Fuel Types Explained: E10 vs E5 vs Euro 95 vs Euro 98

If you’ve ever stood at a European gas station and wondered whether to choose E10, E5, Euro 95, or Euro 98, you’re not alone. Over the past decade, fuel labelling has changed across Europe, with bioethanol percentages, octane ratings, and environmental rules all influencing what ends up in your tank.

This has led to confusion among drivers: Which fuel is right for your car? What are the differences? And is it really worth paying extra for premium fuel?

In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between E10, E5, Euro 95, and Euro 98, explain which cars can use which fuel, and explore whether there are cost savings or performance benefits to be had.

What is E10 Fuel?

E10 is now the standard unleaded petrol in most European countries. The name “E10” refers to the fact that the fuel contains up to 10% bioethanol, a renewable component made from plant-based materials.

• Octane rating: Typically 95 RON

• Price: Usually the cheapest petrol option at the pump

• Benefits: Lower CO₂ emissions, slightly better for the environment, often subsidised by governments

• Drawbacks: Not suitable for all cars, especially older vehicles; ethanol can be corrosive to certain rubbers, seals, and metal parts over time

👉 Around 90% of cars on European roads today can safely run on E10. However, if you own a car built before 2000 or a classic vehicle, you should check compatibility before using it.

What is E5 Fuel?

E5 is petrol that contains up to 5% ethanol. It is still widely available in many countries, often marketed under the labels Euro 95 E5 or Euro 98 E5.

• Octane rating: Can be either 95 or 98 RON

• Price: More expensive than E10, often by €0.10–€0.20 per litre

• Benefits: Safer for older engines and motorcycles, less ethanol means lower risk of corrosion

• Drawbacks: Higher cost, slightly less eco-friendly than E10

👉 E5 is particularly recommended for classic cars, motorcycles, and vehicles that are not certified for E10.

Euro 95 Explained

For decades, Euro 95 was the standard petrol across Europe. It refers to unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 95 RON. In many countries, Euro 95 has now effectively been replaced by E10.

• Octane rating: 95

• Price: Typically the cheapest fuel type

• Best for: Modern petrol engines designed for unleaded 95

• Caution: Older cars and some motorcycles may not run efficiently on Euro 95 when it contains 10% ethanol (E10).

Euro 98 Explained

Euro 98, also known as Super 98 or Premium Unleaded, is petrol with a higher octane rating of 98 RON. It usually falls under the E5 classification (up to 5% ethanol).

• Octane rating: 98

• Price: Around €0.20–€0.30 per litre more expensive than Euro 95

• Benefits: Cleaner combustion, better for performance cars and engines with higher compression ratios

• Drawbacks: Higher cost, and for most everyday cars, little noticeable improvement in fuel economy or performance

👉 Some drivers of standard cars report smoother performance or lower consumption with Euro 98, but the difference is often marginal unless your vehicle specifically requires high-octane fuel.

Which Fuel Should You Use?

Choosing the right fuel depends largely on the age and type of your car:

• Most modern cars (after 2010): Can safely run on E10 (Euro 95)

• Older cars (pre-2000): Often not compatible with E10, safer to use E5 or Euro 98

• High-performance cars and sports cars: Usually require Euro 98 for optimal performance

• Motorcycles and classic cars: Typically run better on E5 (Euro 95 or Euro 98)

👉 Always check your car’s owner’s manual or the fuel cap for the manufacturer’s recommendation.

Cost Comparison: Is Premium Fuel Worth It?

• E10 (Euro 95): Cheapest option, widely available, good for most modern vehicles

• E5 (Euro 95 or Euro 98): Around €0.10–€0.20 per litre more expensive

• Euro 98: Premium price, often €0.20–€0.30 higher per litre

For most cars designed for 95 RON fuel, using 98 RON will not significantly improve performance or efficiency. However, for cars that require 98 RON, using lower-octane fuel can lead to knocking, reduced efficiency, and even long-term engine damage.

Environmental Considerations

• E10: More environmentally friendly thanks to higher bioethanol content, but ethanol production has its critics (land use, food vs. fuel debate).

• E5: Less ethanol, so slightly worse for emissions, but safer for older vehicles.

• Euro 98: Higher octane can provide cleaner combustion in the right engines, but overall CO₂ reduction compared to E10 is minimal.

Tips for Fueling Smartly

1. Check E10 compatibility: If in doubt, look it up before filling your tank.

2. Don’t overpay unnecessarily: If your car runs fine on 95, you don’t need to buy 98.

3. Traveling abroad? Fuel labels differ across Europe. Look for the octane rating (95 or 98) rather than just the brand name.

4. Watch out for storage: Cars that sit unused for long periods may suffer from ethanol-related issues with E10. In that case, consider E5.

5. Fuel quality varies: Stick to reputable fuel stations to avoid contaminated or lower-quality petrol.

Quick Comparison Table

Conclusion

The differences between E10, E5, Euro 95, and Euro 98 mainly come down to ethanol content and octane rating.

• E10 is the cheapest and most common option, suitable for the majority of modern vehicles.

• E5 is a safer choice for older cars, motorcycles, and classics.

• Euro 98 is best reserved for performance cars or engines that specifically require it.

Choosing the right fuel is not just about saving money at the pump — it’s also about keeping your engine healthy and ensuring long-term reliability.

So next time you’re standing at a European petrol station, you’ll know exactly which pump to pick.