So fully build 5" is 1000.00 $$$$ mine is less then that. So my core is not priced near Garrett. My complete kit is. But that comes with Turbosmart bov.
And all the hardware to mount up to a truck.

And ever core mfg builds cores.
Long tubes short tube 1.5-6+ thick. Tall and short. Etc.

Cars in general don't have room to take advantage of hi flow boost area in relation
To front natural air flow area.
It goes back to size.

Take core 1) 12tall 3thick 24" wide final width w/tanks 33" very common core.
Take core 2) 24tall 3thick 12" wide final width w/tanks 18"
Given everything else is equal. Say 15psi.
The 2nd core is a better core.
BUT is much much harder to fit into common application.
And will cost a good amount more build.
Core 1 cfm rated at 486 cost 478.00
Core 2 cfm rated at 1227 cost 618.00

Prices are just the cores.
Not with end tanks.

 

core 1 is better, more time and distance for temperature drop. Again, horizontal is preferred. The only advantage i see for vertical cores is theoretically less pressure drop and potentially easier fitment.

And the other thing to consider is that all cores are different. So comparing core area without mentioning fin density and design is a terrible argument.

Bottom line, Garrett A/A cores are the best on the market. Bell, treadstone are a notch down. You don't wanna pay for it, too bad.

 

You quoted me a 5" x 23" x 12" core intercooler for $950.00 so it is only $25 cheaper than a $975.00 Garrett 5.1" x 27.8" x 12.7" core intercooler.

 

Best is opinion.
If one wants garret buy Garrett. Want bell by bell.
Mine are built for my kits on these trucks.
Pipes are cut to fit with my kits.
We can modify the piping to fit others cost back n forth.

And no it's not better. It will depend on the build and the application.