When it comes to maintaining your vehicle’s performance, choosing the right motor oil is crucial. You’re always trying to get the highest quality oil for the best price possible.
So when it comes to one brand offering two solutions that seem roughly the same, how can you choose? Today, we’re going to be comparing Pennzoil Platinum to Pennzoil Ultra Platinum. I will be using hands-on experience with the product to make this comparison and give you my final verdict.
Pennzoil Platinum vs. Ultra Platinum
To answer your question quickly: Pennzoil Ultra Platinum is the more expensive option but worth your price. It beats Pennzoil Platinum in just about every scenario. In wear resistance, Ultra Platinum was #1. In the cold flow test, Ultra Platinum was also #1. It also lost the least due to evaporation and was #1 in the warm flow test. The only thing it loses on is price.
Last update on 2023-05-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2023-05-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Read on for a full explanation of Pennzoil Platinum vs. Ultra Platinum.
Pennzoil Platinum vs. Pennzoil Ultra Platinum How They’re Made
Both Pennzoil Platinum and Ultra Platinum are synthetic motor oils, which means they are made from chemically modified petroleum components rather than crude oil. However, what sets Pennzoil apart is that these oils are made from natural gas using a patented gas-to-liquid process. This process results in motor oil that is 99.5% pure base oil, which is then combined with a performance additive package to create the final product.
Pennzoil Platinum is a fully synthetic motor oil made from natural gas. It is designed to offer complete protection to your car’s engine components. This oil is particularly beneficial for turbocharged engines, helping to keep the pistons up to 45% cleaner than required. It also contains impermeable oils that protect the engine’s power loss and reduce friction.
On the other hand, Pennzoil Ultra Platinum is considered the top-tier product in Pennzoil’s lineup. It also uses the same base oil made from natural gas, but it is formulated with a more robust additive package. This results in even better performance characteristics, including improved wear protection, cleanliness, and fuel economy.
Pennzoil Platinum vs Ultra Platinum Viscosity
| Pennzoil Platinum | Pennzoil Ultra Platinum |
|---|---|
| 10W60 | 10W30 |
| 0W20 | 0W40 |
| 5W20 | 5W20 |
| 5W30 | 5W30 |
| 5W40 | 0W20 |
| 10W30 | – |
| 0W16 | – |
Viscosity is a crucial factor when choosing motor oil as it determines how well the oil will flow at different temperatures. Both Pennzoil Platinum and Ultra Platinum come in various viscosity grades to cater to different engine requirements.
Pennzoil Platinum is available in seven distinct viscosity grades: 10W60, 0W20, 5W20, 5W30, 5W40, 10W30, and 0W16. This range of viscosities allows it to be used in a variety of engines and under different operating conditions.
On the other hand, Pennzoil Ultra Platinum is offered in five distinct viscosity ranges: 10W30, 0W40, 5W20, 5W30, and 0W20. While it has fewer options than Pennzoil Platinum, these viscosities still cover a wide range of engine types and operating conditions.
Pennzoil Platinum provides a slightly wider range, but the choice between the two would depend on the specific viscosity requirements of your vehicle’s engine. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the recommended oil viscosity.
Pennzoil Platinum vs. Ultra Platinum Wear Test
When tested for wear resistance, Pennzoil Ultra Platinum scored the highest, or lowest, I suppose. With a wear scar of only 7.1mm compared to the 7.33mm wear scar of Pennzoil Platinum, it appears that Ultra Platinum is the best choice.
Keep in mind this was only one test and not done in a large sample size, so mileage might vary.
Pennzoil Ultra Platinum has more antiwear additives compared to Pennzoil Platinum. Both zinc and molybdenum are antiwear additives in motor oil. Zinc forms a coating on the top of all engine components that are under high pressure, and molybdenum helps to reduce the deformation and spalling of the coating under high temperatures.
According to a test by the Petroleum Quality Institute of America (PQIA), Pennzoil Ultra Platinum has 789ppm zinc, 708ppm phosphorus, and 86ppm molybdenum, while Pennzoil Platinum has 715ppm zinc, 627ppm phosphorus, and 81ppm molybdenum.
Pennzoil Platinum vs. Ultra Platinum Cold Flow Test
In the cold flow test of -40 degrees Fahrenheit, Ultra Platinum did the best by far. Outperforming all of the other motor oils tested, including the Platinum and Synthetic oils.
The test was done on several different Pennzoil oils that were all SAE 5W-30.
Industry Standards Compliance
Both Pennzoil Platinum and Ultra Platinum meet the same latest industry standards i.e. ACEA, API SP, and ILSAC for engine cleansing and protection requirements. These industry standards are designed for the protection of Gasoline Direct Injection engines against Low-Speed Pre Ignition issues.
Engine Compatibility Pennzoil Platinum vs. Ultra Platinum
Pennzoil Platinum and Ultra Platinum are suitable for all cars, SUVs, light vans, and truck gasoline engines under all driving conditions.
However, for modern turbocharged engines, Pennzoil Platinum performs slightly better compared to Ultra Platinum in turbocharged downsized gasoline engines, as you won’t have to worry about premature combustion and low-speed pre-ignition issues that cause engine knocks.
Other Things to Consider
Here are a few other factors you might consider when choosing between Pennzoil Platinum and Ultra Platinum:
- Price: While both oils are premium products, Pennzoil Ultra Platinum is typically slightly more expensive than Pennzoil Platinum. However, the price difference is often minimal and may be justified by the enhanced performance and protection offered by Ultra Platinum.
- Oil Change Interval: Due to its superior cleaning properties and higher wear resistance, Pennzoil Ultra Platinum can be good for longer oil change intervals. It can typically last between 7000 to 10,000 miles before needing a change. However, always follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended oil change intervals.
- Environmental Impact: Synthetic oils like Pennzoil Platinum and Ultra Platinum are generally considered more environmentally friendly than conventional oils. They are designed to reduce engine emissions, improve fuel efficiency, and last longer, which can all contribute to reducing your vehicle’s environmental footprint.
- Compatibility with Older Engines: While both oils are suitable for a wide range of vehicles, if you have an older engine or a high-mileage vehicle, you may want to consult a mechanic or vehicle manufacturer before switching to synthetic oil. Some older engines may not react well to synthetic oils, and making the switch could potentially cause leaks or other issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Pennzoil Platinum and Ultra Platinum are high-quality synthetic oils that offer excellent protection and performance.
The choice between the two depends on your specific requirements and the type of vehicle. Pennzoil Ultra Platinum provides better anti-wear and cleaning protection with slightly higher viscosity at the engine’s operating temperature as compared to Pennzoil Platinum.
However, if you have a turbocharged direct injection gasoline engine, especially if the engine is old, Pennzoil Platinum might be a better choice due to its lower calcium content.
