Why You Might Not Actually Need Premium Gas
https://www.consumerreports.org/fuel-economy-efficiency/why-you-might-not-actually-need-premium-gas/May 07, 2018
...To determine whether using regular gas in a vehicle that recommends premium gas had any effect on fuel economy or acceleration, we evaluated two models: a 2015 Acura TLX four-cylinder and a 2016 Nissan Maxima V6 (both shown below). Each recommends but does not require the use of premium gas. That guidance can be found on the inside of their fuel-filler door and is often explained in greater detail in the owner’s manual....
...All the tests were conducted following our stringent fuel-economy protocol, with consumption measured using an inline fuel meter.
Both sedans achieved the same fuel economy when tested with regular fuel as they did with premium. During this testing, the cars felt and sounded the same; we did not experience any engine pinging or knocking noise in either car when using regular fuel.
The owner’s manuals indicate that drivers might notice a decrease in performance when running on regular gas, but our test results said otherwise. The 0-60 mph acceleration times were identical in the TLX and Maxima on regular and premium gas....