Every splitter, spoiler and diffuser we sell comes in a choice of finish: ABS gloss black or carbon fibre. It's the first decision most people make once they've picked the part itself, so here's a straight comparison across cost, weight, durability and looks — and which one actually suits your car.
Cost
This is the one that surprises people: carbon fibre isn't always the pricier option. Across our range, some carbon fibre parts sit above their gloss black equivalent and some sit below, depending on the specific part and design. There's no fixed rule that one finish costs more — it's worth comparing the exact two listings for your model rather than assuming.
Weight
This is where carbon fibre has a genuine, consistent edge. It's a lighter material than ABS plastic for the same part, which matters more on a rear spoiler or diffuser (parts further from the car's centre of mass) than on a front splitter sitting low and central. If weight saving is the actual goal rather than just the look, carbon fibre is the material doing real work.
Durability
Both materials are durable when the part is made well, but they fail differently. ABS gloss black can scratch or chip and shows it clearly against the black gloss finish, but it's flexible enough to absorb minor knocks without cracking. Carbon fibre resists scratching better and keeps its finish longer, but being a rigid composite, a hard impact is more likely to crack it outright rather than flex. Neither is "more durable" in every situation — it depends on what kind of damage you're more likely to encounter.
Look & Finish
Gloss black gives a factory-look finish that matches OEM black trim almost seamlessly — it's the safer choice if you want the part to look like it came with the car. Carbon fibre's woven texture is unmistakably aftermarket in the best way: it signals a deliberate upgrade rather than a subtle one, which is exactly why it's the go-to finish for track-oriented and show-focused builds.
Maintenance
Gloss black can be colour-matched or touched up with standard bodyshop paint if it gets scuffed, since it's finished the same way as painted bumpers. Carbon fibre is usually left in its natural weave under a clear lacquer, so a scratch is harder to disguise — it either needs specialist repair or replacing outright.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Daily driver, budget-conscious — gloss black. Easier to touch up, blends with factory trim, and often the more affordable option.
- Weight matters (track days, project builds) — carbon fibre, for the genuine weight saving on spoilers and diffusers.
- Show car or want it to stand out — carbon fibre, for the finish that reads as a deliberate upgrade rather than a factory option.
- Want the safest, most factory-look result — gloss black, especially on cars with a lot of existing black trim to match.
Availability Across Our Range
Most of our range — including Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Class spoilers and splitters — is available in both finishes, so you can compare the exact price difference for your part before deciding. A handful of newer additions, like our current Porsche 911 spoiler, are gloss black only for now, with carbon fibre options being added as the range expands.
Shop Both Finishes
Browse our full range to compare gloss black and carbon fibre side by side for your exact model.