Originally Posted by Hangman
It has more to do with compression and the ability to with stand self ignition based on that compression. Overall, regular gas will self ignite at a lower compression than premium, hence it cause premature ignition. This results in the "knocking" that you hear sometimes in high compression engines thats running on reg fuel. This can cause damage to the engine components. And for those that say the oil companies rather sell premium..that is not always true.
That seems to make more sence. I am a bit familiar with the gas law (in physics) that states for a relationship between volume pressure and temperature of a gas. (I cannot recite nor name the formula).
I also beleive that a by-probuct of the higher flash point, the resulting explosion takes place at a higher temperature as well, yeilding more horse power, and better efficiency. And also leaves the comustion chamber cleaner.
I swear that I didn't stay in a Holiday in Express last night - LOL