Thread "VW Beetle or Smart Car? Which is the better choice?" in forum "Comic Talk and General Discussion *"

Posted at 10:08AM, Aug. 30, 2008

Most engines don't get better mileage with higher octane fuel. It burns faster and hotter generally, hence the higher octane rating. I've yet to find a car that got better mileage with the ultra grade than with plain old regular. Usually, in my experience they suggest the higher octane fuel because it's cleaner burning and carbon build up can really screw a smaller engine big time and it just helps keep the car running longer.

Engines with a higher compression rating need higher octane gas to run at peak efficiency/MPG. Many modern high-MPG models have have their compression that high so that they can give good performance with a 4-cyl engine. Older four-cyls feel like they're underpowered, but many of the newer ones feel similar to six-cyls. If you try to put 87 octane in them you'll lose about 7-10 MPG depending on your model.

Similarly, Ford has a model of the Focus that does the same, and it comes with Ford's almost legendary reputation for reliability.

Um, what?

Posted at 10:08AM, Aug. 30, 2008

I've got a newer model 4 cylinder and the only difference I get is that I get 1-2 miles per gallon less on higher octane fuel but better acceleration. I've never driven a car which got better mileage at higher octane, even with higher compression. Granted, I've never driven anything like a Prius that is designed with a far higher compression level, but in my experience American cars get the most economical mileage to cost ratio from regular fuel.

As for the Focus, there is a model of the Ford Focus that gets comparable mileage to a Honda Civic, and Ford has a good reputation for reliability, especially in their sedans, compact cars and trucks. And the Focus is a relatively easy to maintain vehicle. If I remember correctly, you can even get a hybrid model of it.

Posted at 10:08PM, Aug. 30, 2008

I have never heard the words "Ford" and "reliability" mentioned in the same sentence. If you intend on taking one past 50,000 miles you should be prepared to replace everything in it of value multiple times.

I think the fuel depends on the car, which is definitely something you should be looking into as you shop. My Toyota Matrix needs 92 for the reasons I gave in the last post, high compression. Toyota is doing a lot of that in their new models to help with fuel econ, and it wouldn't surprise me if that goes industry-wide if it hasn't already.