Bosch vs Duralast Battery
Regarding to AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries, Bosch and Duralast are two of the most popular brands. But how do their flagship batteries compare? We put the Bosch S6 AGM up against the Duralast Platinum AGM to see which comes out on top.
Bosch vs Duralast
In order to easily understand the differences, you can refer to this comparison table.
| Feature | Duralast AGM | Bosch S6 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Technology | Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) | Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) |
| Warranty | 3 years | 4 years |
| Group Size | 47 | 47 |
| Cold Cranking Amps | 680A | 600A |
| Cranking Amps | 750A | 690A |
| Reserve Capacity | 100 minutes | 100 minutes |
| Voltage | 12V | 12V |
| Price | $249.99 | $264.99 |
| Length | 9.56 in | 9.53 in |
| Width | 6.94 in | 6.89 in |
| Height | 7.5 in | 7.49 in |
| Weight | 39.2 lbs | 39 lbs |
The key difference between these two batteries is the warranty length. The Bosch S6 AGM comes with a four-year free replacement warranty. In comparison, the Duralast Platinum AGM has a shorter three-year free replacement warranty.
Battery Technology
Both batteries use advanced AGM technology. This means the electrolyte is suspended in glass mats between the battery plates rather than free-flowing liquid. This makes AGM batteries spill-proof and allows them to be installed in any orientation except fully inverted.
The tightly packed glass mats also make AGM batteries more vibration-resistant. Both the Bosch and Duralast batteries are designed to withstand vibrations better than conventional lead-acid batteries.
Warranty
As mentioned above, the main difference is the warranty length. The Bosch S6 AGM comes with a 4 year free replacement warranty, which is a year longer than the Duralast Platinum’s 3 year warranty. Both cover entirely replacing the battery if it fails during the warranty period.
Group Size
The group size refers to the battery’s dimensions and terminal positions. Both the Bosch S6 and Duralast Platinum are group size 47 batteries. This is a standard group size that fits a wide variety of makes and models.
Cold Cranking Amps
The cold cranking amps (CCA) measure how much current a battery can deliver at 0°F to crank an engine. The Bosch S6 AGM offers 600 CCA, while the Duralast Platinum AGM is rated for 680 CCA. The higher CCA of the Duralast battery makes it better suited for extremely cold weather.
Cranking Amps
Cranking amps measure how much current a battery can provide at 32°F. The Bosch S6 is rated for 690 cranking amps. The Duralast Platinum comes in slightly higher at 750 cranking amps.
Reserve Capacity
The reserve capacity indicates how long a battery can deliver 25 amps before dropping below 10.5 volts at 80°F. It measures how long the battery can run essential accessories if the alternator fails. Both batteries have an impressive 100 minutes of reserve capacity.
Price
The Bosch S6 AGM is priced at $264.99, while the Duralast Platinum AGM costs $249.99. So you can get the Duralast battery for around $15 less.
However, the more extended 4-year warranty of the Bosch may balance out the higher initial cost over the long run.
Voltage
Both batteries have a standard 12V system voltage. This allows them to serve as direct replacements for the factory-installed batteries in most modern vehicles.
Additional Features
Some extra features of the Bosch S6 AGM are its Energy Life technology, which provides up to 2x longer service life compared to conventional batteries. It also offers faster recharging and enhanced charge acceptance to get your battery up and running quicker.
The Duralast Platinum AGM also promises up to 2x the cycle life of conventional lead-acid batteries. It’s engineered for improved vibration resistance and durability. The Platinum series is designed to meet or exceed OEM specifications.
Our Observation
The Bosch S6 battery offers excellent starting power and long life, with 2x longer lifetime via Energy Life technology. It is optimized for stop-start driving.
The Duralast Platinum also offers strong starting power and cycles more than conventional batteries. Both batteries are spill-proof, maintenance-free AGM designs.
For most drivers, the Bosch S6 is likely the best option due to its superior longevity, optimization for stop-start vehicles, and included four year free replacement warranty. Its Energy Life technology should provide reliable performance over years of use.
Mark Takahashi, Car parts guru with a passion for mechanics. Blogger extraordinaire, translating auto jargon into everyday magic. Drive into his world of knowledge!
