These motor oils are entirely synthetic. They are only used for gasoline type of engines. Quaker State Ultimate Durability mainly emphasizes engine cleanliness, on the other hand, Quaker State Fully Synthetic center of focus is protecting against engine degradation.
Ultimate is well known for its excellent catalytic converter performances because of its lower ash formations. Detergents are present in enormous numbers enabling oil to provide better resistance against sludge build-ups. The presence of lighter molecules in lower amounts also ensures high protection against the pre-ignition of oil. Anti-wearing additives are available in decent numbers to lower engine wearing. The high viscosity index assists the oil to retain any changes in its viscosity upon temperature fluctuations.
Synthetic, whereas, gives superb resistance from engine wearing. The high kinematic viscosity makes sure the oil’s commendable performance during high-temperature environments. The oil provides excellent cold startups as well. The concentration of detergents in decent numbers helps it provide good engine cleaning. The high TBN also gives longer durations of replacing the oil thereby, decreasing the consumption.
Table of Contents
Comparing the two
| Specifications | Quaker State Ultimate Durability (5W-30) | Quaker State Fully Synthetic (5W-30) |
| Oil Categorization | Completely Synthetic | Completely Synthetic |
| Engine Category | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Accessible grades of viscosity | 5W-20, 0W-20, 5W-30, 10W-30, 5W-40 | 0W-20, 5W-40, 5W-30, 5W-20, 10W-30 |
| ILSAC | GF-5 | GF-6A |
| API | SN/CF | SP/RC |
| Cost (5 Quarts) | 15.0 $ | 20.87 $ |
| Distance of oil replacement (miles) | 3,000-4000 | 7,500-10,000 |
| Supplements | Anti-oxidants, Wearing Resistant, Detergents, Viscosity modifiers, Dispersants | Detergents, Friction minimizing agents, Anti-oxidants, Dispersants, Wearing Resistant |
| ACEA | Unavailable | Unavailable |
Comparing Engine Wearing Protection
Anti-wear additives are added to the oil to protect against engine wear. These wear-resistant additives develop fine layers around the engine moving parts, lowering their exposure to each other. This significantly reduces the friction between them, providing higher lubrication. The presence of anti-wearing supplements in greater quantities gives better resistance from engine wearing.
Both the oils are very competitive in the aspect of wear protection. However, these wearing-resistant compounds are present in marginally lower amounts in the Ultimate oil. The lower concentrations of these additives provide comparatively lower resistance against engine degradation.
The presence of the anti-wearing compounds in faintly higher numbers enables Synthetic to provide sturdy layers formation around the engine moving components. The oil, thereby, provides better lubrication and higher wearing protection compared to its counterpart.
Viscosity Comparison
The resistance in the proper oil movements is termed kinematic viscosity. The functioning of oil is generally characterized by this kinematic viscosity. A higher kinematic viscosity enables superior performance during high temperatures. Index of Viscosity is the oil’s ability to maintain its kinematic viscosity when the temperature rises from medium to high. Viscosity variations will be less if the engine oil has a higher viscosity index. The pour point of the oil is the lowest temperature underneath which it does not move. The oil possessing a minimum temperature of pour point ensures better cold condition performances.
The working of Synthetic is more dominant compared to other oil. This is due to its greater kinematic viscosity at 40 o C as well as 100 o C helping it to perform confidently during these respective temperatures.
Meanwhile, Ultimate gives more stable viscosity upon temperature rise. The high viscosity index of the oil assists it to maintain its viscosity. During lower temperature environments, Synthetic is superior because of its lower pour point temperature.
| Comparing oils (Grade of oils 5W-30) | Kinematic Viscosity at Normal temperature (40 o C) (cSt) | Kinematic Viscosity at Higher Temperature 100 o C (cSt) | Index of Viscosity (VI) | Pour point Temperature (o C) |
| Quaker State Ultimate Durability | 60 | 10.8 | 178 | -42 |
| Quaker State Fully Synthetic | 66.65 | 11.6 | 170 | -50 |
Comparing Functioning of Catalytic Converter
The ignition of oil results in the generation of zinc as well as phosphorus ash which is poisonous. The ash sets into the catalytic converter causing its clogging. This clogging leads to the improper functioning of the converter, lowering its effectiveness.
Ultimate contains primary wear-resistant compounds (ZDDP compounds) in a slightly lower amount. This ultimately helps the oil to generate low ash in comparison to the other oil, making the working of the catalytic converter more reliable.
The quantities of both zinc and phosphorus-based compounds are on the higher side in Synthetic, causing a comparatively high amount of ash residue production upon burning. This situation leads to the less effective catalytic converter performance, making it second to that of its rival in this regard.
Comparison of Oil Sludge Build-ups
Sludge is produced as a consequence of the reaction between oxidized oil with some contaminations like dust or moisture. The formation of sludge blocks the flow of oil inside the pipe making it harmful for an orthodox working of the engine. Detergents in addition to some dispersants are being added to the oil to serve the purpose of reducing sludge production. Sludge production will be greatly reduced if the oil contains these additives in larger amounts.
The concentrations of these detergents are relatively high in Ultimate, enabling it to remove these sludge build-ups in a more effective manner. This gives a lead to this oil over its peer with regard to engine cleansing.
On the contrary, these detergents are available in lower quantities in Synthetic oil. The lower detergent concentrations lead to comparatively more sludge formation, therefore, causing slightly more hindrance in the oil proper movements.
Comparison of Shielding against Rapid Oil burn-off
The volatility of the oil depends on its lighter molecule concentrations. These lower-weighted molecules won’t be able to resist the high temperatures and will eventually vaporize. The higher their concentrations, the earlier the oil reaches its ignition point. This causes higher volatility leading to lower protection against pre-oil burning.
A fewer number of lightweight molecules are present in Ultimate. This causes the oil to get to its ignition point at a comparatively higher temperature enabling it to provide better shielding from pre-mature oil combustion.
On the other hand, the flashpoint temperature of Synthetic is slightly lower because of the existence of a comparatively significant amount of these lower weight molecules. This makes the oil more volatile, providing lower protection against quick oil ignition.
| Comparing oils (Grade of oil 5W-30) | Flashpoint (o C) |
| Quaker State Ultimate Durability | 237 |
| Quaker State Fully Synthetic | 234 |
Contrasting durations of Oil Exchange
The alkaline additives in the oil help to counterbalance the acids developed during oil combustion. Their numbers decline over the course of time. The concentrations of alkaline supplements are usually measured in TBN. A high TBN offers oil replacement after a longer duration.
Ultimate possesses a lower TBN because of its minimum base additions compared to its twin. The minimum TBN gives a greater oil changing frequency as the oil is needed to be changed after around 3,000 to 4,000 miles of distance.
Meanwhile, the frequency of changing the oil is comparatively lower in Synthetic because of its higher TBN. The oil change intervals of the oil are, therefore, longer. It is needed to be changed after every 7,500 to 10,000 miles distance.
Price Difference
The cost of Synthetic is higher compared to its peer. This is because of its higher mileage and dominant performances overall, providing better fuel efficiency. The price of a 5 Quarts bottle is around 20.87 US Dollars greater when compared to its competitor. Conversely, the price of Ultimate is more affordable. The same 5 Quarts bottle of oil costs around 15.0 US Dollars making it more budget-friendly.
Conclusion
- These motor oils are entirely synthetic used in gasoline engines.
- Ultimate provides superior catalytic converter functioning because of its lower ash build-ups.
- Detergents are present in larger amounts in Ultimate enabling it to clean the sludge more diligently.
- Ultimate because of its higher ignition point gives higher shielding from pre-mature oil burning.
- Synthetic leads the race in terms of wearing resistance as it contains anti-wearing agents in relatively higher amounts.
- The high kinematic viscosity of Synthetic continues its superiority during extremely high temperatures.
- Oil interchanging duration of Synthetic is greater because of its higher TBN.
- Ultimate is comparatively cheaper proving to be more cost-effective.