Maserati Quattroporte: Should I Use 95 or 98 Octane Gasoline?
2 Answers
According to the official vehicle manual recommendation, the Maserati Quattroporte should use 95 octane gasoline. In addition to checking the appropriate gasoline grade in the vehicle manual, you can also find it marked on the fuel tank cap of the Maserati Quattroporte. Generally, the gasoline grade can also be determined based on the engine's compression ratio. Vehicles with an engine compression ratio between 8.6-9.9 should use 92 octane gasoline, while those with a compression ratio between 10.0-11.5 should use 95 octane gasoline. However, with the application of some new technologies, the gasoline grade cannot be solely determined by the compression ratio. Even engines with high compression ratios can be tuned to use lower-grade gasoline because, besides the compression ratio, other factors such as ignition timing, turbocharging technology, and Atkinson cycle technology also play a role. Generally, the higher the gasoline grade, the higher the octane number and the better the anti-knock performance. 92 octane gasoline contains 92% isooctane and 8% n-heptane, while 95 octane gasoline contains 95% isooctane and 5% n-heptane. If the Maserati Quattroporte occasionally uses the wrong gasoline grade, simply switch back to the correct grade after consumption. However, long-term use of the wrong gasoline grade can have the following effects: For vehicles recommended to use lower-grade gasoline, using higher-grade gasoline will not cause damage, but the increase in octane number will alter the fuel's ignition point, leading to delayed combustion in the engine. This means both the engine's power output and thermal efficiency will decrease, resulting in poorer performance in actual driving experience. For vehicles recommended to use higher-grade gasoline, using lower-grade gasoline can cause engine knocking. Because the octane number is too low, the gasoline's ignition point decreases and may ignite prematurely during the compression stroke. If combustion occurs before the spark plug fires during the compression stroke, resistance will arise during the upward stroke. This resistance can make the engine run very unstably. If the knocking is imperceptible, it may only increase noise without significant damage to the engine. However, noticeable knocking indicates severe engine conditions, where vibrations not only affect driving stability but also cause abnormal wear on pistons and cylinders, and in severe cases, may lead to cylinder scoring.
I've personally driven a Maserati Quattroporte and found its engine to be quite particular about fuel. Designed for high performance with a high compression ratio, it can run on 95-octane gasoline, but this often leads to engine knocking, producing a noticeable rattling sound that can affect component longevity over time. 98-octane fuel has a higher anti-knock index, ensuring more stable combustion and allowing the car to deliver its full horsepower potential – you'll experience quicker acceleration and better fuel efficiency too. After testing both grades, I clearly noticed smoother operation, more responsive power delivery, and reduced vibrations with 98. While using 95 occasionally in a pinch won't cause immediate harm, for long-term use I strongly recommend sticking with 98-octane from reputable gas stations, preferably premium branded fuels. Maintain engine health through regular spark plug inspections. Always fill up with 98 before long journeys – you'll feel the difference in driving confidence.
