Premium fuel - is it worth it?
Discussion
Before I get roasted, I understand the concept of premium fuel and the perceived benefits or necessity in proper sports cars, but I have tried five tanks of premium diesel to try and ensure it is all premium diesel and cannot feel any significant or marginal increase in performance nor am I seeing any real improvement in fuel consumption based on a 'normal' commute.
The question is really - is it worth the additional 9/10p per litre or 7-8% more
Allegedly most modern engines recognise the grade of fuel being combusted and alter the fuel system for optimum efficiency/ performance as necessary. The cleaner bit I can see - visually by the lack of black soot from supermarket fuel.
Over to PH to set me right...............
The question is really - is it worth the additional 9/10p per litre or 7-8% more
Allegedly most modern engines recognise the grade of fuel being combusted and alter the fuel system for optimum efficiency/ performance as necessary. The cleaner bit I can see - visually by the lack of black soot from supermarket fuel.
Over to PH to set me right...............
You are normal.
Most people claim to be able to feel the difference. Personally, I simply don't believe most drivers can detect a 2-3% improvement in their car's performance (in most cases the fuel wont even make that much of a difference). There's certainly a placebo effect in play here... if someone pays more for premium fuel, then in their heads it SHOULD be better as it cost more, and so it DOES feel better to them.
In reality? it will make a marginal performance difference in the right car, and in most cars using it long term WILL have beneficial effects on the engine's internal cleanliness.
Is it worth it? Long term it's a lot extra to pay for something that is relatively intangible. If you can afford it and don't mind, then go for it.
Most people claim to be able to feel the difference. Personally, I simply don't believe most drivers can detect a 2-3% improvement in their car's performance (in most cases the fuel wont even make that much of a difference). There's certainly a placebo effect in play here... if someone pays more for premium fuel, then in their heads it SHOULD be better as it cost more, and so it DOES feel better to them.
In reality? it will make a marginal performance difference in the right car, and in most cars using it long term WILL have beneficial effects on the engine's internal cleanliness.
Is it worth it? Long term it's a lot extra to pay for something that is relatively intangible. If you can afford it and don't mind, then go for it.
calibrax said:
You are normal.
Most people claim to be able to feel the difference. Personally, I simply don't believe most drivers can detect a 2-3% improvement in their car's performance (in most cases the fuel wont even make that much of a difference). There's certainly a placebo effect in play here... if someone pays more for premium fuel, then in their heads it SHOULD be better as it cost more, and so it DOES feel better to them.
In reality? it will make a marginal performance difference in the right car, and in most cars using it long term WILL have beneficial effects on the engine's internal cleanliness.
Is it worth it? Long term it's a lot extra to pay for something that is relatively intangible. If you can afford it and don't mind, then go for it.
except its not intangible, on some cars its quite substantial gains, on a blown car with a 95/98 map it can be 20-30bhp+Most people claim to be able to feel the difference. Personally, I simply don't believe most drivers can detect a 2-3% improvement in their car's performance (in most cases the fuel wont even make that much of a difference). There's certainly a placebo effect in play here... if someone pays more for premium fuel, then in their heads it SHOULD be better as it cost more, and so it DOES feel better to them.
In reality? it will make a marginal performance difference in the right car, and in most cars using it long term WILL have beneficial effects on the engine's internal cleanliness.
Is it worth it? Long term it's a lot extra to pay for something that is relatively intangible. If you can afford it and don't mind, then go for it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQghB4asSnI
Dave Hedgehog said:
except its not intangible, on some cars its quite substantial gains, on a blown car with a 95/98 map it can be 20-30bhp+
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQghB4asSnI
I did say on MOST cars it's intangible. Of course, there are some where it does make a sizeable difference. But they are very much in the minority.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQghB4asSnI
carreauchompeur said:
I generally use Momentum. But recently tried a couple of tanks of VPower and the car really didn't seem to like it. Odd.
My car was mapped on v power,generally thats all i ever use but had at times used BP ultimate,and the car hates it,runs crap,poor idle poor pick up.... My Buell though used to run better on it so who knows.I choose to use it most of the time because of the extra detergents in it for engine longevity. Probably wasting money but ehh. E36 328i, hardly a performance car.
I need a remap for some under bonnet mods I've done, Il ask Emaps at the time if they do anything in the map to effect it.
I need a remap for some under bonnet mods I've done, Il ask Emaps at the time if they do anything in the map to effect it.
It depends on your engine and use.
With a turbo or s/c engine there IS a difference.
If you want to track you car or want the benefit of cleaner valves etc. it's worth the extra. For most cars in most situations, IMO (before I get slated) it's not worth the cash.
I use it for the track but don't bother otherwise.
With a turbo or s/c engine there IS a difference.
If you want to track you car or want the benefit of cleaner valves etc. it's worth the extra. For most cars in most situations, IMO (before I get slated) it's not worth the cash.
I use it for the track but don't bother otherwise.
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