What is the difference between 98 and 95 octane gasoline?
4 Answers
Here are the specific differences between 95 octane and 98 octane gasoline: 1. Compression ratio: Vehicles with a compression ratio between 8.5-9.5 should generally use 95 octane gasoline; cars with a compression ratio greater than 9.5 should use 98 octane gasoline. 2. Octane rating: 95 octane gasoline has a lower octane rating than 98 octane gasoline. That is, 95 octane gasoline contains 95% isooctane, while 98 octane gasoline has an octane rating of 98%. The gasoline grade represents the octane rating of the gasoline. For example, 95 octane gasoline consists of approximately 95% isooctane and 5% n-heptane. Since isooctane has better anti-knock properties and n-heptane has poorer anti-knock properties, a higher grade indicates a higher octane rating, meaning the gasoline has better anti-knock performance.
Speaking of the difference between 95 and 98 octane gasoline, based on my over ten years of driving experience, the main distinction lies in the octane rating. 95 octane has a lower rating, around 95, which is perfectly suitable for regular cars and more economical. 98 octane, with a rating of 98 or above, is more expensive but offers better anti-knock performance, making it more suitable for turbocharged engines or sports cars. Knocking refers to abnormal noises in the engine, and higher octane fuel can prevent this issue. I believe 95 octane is sufficient for daily use, saving dozens of yuan per tank. Some people think 98 octane is cleaner and reduces carbon deposits, but my Honda Accord has always run smoothly on 95 octane. Don’t blindly follow advertisements recommending higher octane fuel—check your car’s manual for the most accurate advice. In short, it’s more cost-effective for regular household use unless you drive a sports car or frequently tackle steep hills or long distances. Try comparing two tanks of fuel; the fuel consumption is basically the same, so don’t waste extra money.
As a little fan of car tuning, let me tell you the advantages of high-octane fuel like 98 RON. 95 RON has a lower octane rating, which can easily cause engine knocking, especially limiting power at high RPMs. In contrast, 98 RON has a higher octane rating and better anti-knock properties, improving throttle response and acceleration—especially in turbocharged cars where it feels exhilarating. When I switched to 98 RON on the track, my engine ran smoother with fewer pre-ignition issues. Although it costs about 10% more, it benefits the long-term health of high-performance engines. Plus, 98 RON often contains cleaning additives that reduce carbon deposits. Don’t compromise performance with 95 RON unless it’s just a daily commuter car. Crunch the numbers, and occasionally filling up with 98 RON is worth it for enhanced driving fun and engine longevity. While newer car models are more optimized, 98 RON still wins on the track—definitely worth a try.
As a money-saving expert, I often analyze fuel details. The biggest differences between 95 and 98 octane gasoline are price and octane rating. 98 octane has a higher rating of about 98, offering better anti-knock performance but at a significantly higher cost—it's a waste of money for regular cars. 95 octane, with a rating of 95, is cheaper and more practical, suitable for most family sedans. I've calculated fuel consumption for the same car model and found that using 95 octane saves me hundreds per month without any performance loss. High-octane fuel is only necessary for sports cars. Modern engine controls have reduced knock risks, so there's no need to worry. Sticking with 95 octane is both economical and sensible. In the long run, spending on maintenance is more worthwhile.
