Fuel choice
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Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
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Fuel choice
Most of the gas stations in my area carry 91 octane fuel. However, there is one station that carries 93 octane (for the same price)... the only thing is there is a sticker that says "may contain up to 15% ethanol".
So, which fuel is better? Does having ethanol make a difference? Or is the number all that matters?
So, which fuel is better? Does having ethanol make a difference? Or is the number all that matters?
Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 163
Likes: 2
From: Chico, CA
S55K AMG
I would go with the higher octane fuel. Mid 1990's and older cars were not designed with ethanol in mind and causes injector failures, anything newer should have no problems with ethanol.
Octane is octane, the source that octane is derived from does not make any more or any less resistant to detonation.
Octane is octane, the source that octane is derived from does not make any more or any less resistant to detonation.
Last edited by boost420; Nov 23, 2011 at 10:03 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 828
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From: Atlanta, GA
SLK32
Ethanol adds octane but has reduced BTUs. Given a choice between 93 octane with no ethanol and 93 octane with ethanol it is a no brainer - the non ethanol wins out. In the case of changing variables the question becomes more complicated.
