Depends on the car. The late 80's SHO was "required" to run Premium, but a few people have put them on the dyno running as low as 85oct(is that even sold anymore?) with 0 detonation and only loosing 3whp against 91. So while 91+ CAN make more power, it depends on the tune.
On the previous generation Coyotes, you lost about 15 HP and 10 TQ when running 87 vs 93. Not noticeable on the streets at all.
I will never understand people who buy a V8 muscle car and put regular fuel in it. Who cares if it doesn't lose that much power? It's just the principle of the whole thing I don't get. Spends thousands extra on V8 engine => cheap out at the pumps so the engine won't run at full potential
Availability for fill ups too depending on where you live. One of the reasons why I won't switch over. And yes, like everyone else said, absolutely pitiful fuel mileage. An autocrosser I know runs E85 on his '13 car and gets about 13 combined.
I will never understand people who buy a V8 muscle car and put regular fuel in it. Who cares if it doesn't lose that much power? It's just the principle of the whole thing I don't get. Spends thousands extra on V8 engine => cheap out at the pumps so the engine won't run at full potential
Many people don't understand the limitations of small engine carburetors. Ethanol is a cheap source of octane. Now that the plants have quality mostly under control, sulfates and stability aren't really much of an issue.
Now I am thinking about offloading my 15' get a lightly hit Salvage 18' PP2 and put a 15' or GT350 front clip on it...
Shiii... I even run midgrade in my 04 Pathfinder. The engine runs best with 91-93 octane, and I can tell a difference when towing. With engines going more and more towards higher compression, you will see more premium fuel requirements. Also, premium fuel usually has an extra dose of detergents (and sometimes friction modifiers), which can keep the engine running clean and smooth.
Your guess is as good as mine. Forget even the power thing, I'll take comfort in knowing that I'm getting the benefits of additives in decent quality premium too for a piece of machinery that is, to be honest, a little high strung.
Mazda has good scaling for their engines, especially in the new 2018 Mazda 6.
Yes, I'm aware. Go back, there was a crack about the GT350 getting 10 MPG gasoline. Which it sometimes feels like it...but not exactly true.
My winter driver is starting to get up there in miles. I throw a tank of premium into it every month just for peace of mind. It's a whole 9 gallons on a fill up.
