What type of fuel does the Porsche 718 require?
3 Answers
718 Porsche requires 95-octane gasoline. Different grades of gasoline have varying octane ratings, with higher-grade gasoline having higher octane values. Gasoline with higher octane ratings offers better anti-knock performance. The entire Porsche 718 lineup is equipped with turbocharged engines. During operation, the pressure and temperature inside the cylinders of turbocharged engines are relatively high, which is why these engines require higher-octane gasoline. Otherwise, the engine is prone to knocking. The Porsche 718 is Porsche's entry-level sports car, available in two models: the sports coupe Porsche Cayman and the convertible sports car Porsche Boxster. According to Porsche, the vehicle's total weight will be controlled at 1,200 kilograms, 100 kilograms lighter than the previous Boxster model, and it also features a reduction in power.
I've been driving a 718 Boxster for two years and always use 98-octane gasoline. Porsche engines have high fuel requirements, and turbocharged engines need high-octane gasoline to deliver full performance. Once during a business trip, I filled up with 95-octane at a small gas station and immediately noticed slight shaking during acceleration, along with significantly higher fuel consumption. Now, I only refuel at major stations like Sinopec or Shell, and the car runs much smoother. The manual clearly states a minimum of 95-octane, with 98-octane recommended. Long-term use of lower-octane fuel can lead to carbon buildup. Although 98-octane is more expensive, it’s better for engine protection in the long run—repair costs are much higher than fuel savings. For daily commuting, a full tank gives me around 500 kilometers of range.
As an automotive engineer, I believe there are two key points to consider when choosing gasoline for the 718: octane rating and cleanliness. Its horizontally opposed engine has a compression ratio of 11:1, so 98-octane fuel is a must to prevent knocking. The fuel cap has clear labeling inside—just follow that and you can't go wrong. While 95-octane fuel in China is barely acceptable, it will reduce performance, and 91-octane should never be used. Sinopec's 98-octane fuel actually has a higher octane rating than some private companies' 95-octane fuel. A special reminder: don't be fooled by gas stations pushing additives—the best combination is factory-recommended engine oil paired with high-quality gasoline. During each maintenance session, I make it a habit to check the spark plugs' combustion condition. Using the right fuel significantly reduces carbon buildup.