What is the difference between gasoline types?
4 Answers
98-octane, 95-octane, and 92-octane gasoline differ in the following aspects: Different quality levels: 98-octane gasoline has a higher octane rating, while 95 and 92-octane gasoline have lower octane ratings. Higher octane fuel provides better anti-knock performance, resulting in smoother engine operation. Different fuel consumption: 98-octane gasoline has lower fuel consumption, while 95 and 92-octane gasoline have higher fuel consumption. The higher the gasoline grade (i.e., the higher the octane content), the less likely it is to cause knocking, and the better the engine's anti-knock performance during combustion. Car owners should choose gasoline based on their engine's compression ratio. Vehicles with higher compression ratios should use higher-grade gasoline to ensure strong power output and lower costs while preventing engine knocking.
I've been driving for thirty years and found that the main difference between gasolines lies in the octane rating, such as 87, 89, and 91. The higher the number, the better the knock resistance and the smoother the acceleration. From my experience using them all: regular cars save money with 87; high-performance cars use 91 to prevent knocking and extend engine life. Ethanol-blended gasoline is more eco-friendly with lower emissions, but it's weaker in power and harder to start in cold weather. My friend always used low-octane fuel and ended up spending a fortune on engine repairs due to knocking—I recommend choosing fuel according to the car manual. There are also regional differences: urban gasoline has more additives and pollution, while ethanol is common in rural areas. For long-term maintenance, matching the right fuel can save on repair costs and ensure safety and reliability.
I find gasoline classification quite interesting. Different octane ratings affect the driving experience. 87 octane is affordable and practical, sufficient for most cars; 91 octane is more expensive but provides stronger acceleration, suitable for turbocharged vehicles. There's also ethanol-blended gasoline, categorized as E10 and E85. The former contains ethanol, reducing emissions slightly but with shorter range. Personally, I prefer pure gasoline in winter for easier engine starts. The differences in additives are also noticeable—premium fuels clean the engine better and reduce carbon buildup. Through multiple trials, I've observed varying quality among different gasoline brands, with larger gas stations being more reliable. Pure gasoline evaporates less in high temperatures, making it suitable for southern regions. Choosing the right fuel can improve both fuel efficiency and performance.
I commute and run errands, and there's a significant price difference in gasoline. 87 octane is the cheapest, and my old car runs on it with no issues for ten years; 91 octane is 20% more expensive, offering slightly better performance but not cost-effective. Just follow what the manual says—it saves money and prevents damage. Ethanol-blended fuel is cheaper in rural areas, but cold starts are troublesome, so I avoid it. Engine compatibility is key—using the wrong fuel increases noise. Additives affect cleanliness, and good fuel keeps the engine healthy. In the end, using the right fuel saves me dozens of dollars a month and ensures safety.
