Purolator A35323 vs. NAPA 2385

[truav8r]

It's almost time for me to change the air filter in my '04 3.0L V6 Escape. I have these two air filters readily available to me...

- Purolator Premium Plus A35323 for $8
'Made in USA' is stamped on the filter media (!)

- NAPA Gold 2385 for $10
Haven't inspected this filter, but assuming it's Wix

Is one filter generally superior to the other, or do I need to inspect both for construction quality, country of origin, etc??

Thanks!
- sean

 

[seotaji]

i bet that one is just as good as the other.

go for the one that is cheaper.

 

[DSteven]

I have used both, with good results. It's too bad there is a fitting problem with the ZX2. That becomes aggrevating. On the other hand, I've had exceptional luck with purolator air filters, and purolator filters in general. I would purchase the purolator and save bit of $.

BTW-how do you like your Escape? I'm kinda torn on getting one. My aunt has an 01 V6 and REALLY likes it. She is pleased with the zip, ride and especially the MPG, which she sees 24-27mpg! How does it perform in winter conditions? Do you know if they can come wth limited-slip differentials?

 

[Kestas]

I'm not familiar with NAPA gold oil filters, but I'd like to pass on my recent experience with a Purolator air filter that I bought for a 98 Escort ZX2. It didn't fit. I examined it and found excessive foam flash at the sealing end preculding installation. Luckily, I recognized the problem, trimmed the flash, and got a good fit. It's tough enough to install even a properly fitted filter on this vehicle.

While examining the filter, I asked myself, "Which Third World country was this imported from?" I found my answer on the box - "Made in America!"

 

[Virtuoso]

On the two application's I've dealt with concerning these two filters, the Napa appeared to be a better filter - more pleats and media. Both looked like they were constructed ok; the Napa Gold just felt much beefier. But I would bet either can do the job just fine.

 

[Rob Taggs]

Go with the Purolator it filters over 96% on the first pass. The Napa is a Wix filter and on one site I found it only filtered about 75% on the first pass. I wish I could recall the site. Purolator are cheaper too boot.

 

[Rob Taggs]

Oops! I think I got the subject mixed up. It was air filters not oil filters. The same goes with air filters in my book. From the sites I have been reading the Wix do not hold up to their claims as posted. The Purolators are a better value for the money in my book.

 

[Virtuoso]

**** , what have you been reading? Everything I've seen put's Wix at least in the 'middle-of-the-pack' catergory.

 

[Rob Taggs]

Virtuoso, I checked a couple of the air filter evaluation sites. You were correct of the Wix being about mid-pack among the other filters. Purolator was right next to the Wix filter in the comparison. The difference between the two fllters was a fraction of a percent. It was so small the two appeared almost identical. So, that one is a toss up between the two. My confusion comes from mixing air filters which was the topic up with oil filters. I will look for the two sites for the Wix oil filter comparisons. Both of the tests showed only 75% first time pass filtration effectiveness. This really suprised me since I was such a fan of Wix/Napa Oil and Air filter when I was a teenager and a young adult. I'll post the sites if I can find them. Thanks for correcting me on the above. I do admit when I'am wrong.

 

[TR3-2001SE]

I think it takes an inspection of each filter. My Miata came with a japanese filter and the only close replacement was Napa Gold. All the others had less pleats. Milage actually went up with a change from another filter to the Napa Gold. For this Application it is Napa Gold. For other applications filters may be identical or better than Napa Gold. Look at each filter!