Duralast Gold vs Diehard Gold Car Battery
The main difference between Duralast Gold and Diehard Gold batteries is the battery technology. Duralast Gold uses a traditional flooded lead-acid design while Diehard Gold uses absorbed glass mat (AGM) technology.
Diehard Vs Duralast Table
We will compare the two batteries and help you decide which best fits your needs.
DieHard Gold | Duralast Gold |
---|---|
Price: $214.99 | Price: $209.99 |
Warranty: 3 years free replacement | Warranty: 3 years |
Battery Group Size 35 | Battery Group Size 35 |
Cold Cranking Amps: 640 CCA | Cold Cranking Amps: 640 CCA |
Cranking Amps: 800 CA | Cranking Amps: 800 CA |
Reserve Capacity: 100 minutes | Reserve Capacity: 130 minutes |
Height: 8.875 in | Height: 8.88 in |
Length: 9.062 in | Length: 9.06 in |
Width: 6.937 in | Width: 6.94 in |
Weight: 39.01 lbs | Weight: 38.2 lbs |
Battery Technology
Duralast Gold batteries utilize a conventional flooded lead-acid design where the electrolyte fluid inside the battery is not sealed or contained. This makes it require more maintenance like checking water/fluid levels occasionally.
In contrast, Diehard Gold batteries use absorbed glass mat (AGM) technology. In AGM batteries, the electrolyte is absorbed into a glass mat separator between the battery plates which immobilizes the electrolyte.
This makes AGM batteries maintenance-free since there is no need to check fluid levels. The immobilized electrolyte also provides increased resistance to vibration and shock.
Warranty
Duralast Gold batteries come with a 3-year free replacement warranty while Diehard Gold batteries have a 3-year free replacement warranty. Both offer the same nationwide coverage for 3 years.
Group Size
Both Duralast Gold and Diehard Gold batteries are available in BCI Group Size 35 which will fit most modern full-sized pickup trucks, SUVs, and vans. This group size is commonly used in vehicles with V8 engines.
Cold Cranking Amperage
The cold cranking amps indicate the battery’s ability to start an engine in cold temperatures. Duralast Gold has 640 cold cranking amps while Diehard Gold provides 640 cold cranking amps. Both batteries offer ample starting power even in extreme cold weather.
Cranking Amperage
Cranking amps measure how much current a battery can deliver for 30 seconds at 32°F while maintaining at least 1.2 volts per cell. The Duralast Gold battery provides 800 cranking amps versus 800 cranking amps for the Diehard Gold.
Reserve Capacity
The reserve capacity indicates how long a battery can continuously deliver 25 amps at 80°F before dropping below 10.5 volts.
Duralast Gold has a reserve capacity of 130 minutes compared to 100 minutes for Diehard Gold. The Duralast has a longer reserve capacity.
Price
The Diehard Gold is more expensive at $214.99 while the Duralast Gold costs $209.99. The AGM technology and brand name contribute to the Diehard’s higher price point.
Terminal Location
Both batteries have a standard top terminal layout. The positive terminal is located on the top right front and the negative terminal is located on the top left front.
Dimensions
The Duralast measures 6.94 x 9.06 x 8.88 inches (W x L x H). The Diehard has similar dimensions of 6.937 x 9.062 x 8.875 inches. They will fit in most vehicles needing a group size 35 battery.
Weight
The Diehard Gold weighs 39.01 lbs while the Duralast Gold weighs 38.2 lbs. There is only a minor 0.8 lb difference in weight between the two.
Voltage
Both the Duralast and Diehard are 12V batteries, the typical voltage for most passenger vehicle starting batteries.
Additional Features
An advantage of the AGM technology used in the Diehard Gold battery is its increased resistance to vibration and shock compared to the conventional flooded lead-acid design of the Duralast Gold.
Diehard Gold batteries also contain a minimum 94% recycled lead and plastic content versus an unknown percentage for Duralast Gold.
Our Observation
The DieHard Gold battery offers superior starting power with 640 CCA and a 100-minute reserve capacity. It uses a stamped grid design that is corrosion-resistant for increased durability.
With a 3-year free replacement warranty, the DieHard Gold seems to be the best option. The Duralast Gold offers slightly less CCA at 640 but has a 3-year warranty.
However, it uses a traditional flooded lead-acid design that requires more maintenance. We recommend the DieHard Gold for its higher performance, durability, and hassle-free maintenance.
Mark Takahashi, Car parts guru with a passion for mechanics. Blogger extraordinaire, translating auto jargon into everyday magic. Drive into his world of knowledge!