What type of gasoline should be used for the Porsche 718?
3 Answers
The Porsche 718 should be filled with 95-octane gasoline, as this fuel grade is recommended in the vehicle's official owner's manual. In addition to checking the appropriate gasoline grade in the owner's manual, you can also find it indicated on the fuel filler cap of the Porsche 718. Typically, 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. If the compression ratio is higher, 98-octane gasoline is recommended. However, with the application of new technologies, the compression ratio alone cannot determine the gasoline grade. High compression ratio engines can also be tuned to use lower-octane gasoline due to other influencing factors such as ignition timing, turbocharging technology, and Atkinson cycle technology. 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 Porsche 718 is occasionally filled with the wrong gasoline grade, simply switch back to the correct grade after use. However, long-term use of the wrong gasoline grade can have the following effects: For vehicles recommended to use lower-octane gasoline, filling with higher-octane gasoline will not cause damage, but the increase in octane number will change the fuel's ignition point, leading to delayed combustion in the engine. This results in reduced engine power and thermal efficiency, manifesting as poorer performance. For vehicles recommended to use higher-octane gasoline, using lower-octane gasoline can cause engine knocking. Due to the significantly lower octane number, the gasoline's ignition point decreases, causing premature ignition during the compression stroke. If combustion occurs before the spark plug fires during the compression stroke, resistance will be encountered during the upward stroke. This resistance makes the engine run very unstably. If the knocking is imperceptible, it only increases noise without obvious engine damage. However, noticeable knocking indicates severe engine conditions, affecting not only driving stability but also causing abnormal wear on pistons and cylinders, and in severe cases, cylinder scoring.
The Porsche 718 typically recommends high-octane unleaded fuel, with 98 RON being the official preferred choice to fully unleash the potential of that horizontally opposed engine. I've driven the 718 several times, and every time I fill up with 98 RON, I feel the throttle response is more sensitive, and the acceleration delivers a stronger push-back sensation. Although 95 RON is also usable, as mentioned in the Porsche manual, I find 98 RON more worthwhile, especially in reducing engine knock risks during spirited driving. For daily city commuting, 95 RON is generally fine, but if you want to protect the engine's long-term health, it's better to opt for 98 RON. Using the wrong fuel, such as 92 RON, may lead to incomplete combustion, engine vibrations, or even damage. Don't skimp on fuel choices—a sports car like the 718 deserves the good stuff. I've also noticed that high-quality fuel can slightly improve fuel efficiency.
I often drive a Porsche 718 for daily commuting, and the fuel choice is quite straightforward: most of the time, I use 98-octane unleaded gasoline, as recommended by Porsche. Occasionally, 95-octane is acceptable, but the power noticeably softens, and the engine noise increases during startup. Don't overthink fuel costs—the 718 isn't exactly fuel-efficient to begin with. While 98-octane is more expensive per liter, the overall driving experience is better, with more direct throttle response on highways. Once, I tried lower-octane fuel, and the engine warning light came on immediately, scaring me into switching back to a proper gas station. Remember, never mix diesel or other additives—the 718's engine is quite refined. During maintenance, have the fuel system checked to ensure clean fuel quality.
