SP95 vs SP98 Gasoline – What are the differences?
By Bardahl • The 8/20/2021 • 5 min reading
Before the 1990s, gas stations distributed lead-added gasoline. In liquid form, lead not only properly lubricates the seats of older valves, but also improves the octane rating. With the arrival of catalytic converters in the early 1990s, lead gradually disappeared from gasoline. What was once called "Super" then became SP for "Unleaded". It must be said that this type of fuel is also more environmentally friendly.
Before 1990
- Allows the use of E5 and E10 gasoline in older generation 2 and 4-stroke engines.
- Lubricates and protects valves and seats.
- Cleans and protects the fuel system.
- Ideal for wintering. Extends fuel shelf life up to 24 months.
- Compatible with all gasoline engines.
Nowadays
Nowadays, motorists who run on petrol have the choice between Unleaded 95 and Unleaded 98, "95" and "98" corresponding to two different octane ratings. This rating measures the resistance to knocking, in other words, the self-ignition of petrol (uncontrolled combustion) which is harmful to the longevity and performance of the engine. A petrol with a higher octane rating such as SP98 petrol will have better resistance to knocking and therefore, better (controlled) combustion. Thus, the top of the engine remains clean, allowing all the horses to be released! In addition, a clean engine means optimised consumption and, consequently, reduced pollution.
Octane booster
- Increases engine torque, RPM and horsepower by up to 5 horsepower.
- Increases octane rating by up to 4 points.
- Increases engine efficiency.
- Improves combustion and prevents engine fouling.
- Increases octane rating by several points (depending on the type of fuel used).
- Allows for better controlled and more uniform combustion of gasoline.
- Reduces knocking, self-ignition and acceleration holes.
- Prevents engine fouling and burns without leaving any deposits.
In 2009, still with a concern for respect for the environment, Unleaded 95-E10 arrived on the French market (in Belgium, this fuel became widespread in 2017). E10 means that this fuel contains a maximum of 10% bioethanol, whereas before that, the standard was rather 5%. Although SP95-E10 is more respectful of our planet, not all vehicles produced before 2011 are suitable to run on it. If you have any questions, ask your garage/dealer for advice or consult:
http://e10.febiac.be/public/e10.aspx?lang=FR (Belgique)
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jorf/id/JORFTEXT000026582088 (France)
SP98-E10 is slowly starting to appear at some gas stations as well.
In France, Superethanol E85, which contains up to 85% bioethanol in summer, is gaining momentum on the automobile market. But, again, not all vehicles are always suitable for it*.
Can SP98-E5/SP95-E10/E85 gasoline types be mixed?
The more organic the petrol, the more environmentally friendly it is and therefore… the cheaper it is! To combine performance with the 98 octane rating and reasonable costs (although this is not the case in Switzerland, SP98-E5 remains the most expensive fuel at the pump in France and Belgium), it is possible to mix SP95-E10 and SP98-E5, as long as your vehicle accepts Unleaded 95-E10.
*The same applies to Superethanol E85, but the vehicle must be originally equipped in order to use it or have been converted with a box, for example, of the Biomotors type.