The tiny spark plug, often overlooked, is the heart of your engine’s combustion process. Choosing the right one can mean a difference in the engine performance.
While there are many spark plug models available, two consistently stand out: Denso and NGK, which work extremely well with all types of vehicles. But when it comes to a head-to-head comparison, Denso vs NGK which brand truly takes the lead?
Contents
Denso Spark Plugs: A Closer Look
Developed and marketed in 1957, Denso spark plugs are used on all vehicles, especially for racing cars.
Denso spark plug construction includes:
- Ceramic insulator
- Positive electrode
- An upper pole
- A glass seal
- A resistor
- Negative electrode
- Sealing ring
The heat transfer index of Denso spark plugs is from 9 to 37, the smaller the number, the hotter the spark plug, and vice versa.
Some features of Denso spark plugs:
- Good electrical insulation and good thermal conductivity.
- The cement part is made of a mixture of copper and glass, which prevents the amount of gas from burning and conducts electricity well.
- The carbon insulation resistor helps to reduce the interference of the spark plug radio signal. Especially, the positive electrode part is made of copper core to increase the ability to conduct electricity and heat.
- The negative electrode represents the exclusivity of the Denso spark plug, which has a U-groove to increase the spark plug’s ignition efficiency.
NGK Spark Plugs: A Closer Look
NGK spark plug company was founded in 1936 in Japan and now has become one of the multinational companies with branches in many different countries around the world.
NGK spark plug products are designed to meet the stringent requirements of auto manufacturers worldwide, ensuring the best performance and reliability for all types of engines:
- Iridium tip ensures high durability and stable spark
- Iridium alloy has an extremely high melting point, perfect for the high-tech, high-performance engines
- Trivalent metal plating provides superior anti-corrosion and anti-corrosion properties
- Outstanding acceleration, high fuel economy, and durability
- Optimal design, technology, and performance
NGK Iridium spark plugs are a popular choice for car owners looking to enhance the performance of their vehicle’s engine. Besides the advantages, NGK spark plugs still have some limitations such as:
- Unsuitable for many vehicles: NGK Iridium spark plugs are not suitable for some vehicles and engines. Before deciding on this type of spark plug, check if the spark plug is compatible with your vehicle.
- NGK Iridium spark plugs can easily corrode when used in high-humidity environments or poor-quality fuel. This can cause insufficient combustion, resulting in reduced performance and reduced spark plug lifespan.
- More expensive: Compared with ordinary spark plugs, NGK Iridium spark plugs are more expensive. However, if you want to enhance the performance of your vehicle, this is a valuable option.
Denso vs NGK: Head-to-Head Comparison?
Compare Denso and NGK spark plugs to see what difference there is between the spark plugs of these famous brands:
Similarities
High quality and durability
Both types are iridium spark plugs. The metal is much less conductive than copper but lasts longer and works at a low temperature. It is also 4-5 times costlier than platinum.
Iridium spark plugs are not the best in terms of performance but nothing can beat their longevity. When a copper plug lasts for around 20,000 miles, the average lifespan of an iridium plug is 40,000 – 60,000 miles.
Wide range of options
Both brands offer a vast selection of spark plugs to suit various engine types, vehicle models, and performance requirements. This includes options for standard, platinum, iridium, and racing spark plugs.
Focus on performance
Both Denso and NGK prioritize performance, aiming to deliver optimal ignition, combustion efficiency, and horsepower gains.
Read more: Pros And Cons Of Installing Iridium vs. Platinum Spark Plug In Your Car
Differences
Electrode materials
While NGK spark plugs are known for their “V-Power” series with a unique V-shaped groove on the ground electrode for enhanced flame propagation, the Denso utilizes a proprietary “U-Groove” ground electrode design for improved ignitability and longer life.
Design
- Denso: Emphasizes precise engineering and advanced manufacturing techniques to ensure consistent performance and reliability.
- NGK: Focuses on innovative electrode designs and materials to optimize ignition and combustion efficiency.
Price
Generally, both NGK and Denso are more expensive compared to other types of spark plugs due to their precious metals that resist corrosion and help them last as long as 100,000+ miles.
However, when comparing the price between NGK and Denso, the Denso ones might be cheaper, which ranges from $15 to $65 depending on the type.
Read more: Learn to Read the Spark Plug Colors with This Guide!
Denso vs NGK Plug: Which One Is Better?
It is hard to pull out a winner in the NGK vs Denso debate since both are iridium spark plugs and offer almost similar performance.
Denso plugs are installed on almost every automobile model manufactured in Japan. The iridium used in them has a superior hardness.
The electrode’s diameter in these plugs shrinks more than an NGK. For this reason, Denso plugs won’t last longer than NGK units but they will be better at producing powerful sparks.
On the other hand, NGK plugs will be a standard replacement for their platinum alternatives. They require less maintenance and provide a more stable and consistent performance than a Denso.
In short, regardless of the brand, according to our advice, you should choose the suitable type for your car as the manufacturer’s recommendation so that the fuel is burned out completely, thereby saving more fuel, increasing engine power, and accelerating faster also improving the lifespan of your car.
Watch more:
FAQs
What is Denso’s “U-Groove” technology?
Denso’s “U-Groove” ground electrode design enhances ignitability and extends the lifespan of the spark plug by creating a more stable spark.
What is NGK’s “V-Power” series?
NGK’s “V-Power” series features a unique V-shaped groove on the ground electrode, promoting enhanced flame propagation for improved power and performance.
Does NGK offer spark plugs for racing applications?
Yes, NGK has a dedicated line of racing spark plugs designed for use in engines that have been fine-tuned to achieve maximum power.
How do I know which spark plug is right for my vehicle?
Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the recommended spark plug type and specifications. The manual will specify the right plugs for your vehicle.
Conclusion
With time, spark plugs have been developed into a much more heavy-duty component. Both Denso and NGK plugs work well with all types of vehicles – from light cars to heavy-duty pickup trucks.
In this choice between Denso vs NGK, you will choose the first one if you care about the horsepower of your vehicle.
It is only a fraction of a percent of the power increase, though. But, NGK should be your choice if you want a stable, long-lasting performance at a lower cost.
Am glad to learn about these two types of plugs and all other posts on this page however, I would like to know whether poor performance of spark plugs has an effect on car jerking especially when one is driving up the hill with frequent stoppages due to queue?
had this problem that made me change my s plugs and fuel pump. It had nothing to do with that. Problem was a simple broken and loose wiring socket hooke to the engine.
I had similar problem on my honda crv and it seemed to have gone away after i replaced pcv valve.
Excellent advise I have benefited from this knowledge
This is really vitally important sharing thanks for the knowledge i ve got something from there indeed.
NGK Iridium IX will not last longer than Denso Iridium Power. The problem with the NGK’s is that the ground electrode erodes very rapidly compared to the Denso’s (That is, unless NGK has fixed that in recent years).
The varying size of the center electrode has almost no effect on longevity since it’s made of iridium alloy. It’s the ground electrode you need to worry about and I’ve personally noticed the spark from the Iridium IX tip cause severe erosion to the ground electrode (strap electrode), necessitating a regap after only five to ten thousand miles. This is probably due to a hotter, more concentrated spark. I will never use NGK iridium IX again for this reason. Denso iridium power do not have this problem.
On the other hand, I just purchased a brand new set of 8 NGK LASER iridium plugs. This is finest plug in the NGK collection and maybe the absolute best plug out there. The NGK laser Iridium is miles ahead of both the Iridium IX and the Denso iridium power. Their Laser Iridium’s do not have issues with the ground electrode, and the whole plug has an advanced design.
Both NGK and Denso now have a twin tip iridium design, which is interesting, but I haven’t seen enough testing or reviews to think that they could be any better than the laser iridium design.
Thanks!
Laser Iridiums are the standard OE replacement plugs. The Iridium IX are more of an aftermarket plug and are only recommended with forced induction vehicles
Can somebody give me advise, i had been experiencing bad power from my engine “palyado” changed my spark plugs already, the mechanic suggested to change my coil but i think its not accurate since my car is only 3yrs. A mechanic told me to change my spark plugs to a higher voltage is this accurate? Thank you
I would like to buy both denso and ngk for resale in my country what can I do
I would like to buy both denso and ngk for resale in my country what can I do
in my experience, i have always had problems with the denso in turbocharged engines. Their spark weakens over time. I will switch to the ngk equivalent for good this time.
Brilliant post Sir
Hello, thanks for this, can this two types be installed on any type of vehicle, to be specific which type is suitable for a Subaru non-turbo engine
In my days working in a auto service station in Portugal i learned to carry always a piece of rubber tube same diameter of the porcelain part of the spark plug to those vehicules like that you have, cause we used a standard spark plug tools and we change a lot of them in many different engines. So you don’t need a special one to remove your spark plugs and you save money for other stuff.