Does anyone know what exactly are the differences between a 1157 and a 2057 bulb? The look the same and seem to be interchangable. Any substantial differences?

Same question for the 168 and 194 bulbs.

Thanks!!

 

Just the wattages...they should both interchange with no problems. There isn't enough of a wattage difference in them to cause a problem though.

 

Actually, after doing a bit of digging on the internet, I was able to answer that question myself.

The 1157 and 2057 are nearly identical. Both have 2 filaments, a low and a high, if you will. The highs are the same wattage. The low on the 1157 is a tad brighter. Just a tad. What really got my attention is the 3496 krypton bulb. Interchangable with the 1157 and 2057. With the krypton bulb, the low filament is about the same wattage as an 1157, but the high filament is about 20% higher. Makes for a brighter brake light or turn signal. They are stocked at Autozone and Kragen, but cost about 3 times the price of an 1157.

Regarding the 168 and 194 lamps, the 168 is 50% brighter.

Another web page had great headlamp info. They really poo-pooed the PIAA and other high dollar boutique blue tinted bulbs as a huge waste of cash, and backed up their arguements with a lot of data.