I have used many tools to fix car paint. I tested both the DeWalt DWP849X and the Makita 9237C on real jobs. I wanted to see which one works best when the work is hard.
DeWalt DWP849X Review
I first used the DeWalt DWP849X on a very old truck. The paint was dull and dry. This tool feels very strong in my hands. It has a big 12-amp motor. I pressed down hard to fix deep marks in the paint. The tool did not slow down at all. It kept spinning fast. This power is great for big jobs.
I like the rubber parts on the front of this tool. While I worked on a car door, I bumped the tool against the metal. The rubber saved the paint from a scratch. The trigger is easy to use too. I can start slow to spread the wax. Then I can go fast to shine the car. It is a light tool, so my arms did not get tired fast.
| Pros | Cons |
| Very strong motor | It is a bit loud |
| Has rubber bumpers | It can get warm |
| Light to hold | Vibrates a little |
| Long power cord | Stiff trigger |
I used this tool for three weeks. It still works like new. The small screens stop wool bits from getting inside the motor. I just blow the dust out with air. It is a tough tool for daily work. It feels like it can last for a long time. It is my top pick for heavy work on old cars.
Makita 9237C Review
The Makita 9237C is a very smooth tool. I tested it on a new black car. Black paint shows every tiny mark. The soft start on this tool is great. It starts very slowly. This keeps the polish from splashing on my shirt. It feels like a high-end tool. It is very quiet when it runs.
The loop handle is my favorite part. It helps me hold the tool steady on the roof of a van. I used a small gauge to check the speed. The tool stayed at the same speed even when I pushed on it. This helps me get a perfect shine without any blurry marks. It is a very steady tool for fine work.
| Pros | Cons |
| Very smooth start | A bit heavy |
| Steady speed | Less raw power |
| Quiet motor | Short cord |
| Great handle | No front rubber |
I have used the Makita for a month now. It feels very solid. The wire mesh keeps the motor clean. One small issue is the weight. It is seven pounds. After twenty minutes of work, my shoulders felt it. But the lack of shaking makes up for the weight. It is the best tool for a final mirror finish.
Details Comparison for DeWalt DWP849X vs Makita 9237C
I put these two tools side by side to see the real truth. They both look good, but they act very differently on a job.
Core Capability Comparison
The DeWalt is all about raw power. It has a larger motor than the Makita. It can go up to 3,500 RPM. This is very fast. The Makita is made for control. It goes up to 3,200 RPM. For most car jobs, both are fast enough. But the DeWalt wins if you need to cut through thick rust or old boat gel.
| Feature | Winner |
| Most Power | DeWalt DWP849X |
| Top Speed | DeWalt DWP849X |
| Best Control | Makita 9237C |
Accuracy and Reliability
Accuracy in a polisher means the speed stays the same. If the speed jumps, the paint can burn. The Makita is the king of steady speed. It reacts fast if you push harder. The DeWalt is good, but it can drift a little bit. For a safe and even shine, the Makita is more reliable.
| Metric | Result |
| Speed Drift | Makita stays steady |
| Response | Makita is faster |
| Reliability | Both are top tier |
Design and Practical Use
The DeWalt is lighter to lift. This is good for tall trucks. But it shakes more in your hands. The Makita is heavier but very smooth. The loop handle on the Makita gives you a better grip. The DeWalt has a side handle that works well too. I prefer the DeWalt for quick jobs and the Makita for long days.
| Design Factor | My Insight |
| Feel in Hand | Makita is smoother |
| Weight | DeWalt is lighter |
| Grip Type | Makita loop is best |
Build Quality
Both tools feel like they can take a drop. The DeWalt has more rubber on the outside. This protects the tool and the car. The Makita uses mesh to keep the inside clean. The cord on the DeWalt is very thick and long. The Makita cord is good but a bit shorter. Both are pro-grade tools.
| Build Part | My View |
| Outer Shell | DeWalt has more rubber |
| Dirt Filter | Both use good screens |
| Cord Build | DeWalt is better |
Power and Use
The DeWalt uses 12 amps of power. The Makita uses 10 amps. In a real shop, you feel that 2-amp gap. The DeWalt pulls harder. The Makita is quieter and nicer to hear. If you work in a small garage, you will like the quiet Makita. If you work outside, the DeWalt power is a big plus.
| Power Factor | Winner |
| Motor Amps | DeWalt DWP849X |
| Sound Level | Makita 9237C |
| Daily Ease | Both are easy |
Final Practical Table
| Category | DeWalt DWP849X | Makita 9237C |
| Accuracy | High | Very High |
| Top Speed | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Size | Light | Solid |
| Safety | Rubber Guard | Soft Start |
| Ease of Use | Very Easy | Super Smooth |
| Best for | Big Jobs | Fine Finish |
Both tools are great for any shop. The DeWalt is a strong beast for fast work. The Makita is a smooth tool for a perfect finish. Pick the one that fits your style.

