For high-performance automotive and custom liquid cooling applications, choosing between copper and aluminum radiators is a critical decision. While copper features nearly double the raw thermal conductivity of aluminum, aluminum radiators are generally 25% more efficient for modern high-performance vehicle cooling.
This apparent contradiction comes down to how the physical strength of each metal changes the structural design and construction of the radiator. Core Structural Differences
The ultimate cooling capacity of a radiator relies heavily on the surface contact area between the tubes (carrying fluid) and the fins (dissipating heat to the air).
Aluminum Radiator vs Copper Radiator – Which is Better? | Dolphin Heat Exchanger USA