"Audette Collection is the best in the world for anything related to air-cooled Porsche lighting." Gerald Kroon, CEO Kroon Wire Harnesses , Netherlands

LED Headlights vs. H4 Halogen Headlights

Audette Collection was an early pioneer in LED headlights for air-cooled Porsches immediately after they were introduced. That has turned out to have served our customers, and our company, well ever since. This is a brief discussion of the differences between H4 and LED headlights comparing them on eight different factors. It inevitably leads to the conclusion that the LED's are clearly a technological advancement and superior to H4's.

1. Brightness & Light Output

  • LED: Produces a brighter, more intense white light (4000–6000K color temperature), improving visibility and reducing eye strain.
  • Halogen H4: Emits a yellowish light (3000K) that is dimmer and less effective at illuminating the road.

2. Energy Efficiency

  • LED: Consumes significantly less power (15–30W per bulb), reducing load on the electrical system and improving fuel efficiency.
  • Halogen H4: Uses more power (55–60W per bulb), leading to higher energy consumption.

3. Lifespan

  • LED: Lasts 30,000–50,000 hours, significantly reducing the need for replacements.
  • Halogen H4: Typically lasts 500–1,000 hours, requiring more frequent replacements.

4. Heat Emission

  • LED: Produces less heat and remains cooler, reducing risk of damage to surrounding components.
  • Halogen H4: Generates high heat, which can degrade the bulb and nearby materials over time.

5. Instant Illumination

  • LED: Lights up instantly at full brightness.
  • Halogen H4: Takes a fraction of a second to reach full brightness, though not as slow as HID bulbs.

6. Beam Focus & Performance

  • LED: Requires a well-designed housing or projector to avoid glare and ensure proper beam pattern. Cheap retrofits may scatter light improperly.
  • Halogen H4: Designed for reflector housings, offering good beam focus but weaker overall illumination.

7. Cost & Availability

  • LED: Higher upfront cost but pays off with longevity and energy savings.
  • Halogen H4: Cheaper initial cost but frequent replacements add up over time.

8. Installation

  • LED: Plug-and-play conversion kits are available, but some require modifications for proper heat dissipation and beam alignment.
  • Halogen H4: Easy to replace, as they are designed for most stock reflector housings.

Conclusion

LED headlights offer superior brightness, efficiency, lifespan, and durability, making them a great upgrade over H4 halogens. However, proper installation and beam alignment are crucial to avoid glare issues. Halogens remain a budget-friendly, widely available option but are outdated in terms of performance and efficiency.

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