Really, what is your result? It would take very careful stats collecting, not using the inaccurate on-board read-out to determine a difference, since we almost never drive in identical or even very, very similar conditions from one tank to the next. The difference would be so small even in laboratory conditions you are fooling yourself if you think you can measure it as an amateur out in the real world. Somewhere else on here I linked research studies that you should take a look at.
Yes, higher octane should yield better fuel economy. Is it enough to justify the extra cost?--not at all clear-cut because it is a small percentage usually lower than the percent difference in the price of the gas (was not the case in the olden days when premium was a much smaller differential). Is the extra power worth the extra cost?--who knows because we don't know how much extra power we are talking about. In some cars it is next to nothing; others a bit more. Stinger...still waiting for some real numbers instead of
seat-of-the-pants musings or wishful thinking from wannabe racers.
