Wire vs. plastic backed media?

[14Accent]

While this question likely has less than zero effect on the actual function of a given air filter, I am curious:

Take my 2012 Regal, for example. RA lists two GM OE filters for the car: the A3128C and the A3172C. The cost difference is about $2. The 3128 has wire backed media, the 3172 has the plastic lattice. The MANN filter for the car also has the plastic lattice, leading me to believe that the correct OE filter is the 3172.

Aftermarket filters seem to be 50/50 on metal vs. plastic construction. What would you use?

 

[mrsilv04]

For whatever it is worth, the AC Delco parts online lookup specifies that the A3128C be used with the 2.4 engine, and the A3172C be used with the 2.0 turbo engine.

https://parts-catalog.acdelco.com/acesCat.php#

 

[14Accent]

For whatever it is worth, the AC Delco parts online lookup specifies that the A3128C be used with the 2.4 engine, and the A3172C be used with the 2.0 turbo engine.

https://parts-catalog.acdelco.com/acesCat.php#

Interesting, it shows both as applicable when I search that catalog. The notes under the 3128C say "Turbo" and the notes under the 3172C say "TIER 2 FED EMIS(NT7), BIN 4 CAL EMIS(NU5) GS, VIN: V, Eng Code: LHU

 

[slacktide_bitog]

They look the same size/shape, same length, same width, same depth

The ACDelcos might just be different suppliers.

Mahle has an interesting filter: no backing but has a sheet of felt underneath.