PSA: Lexus ES350 Use Regular Gasoline Instead

[imzjustplayin]

I just discovered that the Lexus ES350 has the exact same engine as the Camry and Avalon and that the Camry has a 1mpg combined advantage over the ES350. The only difference between these two vehicles is that the ES350 calls for the usage of premium gasoline while the Camry calls for regular. There is a very slight performance decrease in using the Regular gasoline with the ES350 compared to using Premium gasoline as mentioned on the fuel door.

According to the New EPA mpg numbers from 2007-2010 MY.
V6 Camry:19/28/ [23 combined]
ES350: 19/27/ [22 combined]

To give you an idea of how small of a performance difference:
The ES350 with Premium is rated at 272hp at 6200rpm 254 lb-ft of torque at 4700rpm while the Camry with Regular is rated at 268hp @ 6200rpm with 248 lb-ft of torque at 4700rpm. They both have a compression ratio of 10.8:1.

Another example of this occurring is with the Toyota FJ Cruiser and Toyota Tundra with the 4L V6. It is another example of a Toyota Vehicle that claims it needs Premium but actually does just fine on Regular.
Straight from the Wiki:"The 1GR-FE is the 4.0 L version. Bore is 94 mm and stroke is 95 mm. Output is 236 hp (176 kW) at 5200 rpm with 266 lb?ft (361 N?m) of torque at 4000 rpm on 87 octane, and 239 hp (178 kW) at 5200 rpm with 278 lb?ft (377 N?m) at 3700 rpm on 91 octane."


So at the very least, going with regular gasoline with save you money both on fuel and should provide a slight increase in fuel economy. For those who are concerned that the Camry weighs less and therefore gets better fuel economy... The ES350 weighs 3580lbs while the Camry V6 XLE weighs 3516lbs