NAC: how to test gas ?

[Louis-Alain Richard]

Hi everyone,

 

Since I am testing press car these days, I always wonder if the guy before
me put Premium gas in the car (when needed) or just said "regular, since I
won't drive it again".

 

Is there a way to easily test fuel grade ? Color, odor, taste ? It might
seems trivial, but fuel grade do have an incidence on performance,
obviously, but also on fuel economy and driveability. My actual loaner, a
Subaru Legacy Spec B, gave me only 282 km with 45 liters, (that's 16
l/100km, or 15 MPG) and the engine is always "stumbling" a bit under hard
acceleration. The car has 2000 km. Brady and I did put it on his dyno and
specs were within the expected figures, so I am confused.

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Louis-Alain in hot, hot Montreal tonight (32C at 10:00PM, that's 90F folks.)