These numbers not only refer to their footprints but also to their charge capabilities.
A higher Cold Cranking Amp (CCA) rating means when the battery will start dying out at some point, you’ll still be able to start it for longer when compared to those with a lower CCA rating.
Let’s dig deeper and see how H6 and H7 batteries differ.
H6/group 48 batteries – A quick look
H6 on batteries indicates the DIN (German Industrial Standard) number, also known as L3, group 48, and 66L3 batteries. They are commonly used in automotive, maritime, and light industries as starting or dual purpose batteries.
They are also used to power different electronic devices in the absence of the main power source or if the engine is shut off.
Most of these batteries have an improved spill-proof, vibration-resistant, maintenance-free and mechanically shock-resistant design compared to the older lead-acid batteries.
H7/group 94R batteries – A quick look
H7 batteries are more advanced batteries with the ability to withstand deep discharges. These batteries also have a much higher CCA (Cold Cranking Amp) rating than the standard car batteries.
H7 batteries come as starting/cranking and dual purpose batteries used in different types of vehicles, from cars to mini trucks. They are usually used to start the engine and to power different devices when the engine is off.
H7 batteries are also known as group 94R, LN4, and L4 batteries.
H6 vs H7 Battery – How Do They Differ?
Reserve capacity (RC)
It determines how long a battery can power a vehicle or any other device when the charging system fails. The higher volume batteries provide a higher RC value.
H6 batteries have a reserve capacity of 120-140 minutes, whereas H7 batteries have a bit more – 140-160 minutes simply because they are larger.
Dimensions
Both have the same height and width but they differ in length. According to DIN, their dimensions are:
H6: 278 x 175 x 190mm (L x W x H)
H7: 315 x 175 x 190 mm (L x W x H)
Since H7 batteries are longer, they weigh more than H6 batteries. To be precise, H6 batteries weigh about 45 lbs to 54 lbs while the H7 weighs around 51 to 57 lbs.
The battery weight matters for cars because it directly impacts the vehicle’s performance; i.e, a small engine with a large battery will have reduced efficiency, and vice versa.
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)
As said before, CCA measures the capability of a battery to turn on an engine in cold temperatures. It reveals how many amps a battery can generate for 30 seconds at 0° F.
Generally, a larger battery will provide a higher CCA value, which means the H7 will have an edge over the H6 due to its larger size.
H6 batteries have CCA values of 720 to 800 amps whereas the H7 have 800 to 850 amps.
Nominal capacity
It refers to the amount of discharged energy under significant load and temperature by a fully charged battery.
H7 batteries have a minimum capacity of 76 to 80Ah while that of H6 batteries is 60-72Ah.
Terminal positions
Both have their post terminals placed in the same direction with a similar polarity and size. The only difference is that the H7 has a little wider terminals.
Price
This mainly depends on the quality and the brand. We recommend that you get a good one even if it costs you more because it will make up for that extra cost over time.
H7 Batteries are a little more expensive as they are larger and have more power.
Depending on power, size and quality, the average price f can range from $45 to $250.
Comparison Chart
| Properties | H6 | H7 |
| Dimensions | (278 x 175 x 190) mm
(10.94 x 6.89 x 7.48 ) inches |
(315 x 175 x 190) mm
(12.38 x 6.89 x 7.48) inches |
| Reserve capacity (RC) | 120-140 mins | 140-160 mins |
| Nominal capacity | 60-72 Ah | 76-80 Ah |
| Cold Cranking Amp (CCA) | 720-800 Amps | 800-850 Amps |
| Weight | 20-24 kg
(45-54 lbs) |
23-26 kg
(51-57 lbs) |
H6 vs H7 Batteries: Which One is Better?
H6 and H7 are the most common batteries used in modern cars that are also interchangeable.
They have similar dimensions but not quite the same in size, which leads to a difference in their functionality and performance.
Picking the right battery size for your vehicle is essential because the wrong one can lead to increased electrical surges, causing damage to the entire electrical system.
H7 has a better capacity and performance while the smaller H6 can save space and work great in cars.
Ultimately, your choice depends mainly on factors like your driving pattern, your machine/vehicle type, and the climate in your area.
However, it’s not so easy to determine which battery is the best option for your car. If you want more power then you should go for the H7 or if you want a smaller battery with lesser power then H6 is the one.
Additionally, it’s worth checking the manufacturer’s instructions to see which batteries your machine is compatible with.
FAQs
Q. Can an H6 battery be replaced by H7?
Ans: H6 batteries are usually compatible with cars that have H7 batteries; but this will mainly depend on the battery space available.
2. What cars use H6 batteries?
Ans: The H6 battery suits most modern European and American cars e.g. Ferrari, Buick, Cadillac, Acura MDX, Audi, Chevrolet Colorado, and Ford.
3. What cars use H7 batteries?
Ans: H7 batteries normally fit in European cars such as the Audi A4, Mercedes, Lamborghini, Volkswagen, and BMW 5 Series. But you can also replace them with H6 batteries in American-made cars.
4. What battery is the same as an H7?
Ans: BCI Group 94R batteries are also known as H7 batteries.
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