Which Fuel Octane

[Nuclear Nick]

I use Shell V-Power Nitro in my bikes and will be doing so in the Turbo. In bikes it's rarely if ever possible to notice the difference in performance with a small change in Octane rating and I suspect the same with the GTS. The ECU will compensate but I doubt it will be noticeable. Conversely, when I changed my diesel Yeti over to V-Power it was noticeably smoother and quieter, even my wife noticed it!

The extra cost of V-Power is offset by the improvement in consumption.

[ALEX]

I always use BP Ultimate and just had a look at the label on the inside of the fuel cap cover which states

98 ron / superplus.

Previously when I had a Merc C350 I tried both and definitely got more mpg and the car seemed to run better.

[Nuclear Nick]

An interesting read here:

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/best-fuels/

So not all fuels are the same!

The original article was produced some time ago but has some more recent updates, however I think the assertions remain valid now.

[steve w]

Always used ESSO fuels so when I fill up I'll use ESSOs super unleaded ,I did look on the good to know app and for Petrol Engine they recommend a minimum of 95 Octane .
SteveW

[Nosmo]

There is generally no difference between Shell Bp and Esso.

Possibly a different additive but all produced to the same spec.

There is a difference though. Shell VPower Nitro+ is a 99 RON fuel as opposed to 98 or 97 for the rest.... If I am not mistaken, Esso's Premium is 97 for example. Tesco does a 99 Ron fuel too although I have never used it so can't comment.

[steve w]

Nosmo
Can of worms this but BP UNTIMATE is showing now at 102 Octane.
SteveW

[David_Black]

How about Texaco Supreme? Seems OK to me...

[GeoffH]

They tested various fuels on one of the motor shows (Pistonheads or 5th Gear?) for any increase in BHP and / or mileage. Shell V Power and BP Ultimate came out on top from what I remember.

[MacFresh]

Yes here are links for the 5th gear shows:

Old:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQghB4asSnI

Recent:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTaBngvsPrc

Conclusions (warning, spoilers): high octane increase bhp and torque a little bit (5-10bhp), only on sport cars and you can't really feel the difference as a driver anyway. MPG wasn't tested.

For diesel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezjknhwcQXU

Same conclusions!

MacFresh2016-07-13 08:52:27

[goron59]

My experience on engines that can adjust for octane is that you end up using a bit less fuel for the same performance, on longer runs, when using 98 vs 95.

Given most turbo engined cars have an electronically limited torque peak (nature doesn't produce a perfectly flat torque plateau) you won't get more torque, just use a bit less fuel to achieve it.

Personally, I like to use better quality fuels because of additives and quality control from production through to pump. Something sadly lacking in cheap supermarket fuels.