	12-V	12-V
Warranty	84-month Replacement Warranty	36-month Replacement Warranty
Reserve Capacity	130 Minutes	120 Minutes
Terminal Layout	Right and left terminals are positive and negative, respectively	Right and left terminals are positive and negative, respectively
Cranking Amp	1100A	950A
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)	850	760
Weight	Around 45 Pounds	Around 45 Pounds
Expected Lifespan	Around 5-7 Years	Around 3-5 Years
Price	Around $240	Around $240

What Are the Differences Between AC Delco And  Duralast Battery?

AC Delco and Duralast are both produced by companies with a long history in the automotive industry. And while both of these well-reputed brands offer batteries at a similar price point, there are some key differences between them; such as:

Warranty

Just as we’ve mentioned before, when it comes to warranty coverage, AC Delco batteries definitely have the upper hand. Their batteries come with an 84-month free replacement period, which is significantly longer than Duralast’s 36-month warranty. Besides, the pro-rated warranty extends the AC Delco battery’s coverage to a further 12 months.

Cold Cranking Amps

CCA or Cold-cranking amps is a measure of a battery’s ability to start an engine in cold weather. The higher the number, the better.

In terms of cold cranking amps, AC Delco batteries offer up to 850 CCA. That’s almost 100 more than what Duralast batteries offer. This means, when the weather gets colder, AC Delco batteries will have a better chance of starting your car more smoothly than Duralasts.

However, it’s worth noting that most vehicles on the road don’t need that much CCA. So, unless you’re driving a high-performance car, the difference in CCA probably won’t make a huge difference to you.

Grid Technology

Both AC Delco and Duralast use calcium-alloy grids in their batteries. However, the composition of the alloy used is slightly different. AC Delco uses a lead-calcium alloy, while Duralast uses a silver-calcium alloy.

The main advantage of lead-calcium alloy grids is that they help reduce water loss. That means you will less frequently encounter low water symptoms. Hence, you won’t have to check and fill the battery with water as often as you would with a regular lead-acid battery.

On the other hand, silver-calcium alloy grids offer superior resistance to vibration and high temperatures. That makes them ideal for off-road use.

Terminal Positions

As far as terminal positions go, there’s no difference between these two battery brands. They’re both designed with the positive terminal on the right side (if you’re looking at the battery from the front) and the negative terminal on the left.

Battery Group Size

AC Delco and Duralast batteries are available in a wide range of sizes to fit most makes and models of vehicles. So, whether you’re driving a small car or a large SUV, you’ll be able to find a battery that’s just the right size for your vehicle.

Reserve Capacity (RC)

Reserve capacity in car batteries measures how long a battery can power a car’s accessories after the engine has been turned off. The higher the number, the better.

In terms of RC, AC Delco batteries again have a slight advantage over Duralasts. As you can see from the chart, AC Delco’s Gold 48 battery has a reserve capacity of 130 minutes. That’s 10 minutes more than what Duralast’s H6 Platinum battery offers.

RC is important if you regularly use your car’s accessories (lights, radio, etc.) for long periods of time after the engine has been turned off. A higher RC rating means the battery will last longer before needing to be recharged.

Working Capacity and Charging Duration

The working capacity of a battery is the amount of time it can provide power to a car’s starter before needing to be recharged. It’s measured by the number of ampere-hours (Ah) the battery can deliver over a 20-hour period.

Charging duration, on the other hand, is the amount of time it takes to recharge a battery after it’s been discharged. In terms of working capacity, both AC Delco and Duralast batteries offer similar results as they share a similar ampere and voltage rating.

However, when it comes to charging duration, AC Delco batteries charge faster than Duralasts. This is because AC Delco batteries have a higher cranking amps rating, which means they can deliver more power to the starter faster.

Expected Lifespan

The expected lifespan of a car battery is usually between 3 and 5 years. However, this can vary depending on a number of factors, such as how often you use your car, the climate you live in, and how well you maintain your battery.

Both AC Delco and Duralast batteries are designed to last for at least 3 years. However, because of the former’s higher reserve capacity, you can expect AC Delco batteries to last slightly longer than Duralasts.

Various reports show that AC Delco batteries have an average lifespan of around 5-7 years, while Duralast batteries have an average lifespan of 3-5 years.

Pricing

AC Delco and Duralast batteries are both very reasonably priced. In fact, there usually isn’t a huge difference in price between AC Delco and Duralast batteries. However, Duralast batteries do tend to be a bit cheaper than AC Delco batteries, starting at around $130 for their Gold line of batteries.

AC Delco or Duralast Battery: Which One Should You Choose?

Although ACDelco has a clear advantage over Duralast in most aspects, your needs still determine the answer to the above question.

For example, if you live in an area with extreme weather, then an AC Delco battery would be the better choice as it boasts a higher CCA. But it’ll matter only a little if your driving is limited to city streets because car accessories are unlikely to be used long after the engine has been turned off.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with enough power, then a Duralast would be the way to go.

And don’t forget AC Delco’s exclusive use in GM vehicles. So, if you own something other than GM, then Duralast is your only option between these two brands.

So, focus on your priority needs first, weigh the pros and cons, and then decide which one of these two brands would better suit your budget and application.

FAQ’s

Below, we have answered some of the most popular questions people ask about AC Delco and Duralast batteries.

Which Battery Is Better For Cold Weather?

Cold weather requires more power from your car battery to start the engine. So, if you live in an area with cold winters, then an AC Delco battery would be the better choice as it has a higher cold cranking amps rating.

Do Duralast Produce AGM Batteries?

Yes, Duralast produces AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries. These are high-performance batteries that are designed to offer a longer lifespan and require less maintenance than traditional lead-acid batteries.

Who Makes Ac Delco Batteries?

AC Delco batteries are made by a division of General Motors (GM), one of the world’s largest automakers in operation for over 100 years. Although some people think AC Delco batteries are made in China, they’re actually manufactured in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

Are Duralast Batteries Better Than Ac Delco?

This is a difficult question to answer as both brands have their pros and cons. However, if we had to choose a battery, AC Delco would be our top choice. This is because of their higher cold cranking amps rating, higher reserve capacity, and longer warranty.

Are Ac Delco Batteries Better Than OEMs?

OEM batteries are the ones that come with your car from the factory. In contrast, AC Delco batteries are aftermarket replacements for OEM batteries. Most often, AC Delco batteries are top-quality alternatives to OEM batteries and offer similar or better performance.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – a complete comparison of AC Delco and Duralast batteries. As you can see, AC Delco outsmarts Duralast in several key areas, including warranty, cold cranking amps, and reserve capacity.

Yet, they’re both reliable choices that won’t let you down in times of need. In the end, the best battery comes down to your personal needs and preferences.

So, take the time to reconsider and prioritize your needs before deciding. And regardless of which brand you choose, we believe both AC Delco and Duralast will meet your expectations accordingly.