M1 0W-30 and 5W-30 data sheet comparison

[batook]

I pulled these specs from the M1 data sheets:
Quote:
Mobil 1 5W-30
SAE Grade 5W-30
Viscosity @ 100ºC, cSt (ASTM D445) 11.0
Viscosity, @ 40ºC, cSt (ASTM D445) 61.7
Viscosity Index 172
Sulfated Ash, wt% (ASTM D874) 0.8
HTHS Viscosity, mPa•s @ 150ºC (ASTM D4683) 3.1
Pour Point, ºC (ASTM D97) -42
Flash Point, ºC (ASTM D92) 230
Density @15.6 ºC, mg/l (ASTM D4052) 0.855

Quote:
Mobil 1 0W-30 Advanced Fuel Economy
SAE Grade 0W-30
Viscosity @ 100ºC, cSt (ASTM D445) 10.9
Viscosity, @ 40ºC, cSt (ASTM D445) 62.9
Viscosity Index 166
Phosphorous (ASTM D4951) 0.065
Sulfated Ash, wt%, (ASTM D874) 0.9
HTHS Viscosity, mPa•s @ 150ºC (ASTM D4683) 3.0
Flash Point, ºC (ASTM D92) 226
Pour Point, ºC (ASTM D97) -50
Total Base Number (ASTM D2896) 9.1
MRV @ -40 ºC (ASTM D4684) 13,250
Density @15.6 ºC, g/ml (ASTM D4052) 0.842

I'm still learning how to interpret this data, but to my untrained eye, these appear to have very similar viscosities when cold at startup. I find it odd that the viscosity of 5W-30 is lower than 0W-30 at 40C, and the higher VI of the 5W at 172 vs. the 166 VI of the 0W would suggest to me that the 5W would be thinner as well. The only data point that seems to indicate the 0W-30 is thinner at temps lower than 40C is the 3.0 HTHS vs. the 3.1 HTHS of the 5W-30. Can anyone help me make sense of these numbers? How much difference does that .1 lower HTHS viscosity of the 0w-30 make?

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: batook
Can anyone help me make sense of these numbers?


The primary difference would probably be the MRV. That's posted for the 0w-30, but I cannot find it for the 5w-30 on either the Canadian or American Mobil sites, or on Imperial Oil's site. The pour point of 0w-30 is significantly lower, too (-50 C versus 5w-30's -42 C).

 

[chubbs1]

The MRV would be quite helpful. Both of these oils would serve you very well anywhere in the US winter. Flip a coin on the decision. The 5w30 has the dexos1 license if that makes the choice any easier. I like both of them.

 

[chevrofreak]

40C is not a cold startup, so that info is almost useless.

 

[cp3]

0w30 shows it's advantage typically below 0. You would need to use one of the viscosity calculators to see an estimation of this.

You seem to have the HTHS mixed up, that value really has nothing to do with cold performance. It is measured at 150C.

As said, MRV and CCS tests are better for gauging cold weather performance.

 

[Indydriver]

The oddest thing to me is that they don't provide the same data on every PDS. I pulled the dipstick on one of my 0W-30 outdoor cars at 25F and was a little surprised at how thick the oil is at that temp. Another reason for me to stock both is the HTO-06 cert for 5W.

 

[fdcg27]

This is an interesting comparison.
The 0W-30 actually has a lower viscosity index than the 5W-30 and is a little thicker at 40C.
HTHSV is very close.
IIRC, there is a member here who has written that the only two numbers that we need to know are HTHSV and VI, and if that's the case, the 5W-30 appears to be the better oil.
Therefore, I'm not sure that AFE will ever be thinner at start at any temperatures you're likely to see.
It would be nice if Mobil would give the MRV numbers for the 5W-30, although I think the test standard for a 5W-XX is -35C, so they would not be strictly comparable.
It looks like either oil would be well suited to cold weather use anywhere south of the Arctic Circle.

 

[JasonBraswell]

What's odd is Mobil gives the edge to AFE over M1 oil in high heat protection. comparison chart

 

[cchase]

Originally Posted By: JasonBraswell
What's odd is Mobil gives the edge to AFE over M1 oil in high heat protection. comparison chart


I don't see AFE distinguished from M1 there. AFE is just the 0w line of M1 products, is it not?

 

[JasonBraswell]

Originally Posted By: cchase
Originally Posted By: JasonBraswell
What's odd is Mobil gives the edge to AFE over M1 oil in high heat protection. comparison chart


I don't see AFE distinguished from M1 there. AFE is just the 0w line of M1 products, is it not?


Hit the compare more products link.

 

[cchase]

Interesting. If only they had some information that went behind the check marks.

 

[Capa]

I am also very interested in this question. Recently I was comparing Mobil 0W-20 vs EP 5W-20 and wasn't seeing much of a difference. While it gets below freezing in Oklahoma for many days it only gets below 0 for a couple of days. The only reason that I would consider the 0W-20 over the EP would be if it would help my MPG and reduce start up wear. Any comments welcome.

 

[CATERHAM]

Originally Posted By: chevrofreak
40C is not a cold startup, so that info is almost useless.

Of course it is, but more importantly the KV40 spec' is used to calculate an oil's VI which has everything to do with cold start-up performance at least down to 0C.

This discussion of M1 0W-30 vs M1 5W-30 has been discussed before:
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2406824&page=1

 

[shpankey]

Whoohoo another Okie.

Did they change the specs on 5w30 recently by chance. I agree this is kind of odd.

 

[Capa]

Hello, fellow Okie.