Exide vs Duralast Battery
The main difference between the Exide Enhanced Flooded Automotive Battery and the Duralast Platinum EFB Battery is the battery technology. The Exide uses a flooded lead acid battery. In contrast, the Duralast uses an absorbed glass mat (AGM) enhanced flooded battery (EFB).
Exide vs Duralast
This table provides a quick and easy way for you to compare and understand the differences.
| Feature | Duralast EFB | Exide |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.99 | $149.00 |
| Warranty | 3 years | 48 months |
| Cold Cranking Amps | 750A | 750 |
| Reserve Capacity at 25A | 120 min | 130 min |
| Cranking Amps at 0°C | 935A | 900 |
| Technology | Enhanced Flooded Battery (EFB) | Flooded Lead Acid, LifeGrid |
| Dimension | 11 x 6.88 x 7.5 in | 11 x 6.75 x 7.43 in |
| Terminal Type | SAE – Type A | Top Post |
| Group Size | H6/LN3 | H6/L3/48 |
| Voltage | 12 Volt | 12 Volt |
Battery Technology
The Exide Enhanced Flooded Automotive Battery uses a flooded lead acid battery design. This is a traditional lead acid battery where the plates are submerged in electrolytes.
It is described as “maintenance-free,” meaning it does not require regular fluid refills. The Duralast Platinum uses an absorbed glass mat (AGM) enhanced flooded battery technology.
The electrolyte is absorbed into a fiberglass mat separator, which prevents spilling and allows the battery to be mounted in any orientation.
Warranty
The Exide Enhanced Flooded Automotive Battery comes with a 4-year/48-month full replacement warranty. The Duralast Platinum EFB Battery has a 3 year full replacement warranty.
Group Size
The Exide battery fits group sizes H6, L3, 48. The Duralast is listed as EN size LN3 and BCI group size 48. Both batteries will replace a similar range of vehicles using the standard group size 48 battery.
Cold Cranking Amps
The Exide battery has a cold cranking amp rating of 750A at 0°F. The Duralast is rated for 750A at the same temperature. This indicates both batteries can provide the same high power output for starting in cold weather conditions.
Cranking Amperage
The Exide is rated for 900 cranking amps at 32°F while the Duralast is rated for a higher 935A cranking amperage at the same temperature. This shows the Duralast can provide slightly higher starting power in cool weather.
Reserve Capacity
The Exide battery has a reserve capacity rating of 130 minutes at a 25 amp discharge rate. The Duralast is rated for 120 minutes at the same discharge rate.
The Exide has a slight edge in reserve runtime if the battery needs to support vehicle systems without the alternator running.
Price
The Exide Enhanced Flooded Automotive Battery has an MSRP of $149, while the Duralast Platinum EFB Battery is priced at $249.99. The Duralast costs $100 more than the Exide option.
Terminal Location
On the Exide, the positive terminal is located on the top right, and the negative terminal is on the top left when viewing the top of the battery. The Duralast also has the positive terminal on the top right and negative on the top left.
Dimensions
The Exide measures 11 inches long x 6.75 inches wide x 7.4375 inches tall. The Duralast is 11 inches long x 6.88 inches wide x 7.5 inches tall. The batteries have very similar footprints.
Weight
The Exide weighs 43.9 lbs. The Duralast has a listed weight of 42.12 lbs, so it is just slightly lighter than the Exide.
Voltage
Both the Exide and Duralast batteries have a voltage rating of 12 volts, the standard for automotive starter batteries.
Additional Features
The Exide uses LifeGrid technology, which helps extend cycle life. The Duralast uses a proprietary carbon additive to improve charge acceptance and battery life.
It also has reinforced components for vibration resistance. The Exide offers slightly longer rated reserve capacity, while the Duralast provides more starting power.
Our Observation
The Duralast Platinum EFB battery is the better choice for modern vehicles with greater power demands. It has a higher cold cranking amps rating of 935A for stronger starts in cold weather.
The proprietary carbon additive enables faster recharging and extended battery life. While the Exide battery offers a longer 4-year warranty, the Duralast is built with thicker grids and enhanced vibration resistance for improved durability.
With its advanced technology and sturdier construction, we recommend the Duralast Platinum EFB battery for reliable performance in today’s accessorized vehicles.
Peter Rees, your go-to car parts expert, bridges the gap between mechanics and motorists. With over decades in the automotive industry, he decodes the intricacies of vehicles in his insightful blog, steering readers toward savvy decisions and smooth rides.