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Pennzoil is a notable motor oil brand that produces engine oils of different grades, viscosity, and types. On the other hand, Mobil 1 is a renowned motor brand that also produces engine oils of different grades, viscosity, and types.
Pennzoil vs Mobil 1 comparison would take us through some distinctive differences in the base oil used by these brands to produce motor oils of different types. These two motor oil brands are among the most reputable names in the market. However, Pennzoil uses 100% natural gas as its base oil while Mobil 1 uses regular crude oil.
Does it matter? Because Pennzoil uses natural gas, its oils are the cleanest in the market; however, that doesn’t mean that they are the best in performance. Let’s take you through a detailed comparison of these two top brands.
Pennzoil Vs Mobil 1: How Do They Compare Against Each Other?
| Pennzoil | Mobil 1 | |
| Viscosity | 5W30, 5W20, 10W40, etc. | 5W30, 5W20, 10W40, etc. |
| Oil Type | Full synthetic | Full synthetic |
| Service Mile | Up to 15,000 miles | Up to 15,000 miles |
| Base oil | Natural gas | Crude oil |
| Dimension | 12.68 x 8.11 x 4.25 inches | 12.66 x 8.1 x 4.4 inches |
| Noack Volatility Test | 11% | 9.17% |
| Total Base Number (TBN) | 8.4 | 8.45 |
| Item weight | 0.11 lbs | 9.17 pounds |
| Check Price | Check Price |
From the table above, the NOACK Volatility Test is the rate at which lubricants evaporate in high temperatures. Looking at the numbers above, Pennzoil oils evaporate faster than Mobil 1 oils.
Total Base Number (TBN) is the measure of the reserved alkalinity in a lubricant. The higher the number, the more effective the lubricant would tackle contaminants and reduce corrosion.
What Is Pennzoil?
Pennzoil, as a brand, produces motor oils of different grades; depending on your engine specifications, you may be needing the 5W20, 5W30 or 10W40 – there are other grades available, too. Mainly, Pennzoil produces full synthetic oils for all kinds of engines, including older, high-mileage engines.
The Pennzoil Platinum and Ultra Platinum, which happen to be the brand’s best-sellers are rated among the best motor oils for specified engines.
One of the things that distinguish Pennzoil oil from other ones in the market is the base oil used. On average, Pennzoil engine oils last up to 12,000 miles in-between oil changes.
What is Mobil 1 Oil?
Mobil 1 is a brand of motor oil originally started by Mobil Oil, but currently ExxonMobil. The brand is famous for producing high-quality engine oils for all kinds of automotive engines. Just as other oil brands, Mobil 1 produces oils of different grades and types.
The Mobil 1 Full Synthetic oil is specially formulated to deliver the best performance on specified engines. It battles the market’s top position with full synthetic oils from Pennzoil, Amosil, and Royal Purple.
Regardless, many drivers and car owners prefer Mobil 1 because it has proven to be one of the top best options out there.
Differences Between Pennzoil and Mobil 1
Actually, the difference is in the formula – the additives used in the formula are the major difference between these two oils.
Typically, fully synthetic oils offer all-around protection, flow well in different temperatures, and include seal conditioners to protect the engine’s components against leaks and cracks.
However, Mobil 1 has conventional motor oils, while Pennzoil doesn’t. Pennzoil uses 100% natural gas as the base oil for its synthetic oils and Mobil 1 uses crude oil. More so, Pennzoil uses patented gas-to-liquid PurePlus Technology in its formula, while Mobil 1 uses “Advanced” full synthetic formula.
Well, both Pennzoil and Mobil 1 oils perform very well in improving fuel efficiency, and they clean out sludge too. But, while Mobil 1 recommends 10,000 miles oil change intervals, Pennzoil acclaims that you can run with Pennzoil full synthetic oil for up to 15,000 miles in-between changes.
Conclusion
Mobil 1 and Pennzoil motor oils are good for the engines they are specified for. Both brands produce motor oils of different grades, including 10W40, 5W20, 5W30, 0W40, 10W30, and more. You have to choose the grade meant for your engine if you need the best performance.
Either of these oils would clean your engine perfectly, as well as improve fuel efficiency. However, Pennzoil appears cleaner (because it is made from natural gas), while Mobil 1 is dark brown. The color doesn’t matter anyway.
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