3057 vs 3157 [Difference Between 3057 and 3157 Bulbs] • Road Sumo

The 3057 and 3157 light bulbs are the most common bulbs used for vehicles. It can be confusing, however, to know how they are different and which you might need to replace. 3057 vs 3157 light bulbs – what is the difference?

The difference between the 3057 and 3157 bulb is mostly in their dim filaments and not in their bright filaments. Both bulbs have 32 candle power bright filaments. But the dim filament of the 3157 is higher at 3cp. The 3057 bulb has only 2cp dim filament.

Another difference is when your car or truck’s parking lights are on, the 3157 bulb is a bit brighter than the 3057 bulb.

Other than these differences, both light bulbs are pretty similar. See the specs for each bulb in the table below:

	3057 Bulb B2 (Philips)	3157 Bulb B2 (Philips)
Candle Power	32/2	32/3
Energy Used	26.88/6.72 watts	26.9/8.3 watts
Equivalent Sylvania/Osram	3057	3157
Equivalent GE	3057	3157
Uses	Taillight bulb, Parking light bulb, Back-up light bulb, Turn signal light bulb, and Brake light bulb	Day time running light bulb, Taillight bulb, Brake light bulb, Turn signal light bulb, Parking light bulb, Back-up light bulb
Price (for 2 bulbs)	$5.29 to $7.99	$4.99 to $5.22

The 3057 and the 3157 bulbs are dual filament bulbs with wedge D.F. bases. That means they are interchangeable and fit for several applications such as a turn signal light bulb, tail light bulb, parking light bulb, brake light bulb, and backup light bulb. For daytime running lights, the 3157 bulbs are preferred by many because it is brighter than the 3057.

Read on to learn more about the difference between 3057 and 3157 bulbs. If you have a burnt bulb on your car or truck, you will be in a better position to decide which of these two bulbs you will need for a replacement.

3057 vs 3157 [Difference Between 3057 and 3157 Bulb]

Is there a meaning to the numbers 3057 and 3157? Yes, there is. These numbers represent their ANSI codes. ANSI is the acronym for American National Standard Institute. The bulb number indicates the lamp’s power and its type of mounting.

When you need to change a bulb in your car, its ANSI code will help you find the right replacement. The 3057 and the 3157 bulbs are reversible since they have the same circuitry. That means they are interchangeable. But there are also some differences, or they will not have different ANSI codes. The following are some of their most notable differences:

1. Size

They are no different in size because both the 3057 and 3157 are of the same dimensions. These bulbs have a diameter of one inch, and both are 2.1 inches long.

2. Brightness

One major difference that you can see with your naked eye is their brightness. The 3157 emits a brighter light than the 3057. This bulb produces more current while using the same amount of voltage used by 3057. These bulbs’ filaments are made of metal wires that light and get hot inside their glass enclosures.

3. Life Span or Durability

The average rated life span of 3157 is longer than in 3057. Therefore, the 3157 is more durable. However, the life of a bulb greatly depends on how the driver uses it in his car.

Additionally, some researches show that the lives of both the 3057 and 3157 bulbs can range from 1200 to 5000 hours. The wide range indicates that bulb life largely depends on the vehicle’s condition and how the bulb is used.

4. Use of Energy

The 3157 bulb uses more watts or energy than the 3057 bulb. That means 3157 draws more current using the same voltage. Since it pulls in more current than the 3057, between the 3057 vs 3157 bulbs, the 3157 emits brighter light.

5. Cost

The cost of two 3157 bulbs ranges from $4.99 to $5.22, depending on the brand. The cost of two 3057 bulbs ranges from $ 5.29 to $7.99 for two well-known brands.

To help you get an overview of how 3057 and 3157 bulbs differ from each other, I organized their dissimilarities in the table below.

Specification	3057 bulb B2 (Philips)	3157 bulb B2 (Philips)
Candle Power	32/2	32/3
Energy Used	26.88/6.72 watts	26.9/8.3 watts
Equivalent Sylvania/Osram	3057	3157
Equivalent GE	3057	3157
Uses	Taillight bulb, Parking light bulb, Back-up light bulb, Turn signal light bulb, and Brake light bulb	Day time running light bulb, Taillight bulb, Brake light bulb, Turn signal light bulb, Parking light bulb, Back-up light bulb
Cost (two pieces)	$5.29 to $7.99	$4.99 to $5.22

Similarities of the 3057 vs 3157

There are also some similarities between the 3057 and 3157 bulbs:

1. Shapes

Both the 3057 and 3157 bulbs have the same S8 bulb shape.

2. Dual Filament

Both the 3057 and 3157 bulbs have the same C-6 class and dual filament.

3. Voltage

Both these bulbs run on the same voltage, which is 12.8/14.

4. Mounting Wedge

Both these bulbs have the same wedge D.F. mounting wedge.

5. Size

The dimensions are the same for both 3057 and 3157 bulbs.

The table below displays the similarities between 3057 bulb vs 3157.

Specification	3057 Bulb B2 (Philips)	3157 Bulb B2 (Philips)
Shape of bulb	S-8	S-8
Bulb technology	Incandescent	Incandescent
Bulb finish	Clear	Clear
Base	Wedge D.F.	Wedge D.F.
Volts	12.8/14	12.8/14
Class and filament	C-6 dual filament	C-6 dual filament
Rated life, average	1200 to 5000 hours	1200 to 5000 hours
Diameter	1 inch
Length	2.1 inches

3057 Bulb Specs and Features

The 3057 bulbs are classified as industrial automotive lamps. But they can also be used in aircraft, railroad equipment, marine equipment, and various industrial instruments. Sometimes, it is called a miniature bulb. This lamp has a plastic wedge base.

When used as a car light, it can emit 2.1/0.48 amperes of current by using 12.8/14.0 voltage. The 3057 bulbs are guaranteed to last from 1,200 to 5,000 average-rated hours. These bulbs are ideal for use in city cars.

It is typically used as the lamp on turn signal lights, tail lights, parking lights, brake lights, and city cars’ backup lights. But it is seldom used for daylight running lights. One of the most used lamps in this class is the Sylvania 3057 Incandescent Bulb – Long Life.

The maker of this bulb claims that 3057 bulbs perform twice as long. Sylvania claims that this bulb is designed for long life, greater safety, and lower maintenance.

This bulb is easy to install. One of its superior qualities is that it can increase bulb life in different car lighting applications. All miniature 3057 bulbs are designed to withstand a good amount of road vibration and shock.

Each bulb is built with a tough filament and a patented gas mixture to extend its normal life. The bulbs are available in twin packs. One pack will enable you to replace the two lamps on both sides of your car.

These lamps are perfect for car light replacement. They are all legal for use on-road. But you also need to be aware that these lights will grow dim over time. However, there are many sellers of these types of bulbs. They are always available whenever you need to replace a lamp.

To reiterate, you can use the 3057 bulbs for many different applications. They can be used as taillight bulbs, parking light bulbs, backup light bulbs, turn signal light bulbs, and brake light bulbs.

We’ve learned about the difference and similarities between 3057 and 3157 bulbs. Let’s now proceed looking at the 3157 bulb’s features to get a clearer idea of which one’s better between the 3057 vs 3157 bulb.

3157 Bulb Features and Specs

The 3157 bulb is similar to the 3057 bulbs, but it has some advantages. It is a miniature dual filament bulb for automotive use. This bulb also has a plastic wedge D.F. base. Its applications are much like the 3057, except that it is the preferred bulb for daytime running lights. The 3057 is not used for this purpose.

The 3157 bulbs can produce 2.1/5.93 amperes of current. It uses the same voltage as 3057. But in terms of average rated hours, this bulb can last longer. With its small size, the light intensity of this bulb is brighter.

An example of this bulb is the Sylvania 3157 Long Life Mini Bulb. It is a good replacement for the busted bulbs in your car’s lighting system. This bulb can be installed easily, and it produces brilliant white light.

Increased longevity is what you can expect from these bulbs because they are built to withstand excessive amounts of vibration and road shock. You will use them for many long years because of their strong filament construction and proprietary gas mixture.

If these bulbs offer long lives, then that means you can save a lot of money. You won’t need to replace your automotive lights every so often. These bulbs produce white light, and they are straightforward to install. They are also sold in packages of two bulbs.

The Sylvania 3157 Long Life bulbs can be installed as rear brake lights or rear tail lights on a Ford Focus model 2013. It can fit in many other cars, makes, and models, including different applications.

This bulb’s available technology makes it suited for brake lights, tail lights, and backlights. They can be used in headlights in some cases as well. It is relatively easy to install, and once installed and working, it consumes less power than other bulbs of its class.

To reiterate, the special features of the Sylvania 3157 bulb are:

It can last longer than most conventional bulbs.
Designed to withstand road vibration and shock.
Comes in sets of 2 per package.
A respected OEM automotive lighting manufacturer makes it.
It has a proprietary gas mixture and a wire filament that help increase its longevity.
It satisfies industry standards for performance and improves life span at the same time.

3057 and 3157 Bulbs Are Interchangeable

The 3057 and 3157 bulbs can be interchanged. They have the same Wedge D.F. fittings for mounting, so they can be installed in the same holder. Both bulbs can be used in most lighting applications in the car lighting system. But 3157 is more preferred for daytime running light applications.

When installing these bulbs, it would be best to consult your car manual. If it says to use 3057, then use 3057 and vice versa. It will be good to check what your local traffic management authorities say on this matter.

Is a Flashing Brake Light Legal?

LED Bulbs and Incandescent Bulbs

There are two kinds of bulbs currently used in automotive lighting systems: incandescent bulbs and LED or Light Emitting Diode bulbs. LEDs are said to be more efficient than incandescent bulbs. They also have long service life ratings. They use less energy too.

But the catch is: they are more expensive than incandescent bulbs. Philips has produced LEDs with sizes of 3057 and 3157. Some popular brands have their own 3057 and 3157 LED versions as well.

If LED bulbs are installed in your car and need some replacements, you can use them as long as they have the same specs and wedges. But if your car has incandescent bulbs, you have to check with your local traffic management authorities if you can make a change over to LEDs.

Blue Headlights [Legal? Dangerous? Which Are Best?]

Conclusion: 3157 vs 3057 [Difference Between 3057 and 3157 Bulb]

When the parking lights are on, the 3157 bulb is slightly brighter than the 3057 bulb. You will not notice their difference in their bright filaments.

It is in their dim filaments where their differences are more pronounced. Both bulbs have 32 cp bright filaments. The 3057 bulb has 2cp dim filament. But the dim filament of the 3157 is higher at 3cp.

Now that you know how these two bulbs are different, you will know which you need for a replacement.