Premium vs. Regular
10-06-2001, 12:07 PM
#1
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Join Date: Sep 2001
Posts: 371
Premium vs. Regular
Interesting article in this months issue of Car and Driver doing a comparison on the effects of premium fuel vs. regular fuel on 5 cars.
The 5 cars:
1) BMW M3**
2) Dodge Ram 3500 Maxivan
3) Ford Mustang GT
4) Honda Accord LX V-6
5) Saab 9-5 Aero
The results (measured hp: reg/prem):
1) **"The M3's engine controller reduces output and limits engine speed to 6300 RPM if the front and rear wheel speeds are not equal"
2) 183 / 190
3) 191 / 193
4) 151 / 147
5) 164 / 180 (16 HP DIFF!!!)
And the manufacturer fuel spec/SAE net HP:
1) Premium / 333
2) Regular / 245
3) Regular / 260
4) Regular / 200
5) Premium / 230
Interesting results and interesting implications...what type of conclusions do you guys draw from this?
C&D conclusion: The performace gain doesn't justify the price in the long run. Today's cars are "sufficiently sophisticated" that they should not suffer any ill effects from using regular fuel over premium.
But then again....16HP!?!?!?!?
Heh Sunoco has the best stuff...like 94 or 95 octance, can't remember cuz I haven't gotten it in a while. I remember last time I got it, it was like $1.69/gal...but it was GOOD $HIZNAT! It's strange, Sunoco doesn't even list the price of it on their big signs...you would never know unless you pulled up to the pump...guess they don't want to scare people away.
The 5 cars:
1) BMW M3**
2) Dodge Ram 3500 Maxivan
3) Ford Mustang GT
4) Honda Accord LX V-6
5) Saab 9-5 Aero
The results (measured hp: reg/prem):
1) **"The M3's engine controller reduces output and limits engine speed to 6300 RPM if the front and rear wheel speeds are not equal"
2) 183 / 190
3) 191 / 193
4) 151 / 147
5) 164 / 180 (16 HP DIFF!!!)
And the manufacturer fuel spec/SAE net HP:
1) Premium / 333
2) Regular / 245
3) Regular / 260
4) Regular / 200
5) Premium / 230
Interesting results and interesting implications...what type of conclusions do you guys draw from this?
C&D conclusion: The performace gain doesn't justify the price in the long run. Today's cars are "sufficiently sophisticated" that they should not suffer any ill effects from using regular fuel over premium.
But then again....16HP!?!?!?!?
Heh Sunoco has the best stuff...like 94 or 95 octance, can't remember cuz I haven't gotten it in a while. I remember last time I got it, it was like $1.69/gal...but it was GOOD $HIZNAT! It's strange, Sunoco doesn't even list the price of it on their big signs...you would never know unless you pulled up to the pump...guess they don't want to scare people away.
10-06-2001, 02:43 PM
#5
I can just see it...
to the service manager "but C&D said it was ok..."
eh, to each his own I guess.. I bet alot of max owners run reg and never know the difference. I would.. but most wouldnt I suspect... then again alot of people dont notice when their car needs a tune up, or has a flat.
eh, to each his own I guess.. I bet alot of max owners run reg and never know the difference. I would.. but most wouldnt I suspect... then again alot of people dont notice when their car needs a tune up, or has a flat.
10-06-2001, 03:20 PM
#6
I would also be interested in seeing the numbers on gas mileage when using 87 vs 93... Ignoring the performance difference, I would say the fuel economy difference will bring the cost of running lower octane close to that of using high octane....
10-06-2001, 05:16 PM
#7
I have always heard of this that Regular will not hurt our cars. I put it in very regularly, like maybe one out of 5times will be regular. With the current prices, I be putting regular in alittle more lately.
10-06-2001, 05:22 PM
#8
I put in regular every other 3 fill-ups or so, but didn't like the slight banging noise engine made + gas mileage a bit worse on regular. Gas prices are coming down, so running premium only.
10-06-2001, 06:15 PM
#9
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Join Date: Sep 2000
Posts: 422
growlier
the Sunoco, combined with the K&N filter seems to give my otherwise non-performance modded Max a bit more of a growl, and slightly better throttle response. Is it real or is it my imagination??? I dunno, but it feels better!
10-06-2001, 08:07 PM
#10
cars that are designed for regular gas will not see any dramatic gains when premium is used. Just look at the Accord as an example. Cars designed for premium that use regular will see differences in power since the engine will most likely detonate. Once the detonation sensor kicks in, timing is retarded (and if equipped with turbo, the boost will be reduced via the wastegate control). Just look at the Saab.
I don't see any info in the article that wasn't already common knowledge.
I don't see any info in the article that wasn't already common knowledge.
10-06-2001, 08:57 PM
#12
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Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,628
Originally posted by got rice?
cars that are designed for regular gas will not see any dramatic gains when premium is used. Just look at the Accord as an example. Cars designed for premium that use regular will see differences in power since the engine will most likely detonate. Once the detonation sensor kicks in, timing is retarded (and if equipped with turbo, the boost will be reduced via the wastegate control). Just look at the Saab.
I don't see any info in the article that wasn't already common knowledge.
cars that are designed for regular gas will not see any dramatic gains when premium is used. Just look at the Accord as an example. Cars designed for premium that use regular will see differences in power since the engine will most likely detonate. Once the detonation sensor kicks in, timing is retarded (and if equipped with turbo, the boost will be reduced via the wastegate control). Just look at the Saab.
I don't see any info in the article that wasn't already common knowledge.
wise people... =)
10-07-2001, 07:58 AM
#13
Originally posted by hawk
All the gas stations around here only have up to like 91 rating (87, 89 and 91). And it's like $1.59 for 91 at least.
Sorry, just wanted to semi-rant.
All the gas stations around here only have up to like 91 rating (87, 89 and 91). And it's like $1.59 for 91 at least.
Sorry, just wanted to semi-rant.
10-07-2001, 04:36 PM
#14
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Join Date: Sep 2001
Posts: 194
Around Atlanta, its 87, 89 and 93. I alternate half tanks of 89 and 93.
Personally, I think its a scam. The ought to make ONE fuel... 91. It would probably cost less to produce one formula (vs. 3), cost less to ship one formula, cost less to keep one formula at the station.
Personally, I think its a scam. The ought to make ONE fuel... 91. It would probably cost less to produce one formula (vs. 3), cost less to ship one formula, cost less to keep one formula at the station.
Originally posted by hawk
All the gas stations around here only have up to like 91 rating (87, 89 and 91). And it's like $1.59 for 91 at least.
Sorry, just wanted to semi-rant.
All the gas stations around here only have up to like 91 rating (87, 89 and 91). And it's like $1.59 for 91 at least.
Sorry, just wanted to semi-rant.
10-07-2001, 04:44 PM
#15
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Join Date: Sep 2001
Posts: 371
No no, it IS one formula....
It's actually a mixture of two main hydrocarbons (isooctane and n-heptane) and other additives.
I believe it's mixed as it's pumped. It's kinda like when you go to Burger King and get a large coke...it's actually carbonated tap water that's mixed with a concentrated "syrup".
So it's one formula, different mix ratios. I remember I had a Stuff or Maxim magazine and they did a comparison of octane content with 4 different chains...Mobil came on top with an actual octane content SLIGHTLY HIGHER than the advertised amount.
I usually only get Mobil Premium...used to get the Sunoco once it a while...but that station has since closed and I can't get that good stuff anymore
I can DEFINITELY tell a difference in my car when I use regular vs. premium! My car sounds HORRIBLE with the regular...it "groans" under hard acceleration.
It's actually a mixture of two main hydrocarbons (isooctane and n-heptane) and other additives.
I believe it's mixed as it's pumped. It's kinda like when you go to Burger King and get a large coke...it's actually carbonated tap water that's mixed with a concentrated "syrup".
So it's one formula, different mix ratios. I remember I had a Stuff or Maxim magazine and they did a comparison of octane content with 4 different chains...Mobil came on top with an actual octane content SLIGHTLY HIGHER than the advertised amount.
I usually only get Mobil Premium...used to get the Sunoco once it a while...but that station has since closed and I can't get that good stuff anymore
I can DEFINITELY tell a difference in my car when I use regular vs. premium! My car sounds HORRIBLE with the regular...it "groans" under hard acceleration.
10-07-2001, 06:46 PM
#17
Originally posted by got rice?
cars that are designed for regular gas will not see any dramatic gains when premium is used. Just look at the Accord as an example. Cars designed for premium that use regular will see differences in power since the engine will most likely detonate. Once the detonation sensor kicks in, timing is retarded (and if equipped with turbo, the boost will be reduced via the wastegate control). Just look at the Saab.
I don't see any info in the article that wasn't already common knowledge.
cars that are designed for regular gas will not see any dramatic gains when premium is used. Just look at the Accord as an example. Cars designed for premium that use regular will see differences in power since the engine will most likely detonate. Once the detonation sensor kicks in, timing is retarded (and if equipped with turbo, the boost will be reduced via the wastegate control). Just look at the Saab.
I don't see any info in the article that wasn't already common knowledge.
my friend has '00 Accord DX, used regular for a year then switched to a premium, says major difference.
Maximas are not "designed for use with premium". The manual says it is designed for use with gas octane number not less than 87...HOWEVER, for increased performance, it is suggested to use Premium...some cars indeed are desgined for premium. It says on the cap : unleaded premium only"
10-07-2001, 09:34 PM
#19
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Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,915
Which manual, the Maxima or Accord?
My manual says, "FUEL RECOMMENDATION
Unleaded premium gasoline with an octane
rating of at least 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index)
number (Research octane number 96)
If unleaded premium gasoline is not available,
unleaded regular gasoline with an
octane rating of at least 87 AKI (Research
octane number 91) can be used.
However, for maximum vehicle performance,
the use of unleaded premium gasoline
is recommended."
My manual says, "FUEL RECOMMENDATION
Unleaded premium gasoline with an octane
rating of at least 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index)
number (Research octane number 96)
If unleaded premium gasoline is not available,
unleaded regular gasoline with an
octane rating of at least 87 AKI (Research
octane number 91) can be used.
However, for maximum vehicle performance,
the use of unleaded premium gasoline
is recommended."
Originally posted by Y2KMaxGXE-R
my friend has '00 Accord DX, used regular for a year then switched to a premium, says major difference.
Maximas are not "designed for use with premium". The manual says it is designed for use with gas octane number not less than 87...HOWEVER, for increased performance, it is suggested to use Premium...some cars indeed are desgined for premium. It says on the cap : unleaded premium only"
my friend has '00 Accord DX, used regular for a year then switched to a premium, says major difference.
Maximas are not "designed for use with premium". The manual says it is designed for use with gas octane number not less than 87...HOWEVER, for increased performance, it is suggested to use Premium...some cars indeed are desgined for premium. It says on the cap : unleaded premium only"
10-07-2001, 10:21 PM
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 107
This is mostly for the saab...
The computer on the saab will adjust turbo pressure depending on ambient pressure, fuel type and maybe some other parameters...
on that note I've had 2 saabs and I may get a Viggen next.. that car rocks.. and it's not a BMW
.. there's a lot of them here in Birmingham.. it's so irritating, but it's a whole lot of fun to beat them off the line.. (I don't think anyone here knows how to drive them)
The computer on the saab will adjust turbo pressure depending on ambient pressure, fuel type and maybe some other parameters...
on that note I've had 2 saabs and I may get a Viggen next.. that car rocks.. and it's not a BMW
.. there's a lot of them here in Birmingham.. it's so irritating, but it's a whole lot of fun to beat them off the line.. (I don't think anyone here knows how to drive them)
10-08-2001, 07:05 PM
#21
Originally posted by Paul2kGXE
Which manual, the Maxima or Accord?
Which manual, the Maxima or Accord?
10-09-2001, 11:41 AM
#23
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Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 29
Originally posted by hawk
All the gas stations around here only have up to like 91 rating (87, 89 and 91). And it's like $1.59 for 91 at least.
Sorry, just wanted to semi-rant.
All the gas stations around here only have up to like 91 rating (87, 89 and 91). And it's like $1.59 for 91 at least.
Sorry, just wanted to semi-rant.
10-09-2001, 11:56 AM
#24
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Join Date: Sep 2000
Posts: 400
We talked about this before....
but I am going to put in my two cents again! Just think about the rental Maxima's out there on the road. Do you think they use premium? Hell no! I wonder if the people that are renting the Maxmima think "What the hell! I am getting 15 mpg in this POS"
I have never put anything but 91 or higher in my tank....so I can't say if it effects my car. I just figured my mileage is BAD on high octane fuel...I would hate to see what it would be on 87 Octane....probably 15mpg!
I have never put anything but 91 or higher in my tank....so I can't say if it effects my car. I just figured my mileage is BAD on high octane fuel...I would hate to see what it would be on 87 Octane....probably 15mpg!
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