Batteries in any kind of vehicle will not last forever, so at some point, you will need to look at replacing the one you have in yours. With many different brands of batteries available, how do you go about choosing the right one? In this article, we look at Deka vs. Interstate batteries.
These are two of the more popular brands of batteries you can buy today as they have gained a reputation for high-quality batteries. When it comes to buying a replacement battery for any vehicle you have, you are sure to find that these two brands have ones that meet your particular needs.
Below, we will look at each brand before comparing their popular marine battery.
A Little Background Information Regarding Deka and Interstate
A look at Deka batteries
Deka was founded in 1947 and is part of the East Penn Group. Today’s name is a merger of the partners’ names, DeLight Breidegam Jr. and Karl Gasche.
Today all the batteries that carry this name are made in the company’s 520-acre site in Berks County, Pennsylvania. They also have another facility in Corydon, Iowa, to help with their need to produce more batteries.
A look at Interstate batteries
Interstate was founded in 1952 by John Searcy, who began by selling automotive batteries out of the back of a Studebaker.
The company has grown, and now all the Interstate Logo batteries are made by Johnson Controls. Most of the batteries that hold the Interstate name get made in Monterrey, Mexico, or the US.
The batteries made in Mexico are specifically for sale from Louisiana to Southern California for the rest of the US; all other batteries are their manufacturing plant in the USA.
What Are Deka/ Interstate Famous For?
As you will see, both these companies make batteries that multiple vehicles can use.
But when it comes to Deka it is best known for producing dual-purpose AGM batteries. ATVs, snowmobiles, motorcycles, cars, trucks, power sports equipment, and marine equipment will use these batteries.
As for Interstate, it is now known for offering a range of deep cycle batteries for use in wheelchairs, scooters, ATVs, and solar power products. It also produces deep cycle batteries that can be used in backup systems, generators, and cranking systems.
Buy Deka Sports Power, Interstate DCM0055 here:
Deka Sports Power ETX-15L
Interstate DCM0055
Pros & Cons of Deka and Interstate Batteries
As you will see below, there are some pros and cons to both these brands of batteries. So which one you do decide to buy will, of course, depend on your needs and budget.
Deka batteries
Pros
- Deka batteries are made entirely in the USA
- Are more affordable compared to Interstate batteries
- Receive a lot of positive feedback from buyers on various forums
Cons
- They only come with a short warranty in some cases have a 30-month warranty, depending on the type of battery
- They come with lower CCA, RC, and Ah ratings compared to Interstate batteries
Interstate Batteries
Pros
- Come with a longer warranty compared to Deka batteries, in some cases certain batteries come with a 48-month warranty
- These batteries have higher CCA, RC, and Ah ratings than Deka batteries
- They are made in Mexico and the USA
Cons
- They are more expensive to buy than Deka batteries
- Interstate doesn’t make the batteries that carry their name, Johnsons Controls make them
Deka Vs. Interstate Marine Battery – Which Is Best?
Below, we will be comparing 2 marine batteries of Group 34 size from Deka and Interstate so you can clearly see the difference. Including a look at their advantages and disadvantages.
 Interstate MTZ-34 |  Deka Intimidator 9A34R |
|
|---|---|---|
| Customer Rating |  |  |
| Price |  | |
| Ah | 63 | 55 |
| RC | 125m @ 25A | 120m @ 25A |
| CCA | 800 | 750 |
| Warranty | 48 months | 30 months |
| Weight | 46.6 Ibs | 43 lbs |
| Polarity | Left positive | Right positive |
Deka 9A34R AGM Intimidator Marine Battery
Also, a 12-volt battery that measures 10.75 x 6.875 x 8 inches and weighs a total of 43 lbs. It comes with a CCA rating of 775 and an RC rating of 120 minutes.
The great thing is that these batteries are more affordable than the same Interstate type. But there is one drawback to this battery regarding the warranty. With this battery, you only get a 24-month warranty once you purchase one.
Interstate MTZ-34 Marine Battery
Like the Deka marine battery above, this one from Interstate is 12 volt. It is slightly bigger measuring 10.82 x 6.75 x 7.84 inches and weighs in at a hefty 46.6 lbs.
This Interstate Marine Battery comes with a CCA rating of 800 and an RC rating of 125 minutes. But the most significant difference relates to the warranty, you get a total of 48 months. However, the extra-long warranty does affect the price, it is more expensive to buy than the Deka above.
Should You Buy Deka Or Interstate Batteries
Who Should Buy Deka?
Anyone whose budget is limited and isn’t worried about the warranty length should consider a Deka battery as they are considered among the best and will still be able to meet the user’s needs.
See some Deka batteries here:
Deka Sports Power ETX-15L
Deka Sports Power ETX-30L
Who Should Buy Interstate?
If you aren’t worried about how much the battery is going to cost, then, of course, you should consider buying an Interstate battery. The main reason for doing so is that they come with a much more extended warranty.
Buy Interstate batteries here:
Interstate DCM0055
Interstate 0G9449
Hopefully, the information we’ve provided above will help you make the right decision about which of these two brands you should buy as it best suits your needs. You may want to take a look at some reviews other customers have left to help you with making your final decision.
