Denso vs. AC Delco oxygen sensor: Is Denso oxygen sensor better than AC Delco?

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The tiny part of the exhaust system that detects the mixture of the fuel and air in the exhaust manifold is called the Oxygen sensor or O2 sensor. It detects whether there is a lean or rich mixture of air and fuel.

The lean mixture indicates that fuel is insufficient and the ratio is downgraded. Meanwhile, the rich mixture indicates having extra fuel in the air-fuel ratio. On both occasions, the exhaust system needs a change in the ratio.

However, when it comes to choosing O2 sensors, buyers often get confused to choose between Denso and AC Delco sensors. And we've done long research to get you rid of this confusion.

Which oxygen sensor is better: Denso or AC Delco?

Both Denso and AC Delco are two of the most renowned brands that have been consistently making O2 sensors for engine combustion manifolds. Therefore, choosing either one of these isn't an easy task.

Comparison chart between Denso and AC Delco oxygen sensors-

Which brand’s O2 sensor is more durable?

The construction material is the first and major factor to decide whether it's durable or not. One thumb rule for O2 sensors is that stainless steel ones have better durability than others.

And AC Delco makes the sensors with high-grade stainless steel. On the contrary, you can have ceramic or aluminum construction as well in O2 sensors from Denso.

Meanwhile, both these brands offer stainless steel housing to ensure corrosion-resistant build quality.

• Even though the difference is really tiny, AC Delco comes as a winner here. 

Do you need an O2 sensor for GM vehicles?

For which type of vehicle you are looking an O2 sensor is a key factor to decide, which brand offers the better option. For any vehicles other than GM genuine, you are allowed to choose any of these brands.

• However, AC Delco is the best option you have for GM vehicles.

Which one of these two brands provides much heat resistance?

Denso oxygen sensors have ceramic elements with double layer protection to ensure heat-resistant performance. On the other hand, AC Delco to offers heat resistance through the high melting point.

• So, there’s a tie between these two brands in terms of heat resistance.

Are you searching for a cost-efficient option?

Cross-cutting isn’t a good option when the question is to uphold the vehicle’s performance. However, it’s fair enough as long as you can get an efficient performance from the O2 sensor even at a cheap rate.

Although there isn’t much difference between the construction and performance of O2 sensors from these two brands, AC Delco offers comparatively a cheaper option.

• AC Delco comes as the winner here as well.

Denso oxygen sensor

To ensure a better driving experience, Denso has produced precision and quality-ensured oxygen sensors. Determining the fuel and oxygen ratio in the exhaust system upholds the engine's performance.

• An international automotive equipment brand in Aichi, Japan.
• Includes Zirconia solid electrolyte with alumina heat substrate.
• Heat-resistant design with ceramic elements.
• High-quality steel, aluminum oxide, and high-grade ceramic construction.
• Stainless steel housing for corrosion resistance.
• Double layer protection cover.
• Easy to install O2 sensor.

As the sensor has to go through a continuous under excessive heat in the combustion manifold, it can get damaged. However, Denso has a heat-resistant design with double layer protection to maintain the performance level.

Meanwhile, the sensor offers you better longevity as it has corrosion-resistant, stainless steel housing. Moreover, ease of installation lets the user identify whether the fuel-oxygen mixture is lean or rich in the engine.

AC Delco oxygen sensor

To keep up the engine’s performance, having an adequate fuel and oxygen mixture is mandatory. Even though there are a lot of brands of O2 sensors, you should go for AC Delco when it comes to GM vehicles.

• The mother brand is General Motors founded in 1916.
• The O2 sensors are ideal for GM-specialized vehicles.
• High-grade stainless steel construction.
• Doesn’t melt easily for having a high melting point.
• Includes high-quality plastic adapter and cable.
• Corrosion and rust-resistant.
• Easy to install.
• It’s a cost-efficient option.

Even if you aren't looking for O2 sensors for GM vehicles, you can go for it to cross-cut the cost a bit. Compared to other renowned brands for these sensors, AC Delco does offer quality sensors at a cheap rate.

However, with the top-notch stainless steel construction, there isn't something you have to worry about durability and performance. The corrosion and rust resistance is an addition to the durability.

Moreover, it comes with a melting point that reduces the chances of being damaged by excessive heat. Also, the included plastic cables with adapters are heat-resistant.

Pros and Cons of Denso oxygen sensor

Although you may have already decided whether to go for Denso or AC Delco, you shouldn’t skip this section. No oxygen sensor is super perfect, and we’ll know it.

Now, in which sectors do the O2 sensors from this particular brand appear to be a perfectionist?

• Highly heat-resistant with ceramic elements and a two-layer protection cover.
• Durable construction with stainless steel.
• Corrosion-resistant stainless steel housing.
• Easy to install the sensor.
• Universal fit to all vehicles.

However, knowing the drawback of this sensor is a must before you go on to purchase.

• Comes with short wiring.
• Comparatively an expensive option.

Pros and Cons of AC Delco oxygen sensor

AC Delco oxygen sensors are specialized for GM vehicles. However, they have kept the performance level up even at a low price range.

So, what does it offer that lets the buyer purchase this sensor without any second thought?

• It’s an affordable option.
• Extremely heat-resistant with a high melting point.
• Durable and long-lasting construction.
• Stainless steel makes it corrosion-resistant.
• Easy to install the sensor.

However, it isn't free of cons like any other O2 sensor.

• It only fits GM vehicles.
• The extra-long wiring seems unnecessary.
• Long wiring makes the sensor slow.

Oxygen sensor vs. air-fuel sensor: What's the difference?

Although the basic task between Oxygen sensors and Air fuel sensors .pdf are the same, there is a crucial difference.

Oxygen sensor:

An O2 sensor detects the level of oxygen in the mixture of air and fuel to determine whether it's a lean or rich mixture. A rich mixture means there's a lack of fuel.

And a rich mixture means there's excessive fuel in the mixture. Later on, the information is sent to ECU or the engine control unit.

Air fuel sensor:

The Air-fuel sensor also detects the level of oxygen in the O2-fuel mixture, but in a more precise way. It determines the exact mixture ratio and informs the ECU about how much increment or decrement is required for a perfect mixture.

NTK oxygen sensor vs. AC Delco

NTK is another renowned brand in terms of manufacturing quality O2 sensors. Although it makes quality sensors like AC Delco, there’re a few differences that are worth knowing.

NTK O2 sensors aren't vehicle-specific fit sensors as you can fit them with any vehicle according to the model and year.

Instead of having a stainless steel construction, it comes with a dual-coated platinum element.

Bosch vs. Denso oxygen sensor

Bosch is another option you have when it comes to O2 sensors. However, it has some distinguishing features that make it different from Denso O2 sensors.

Although both these brands provide stainless steel construction, Bosch differs a bit from the double-laser welded stainless steel. Moreover, the pre-coating allows an easier installation for Bosch O2 sensors. 

How to choose an oxygen sensor?

It's an important question you need to ask yourself before buying any oxygen sensor. Although different brands offer a huge number of O2 sensors, the purchase depends on a few things.

• Whether it fits the vehicle or not.
• The heat and corrosion resistance.
• Longevity of the sensor.
• How accurate result it provide.
• The brand value.

Vehicle specific O2 sensor:

Not every O2 sensor that offers the best specs will fit your vehicle. However, universal-fit sensors can go on to fit any vehicle and take Denso O2 sensors as a perfect example.

On the other hand, a huge number of quality sensors come with a vehicle-specific fit. And you should know the model, and year of your vehicle to find out the right one.

Heat and corrosion resistance:

Heat and corrosion resistance is related to the longevity of the sensor. According to the experts, the stainless steel O2 sensor is the most perfect choice to keep the performance level up even in excessive heat.

Accuracy of the sensor:

Without accuracy, the sensor turns out into a useless part of the engine. The sensor is here to detect the ratio of the mixture between fuel and oxygen to ensure better fuel efficiency.

Brand value:

Definitely, when it question is about O2 sensors, brand value has a direct impact on the performance. Some of the renowned brands in this field are AC Delco, Denso, Bosch, NTK, etc.

Which oxygen sensor you should go for between Denso and AC Delco?

We have reached the conclusion as you may have already got the answer that which one of these brands to go for. Denso will be a good option if you need something that offers a universal fitting option.

However, for GM vehicle-specific-fit sensors, AC Delco is a good option. Moreover, it's comparatively an affordable option with a durable, high-grade stainless steel construction.

So, the final decision is up to you and your needs.