Does E85 Burn Faster Than 87

Ever wondered if that E85 fuel you've been hearing about makes your car engine dance the flamenco? Let's dive in, shall we?

What's the Deal with E85?

E85 is like the cool kid at the fuel pump. It's a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. Ethanol, by the way, is just fancy talk for booze - yep, the stuff you sip on. But don't worry, your car won't get a buzz from it.

Now, you might be thinking, "Ethanol? Isn't that what makes my margarita tangy?" Well, yeah, but in E85, it's there to help your car go vroom.

Burn, Baby, Burn!

So, does E85 burn faster than good ol' 87 octane gasoline? Let's get scientific for a sec. Octane, in case you're wondering, is a measure of a fuel's resistance to engine knock. The higher the octane, the more resistant it is.

E85 has a higher octane rating than 87 gasoline. This means it's less likely to cause engine knock, which is like a tiny, rapid-fire explosion in your engine. But does it burn faster? Let's find out.

Flame Test

Imagine a flame test. You know, like the ones you did in high school science class, but with fuel instead of chemicals. E85 and 87 gasoline both have about the same energy content per gallon. But here's where it gets interesting:

E85 has a lower energy density. In other words, it takes up more space to hold the same amount of energy as 87 gasoline. So, while they both have the same energy content, E85 has more molecules to burn. It's like having more matches to light the same size campfire.

But here's the kicker - those extra molecules in E85 burn slower than the molecules in 87 gasoline. It's like having more matches, but they're all slow burners. So, no, E85 doesn't burn faster. It's more like a slow, steady burn.

Why Should You Care?

You might be thinking, "Well, that's all well and good, but why should I care?" Well, let me tell you, it's not just about the burn rate.

E85 is often cheaper than gasoline. It's also made from renewable resources, which is a big plus for our planet. Plus, it can help reduce engine knock in high-compression engines. So, while it might not burn faster, it's got its perks.

But here's a word of caution. Not all cars can handle E85. Check your owner's manual before you fill up. The last thing you want is a car that's more temperamental than your teenage niece.

So, Should You Make the Switch?

That's up to you. If you've got a flex-fuel vehicle and you're looking to save some cash, E85 might be your new best friend. But if you're not sure, it's always best to play it safe.

Remember, this isn't a race. It's not about who can burn through their fuel the fastest. It's about finding what works best for you and your car. So, go forth, fuel up, and enjoy the ride.