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I own a 2015 fortwo and was wondering if it would hurt to run regular gas versus the recommended premium gas.
Regular octane gas versus high octane gas
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You'll be flooded with varying opinions, however I recommend premium through and through for longest engine longevity. Regular octane should be acceptable for easy driving conditions, however these engines really should have the premium fuel and will help the engines last longer. Expect a 3 to 5 horsepower drop with regular octane when compared to premium. That's why premium is recommended.
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I'm a firm believer in "Pay me now or pay me later." Premium is recommended, so for a few bucks more, I'll pay now.
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I go a step further and make sure only E0 (Ethanol Free) 91 goes in the turbo Smarts (450 and 453).
Click on your state for the nearest E0 gas: https://www.pure-gas.org/index.jsp?stateprov=CO
Click on your state for the nearest E0 gas: https://www.pure-gas.org/index.jsp?stateprov=CO
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Right now at our Shell station, regular is $1.87 and 93 octane premium is $2.09. My Brabus is well worth the 22 cents more per gallon at each fill up.
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All generations of the fortwo are engineered to handle ethanol like all modern cars are. If you don't have an E0 station near you don't sweat it.
On the other hand, vintage vehicles and small engines like lawnmowers...
On the other hand, vintage vehicles and small engines like lawnmowers...
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We certainly have talked a lot in the past over the regular versus premium. Yes it is a matter of opinion, but before forming you OWN opinion you should have the facts. So for Rcaldwell51 here was my last rant on the subject. Entry #9 was my rather long stand on the soapbox and I am NOT the expert...... DCO
https://www.smartcarofamerica.com/forums/f4/regular-vs-premium-according-expert-151936/
https://www.smartcarofamerica.com/forums/f4/regular-vs-premium-according-expert-151936/
Now 09 451 Passion Cabriolet Met Blue & Silver First 08 451 Passion Cabriolet Yellow & Black
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Piggybacking on DOC above comments.
I can't think of one auto manufacturer who Wants to INFLATE the costs associated with ownership of one of their vehicles.
So, that being said, I'm sure Mitsubishi engineers have good reasons to recommend 93 octane nothing lower than 91 octane. And even with the added long term costs associated with having to use high octane fuel, Mercedes still chose to use that engine. :shrug:
It is your car so it is ultimately your choice. But you did ask.
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How about spending another 2 bucks per fillup and using a good octane booster?:shrug:
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It wont actually harm the engine but your mileage wont be near as good.
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Depends...
2 bucks per tank and replace a pricey cat. Unless you were planning to straight pipe anyway...
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Maybe I should've wrote: 'Spend another 2 bucks and BUY a good octane booster', because that's what I meant.
Now 09 451 Passion Cabriolet Met Blue & Silver First 08 451 Passion Cabriolet Yellow & Black
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Just Curious.
Can anyone (specifically owners who want to use 87/89 octane instead of 93/91 octane fuel) speculate as to why, Mitsubishi engineers determined their engine design would run best / last longer on high priced 93/91 octane fuel or why Mercedes used this engine despite the HIGHER operating cost to the owners:shrug?
Maybe a weakness showed up with burnt valves that was alleviated (not cured) using higher octane fuel. :shrug:
JL:smartje.bl.zl:
Can anyone (specifically owners who want to use 87/89 octane instead of 93/91 octane fuel) speculate as to why, Mitsubishi engineers determined their engine design would run best / last longer on high priced 93/91 octane fuel or why Mercedes used this engine despite the HIGHER operating cost to the owners:shrug?
Maybe a weakness showed up with burnt valves that was alleviated (not cured) using higher octane fuel. :shrug:
JL:smartje.bl.zl:
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More power. This car wasn't designed to cater to American cultural standards of large gas hogging engines. The smart fortwo is a European car, so the engine size is capped at 999cc's or less, for European engine class reasons. The car we drive here in America is nearly a direct clone of its Euro counterparts with the exception of a few very minor modifications to lights, safety features, and removal of start/stop feature for gas engines for the ones shipped to America.
Higher octane allows improved efficiency and increased power. If it was designed specifically for 87 octane it would have been a slower car.
Now 09 451 Passion Cabriolet Met Blue & Silver First 08 451 Passion Cabriolet Yellow & Black
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Agreed, but it wasn't the point of my post.
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