Not even close. Huge differences in friction formulation, differences in shims and hardware as well, and often a different manufacturer. Take Advance Auto Parts as an example. The standard (used to be silver) pads are made by FDP and are available in organic and semi-metallic. They will likely stop the car for a period of time but no guarantees as to how long they will last or how much noise or dust they will make. Golds are made by a multitude of manufacturers, some are GRI, some are Sangsin, some are Wagner, and are available in whatever the vehicle was originally equipped with (semi-metallic, ceramic or organic) and sometimes an alternate formula. They often include hardware and are a middle of the road pad. Platinum are GRI and available however the car was equipped as well as sometimes an alternate compound. Always include hardware and have a 4 layer shim for noise reduction.