In the world of automotive enthusiasts, finding the perfect wheels is crucial. If you’ve clicked on this article, you are probably in the market for a set of either Volk Racing’s TE37 SL wheels or GramLight’s 57CRs, but where should you invest your money? Let’s be honest, these wheels are so much more expensive compared to most; you better be happy with your choice! Both offer beautiful and timeless design elements that are not easily mimicked by companies making reps of these design concepts. These two titans offer a blend of performance and practicality. But for buyers, the choice is more than just aesthetics; it’s about aligning with driving demands and budget.
Join us as we explore the critical factors guiding this decision. From the TE37 SL’s weight-saving prowess to the 57CR’s balanced versatility, each wheel offers promises of greatness. But the ultimate decision hinges on delivering maximum value and satisfaction on the road.
Something to quickly note before we get started, there are many variations to each of these wheels from Volk Racing and GramLights. The topics we are going to cover in this article also encompass the characteristics of these variants below.
- Volk Racing
- TE37 Saga S-Plus
- TE37 Saga SL
- TE37 Saga SL M-Spec
- TE37 Ultra M-Spec
- GramLights
- 57CR Overseas
- 57CR 2324
- 57D – Mark II
- 57DR
- 57DR Overseas
- 57DR 2324
If you want to see our extremely in-depth Volk Racing TE37 Buys Guide – Check out this comprehensive video!
1. Price
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- Volk Racing TE37 SL: Generally, TE37 SL wheels are priced at a premium level due to their high-quality forged construction and reputation in the aftermarket wheel industry. Expect to pay a higher price compared to many other wheel options. At the time of writing this article, the average Volk Racing TE37 SL is priced at about $900 a wheel.
- GramLight 57CR: GramLight 57CR wheels are typically priced more affordably compared to TE37 SL wheels. While still offering good quality, they may be more budget-friendly for some consumers. The average GramLight 57CR is priced at about $500 a wheel.
- Verdict: This is on average a $400 price difference per wheel. To the seasoned automotive-nut, this won’t come at too much of a shock, but remember, most cars have 4 wheels… our brain should operate this equation by 4x. So let’s say, in most cases, the average set of TE37 SLs will be about $1200 more per wheelset. That is a massive investment, but is it worth it? Let’s dive into what is creating this price difference.
- Volk Racing TE37 SL: Generally, TE37 SL wheels are priced at a premium level due to their high-quality forged construction and reputation in the aftermarket wheel industry. Expect to pay a higher price compared to many other wheel options. At the time of writing this article, the average Volk Racing TE37 SL is priced at about $900 a wheel.
2. Build Quality:
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- Volk Racing TE37 SL: Renowned for their lightweight and durable construction, TE37 SL wheels are forged from a single piece of aluminum alloy. This manufacturing process ensures high strength and rigidity while keeping weight to a minimum. In the world of forged wheels, Volk Racing is arguably one of the greatest. Rays Engineering, the parent company of Volk Racing, has developed one-of-a-kind tooling to mill the intricacies of these wheels. This is something that hasn’t been replicated by any wheel manufacturer on the market. That is one of the reasons for the price.
- GramLight 57CR: The GramLight 57CR wheels also offer solid construction, typically utilizing a cast aluminum alloy. While not as lightweight or as strong as forged wheels like the TE37 SL, they still provide good performance and durability for everyday driving and occasional track use.
- Verdict: While the process of creating GramLights isn’t as monumental as Volk Racing’s forged wheel, let’s keep in mind, GramLights is also a company of Rays Engineering. Rays Engineering isn’t going to miss the target when it comes to manufacturing wheels and the quality behind them. Build quality comes with purpose in mind.
- Volk Racing TE37 SL: Renowned for their lightweight and durable construction, TE37 SL wheels are forged from a single piece of aluminum alloy. This manufacturing process ensures high strength and rigidity while keeping weight to a minimum. In the world of forged wheels, Volk Racing is arguably one of the greatest. Rays Engineering, the parent company of Volk Racing, has developed one-of-a-kind tooling to mill the intricacies of these wheels. This is something that hasn’t been replicated by any wheel manufacturer on the market. That is one of the reasons for the price.
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3. Wheel Purpose:
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- Volk Racing TE37 SL: TE37 SL wheels are designed primarily for performance-oriented applications, such as track racing and spirited driving. Their lightweight design helps improve acceleration, braking, and overall handling performance. They are favored by enthusiasts who prioritize performance above all else.
- GramLight 57CR: The GramLight 57CR wheels strike a balance between performance and daily usability. While they are still suitable for track days and aggressive driving, they are also well-suited for everyday street use. The 57CR wheels often appeal to enthusiasts looking for a combination of style, performance, and practicality.
- Volk Racing TE37 SL: TE37 SL wheels are designed primarily for performance-oriented applications, such as track racing and spirited driving. Their lightweight design helps improve acceleration, braking, and overall handling performance. They are favored by enthusiasts who prioritize performance above all else.
4. Target Audience:
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- Volk Racing TE37 SL: These wheels are targeted towards serious enthusiasts and professionals who demand the highest level of performance from their vehicles. They are popular among track racers, autocross competitors, and performance car enthusiasts who prioritize lightweight and strength. If you are looking for arguably the best wheels money can buy, TE37 SLs are sitting at the top.
- Competitive Racers
- Regular Track Drivers
- Purpose Built Cars
- GramLight 57CR: The 57CR wheels cater to a broader audience, including enthusiasts who appreciate performance but also value brand name, aesthetics, and affordability. They are suitable for a wide range of vehicles, from daily drivers to occasional weekend track cars, appealing to those who seek a balance between performance and practicality.
- Budgeted Aftermarket Purists
- Drift Drivers Seeking Regular Wheel Replacements
- Occasional Track Drivers
- Premium Daily Driver Builds
- Volk Racing TE37 SL: These wheels are targeted towards serious enthusiasts and professionals who demand the highest level of performance from their vehicles. They are popular among track racers, autocross competitors, and performance car enthusiasts who prioritize lightweight and strength. If you are looking for arguably the best wheels money can buy, TE37 SLs are sitting at the top.
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In summary, while both the Volk Racing TE37 SL and GramLight 57CR wheels offer quality and performance, they target slightly different drivers. The TE37 SL prioritizes lightweight and performance, making it ideal for serious enthusiasts and racers. On the other hand, the 57CR provides a balance between performance, style, and affordability, appealing to a broader range of enthusiasts who seek both performance and daily usability.
You are in the market for the perfect set of wheels for your car, Vivid Racing is the largest stocking dealer of Rays Engineeing wheels in North America. That’s including Volk Racing and GramLight wheelsets. In-stock and ready to be shipped to you quicker than anyone else!
Want to shop by the specific wheelset we’ve curated for your car? Check them out HERE
