Think about this from a corporate perspective. The only difference between the two is paint, marketing and the "easy-grip" is not found on the Defense, Pennzoil or Canadian Tire filters. In the case of FRAM, the Defense filters are listed as a second line at a lower cost but have the exact same warranty as the RAM filters. The silicone-rubber valve is made orange in colour to look pretty and make you think you're actually paying for something when in reality, you're paying for overkill. In everyday use with oil changes done at intervals of less than 10,000km, both valves function perfectly. In the case of WIX/NAPA Gold, the silicone-rubber anti-drainback valve is superior to the nitrile rubber valve on the Kralinator/NAPA ProSelect/Silver, but the OEM requirement is only for a nitrile rubber valve. Oil filters must meet or exceed OEM requirements of the vehicles for which the manufacturer recommends.
![napa proselect oil filter napa proselect oil filter](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/0jwAAOSwfBFbhFVX/s-l640.jpg)
Think of this from the company's perspective. With regard to specialty filters like Fram Racing, Purolator PureOne, etc., there is a difference. As someone who has worked for 6 years at NAPA as well as independent auto parts stores and have had long, candid conversations with petrochemists and sales representatives from Honeywell (FRAM/Defense/Canadian Tire/Pennzoil), Dana (WIX/NAPA/Kralinator/Delco) and ArvinMeritor (Arvin/Purolator/G.A.P.,), I can tell you that there is NO difference whatsoever as far as the internals of OEM-replacement filters.