It certainly does on mine, which is a proper pre-electronics engine.
I consistently get 50mpg + from a 13 year old Suzuki Swift 993cc automatic with ( usually ) BP Ultimate; when I was using the ordinary stuff previously I was typically getting 35 - 40mpg.
|
|
|
|
I started using BP Ultimate in my BMW 323 estate about a year ago, and after a few tankfuls there is a significant difference. It has more power, and runs smoother. I only do 5-6000 miles a year so the extra fuel cost is negligible compared to the extra pleasure it brings in driving. Would thoroughly recommend it to anyone with a performance engine.
|
|
Depends on the vehicle. I ran my Mazda 6 for five years on Optimax,Ultimate and V-Power.On my daily 140 mile commute Optimax (then became V-Power) regularly gave me an extra 3mpg.Ultimate only gained 1mpg.Strangely enough my new Mazda 5 will barely gain 1-1.5mpg using V-power,although both cars are smoother when running any super unleaded over regular 95.
|
I've never bothered with cars, as I'm of the opinion that it's a waste of money unless you do any "spirited" driving, but the modern Harleys seem to run better with on super; odd since you'd think that being American they'd happily deal with lower octane fuels.
The greatest benefit seems to be in winter, using super unleaded seems to delay carburettor icing.
|
The octane rating is simply the resistance to detonation (the fuel is harder to set on fire). The higher the octane rating, the more ignition advance can be run and the more power produced. As has been said above, modern engines use knock sensors to run maximum advance, and can adjust their timing "on the fly". On engines without knock sensors, no advantage is possible from high octane fuel unless the ignition is advanced by mechanical or other means.
This resistance to detonation is why many high compression or forced induction engines require high octane fuel.
One of the leading high octane fuel brands is also said to "age" better so for things like mowers and laid up motorcycles, can have some benefit when it comes to getting the things fired up again after being stored.
|
DP
I'd rather put some preservative in the fuel for my lawnmower than run it on premium super unleaded, unless I was going lawnmower racing with a briggs and stratton equipped with knock sensors and ecu!
I used to have a friend that was convinced that a knock sensor was a device to stop the engine in the event of 'detecting' a crash. He wouldn't accept the truth. Ah well, some people always know best. He did remind me of David Brent from The Office...
|
|
|
|
|
US fuel is roughly the same as in the UK. The difference is they report octane rating differently - US 89 RON regular is approx same as UK 95 RON.
|
|
Fascinating reading, Macavity; thank you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
