[somat]

True, however that statement sort of makes the assumption that engine braking is the same ablative system as friction braking. with the same wear characteristics.

I have to admit I don't know the exact wear characteristics of an IC engine in breaking operation but I don't think it is any different/more than it's normal running wear.

[necovek]

They are certainly in any way identical, but to engine break, you usually need to switch into a lower gear (or a couple gears lower), which means that the clutch needs to reattach while the engine is rolling at a higher rpm than the gearbox can handle in that gear. Every downshift will do another "reattachment" through the clutch.

Which means that there will be some friction braking before internal engine resistance "takes over". Now, while both brake pads and clutches use "similar" material, it's not the same, and the cost is not the same (clutches are usually more expensive in modern cars).

[ropejumper]

This isn't the case if the driver (or, car computer, nowadays) rev-matches properly. Which is a skill that all manual drivers should have IMO.