Motor Oil Apr 22, 2019 Test: Which Brand Wins?
In our Apr 22, 2019 test we compared 2 motor oil options head to head. Schaeffer's Supreme 9000 came out on top. See the measured results, the runner-up, the budget pick, and a link to the full test video.
Schaeffer's Supreme 9000
Price shown in test: $13.87 per quart
Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Mobil 1 Annual Protection
Price shown in test: $10.48 per quart
Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The quick take
The short version of why each pick lands where it does, built straight from the measured results.
“however that can only be one oil that advances to the next level and that's clearly Schafer's”
The measured results
Every number below is read straight from the test. Products are listed in the order they finished.
All measurements (5 more)+
Spec claims
- 1Schaeffer's Supreme 90005W
30 full synthetic engine oil for gasoline engines, exceeds API SN classification, ILSAC GF-5 and GM dexos1 compliant, exceeds OEM specs for GM, Chrysler, Toyota, and Honda plus other brands, friction modified with Micron Moly and Penetro, claims strong protection against wear, scuffing, and abrasion, resists thinning in higher temperatures, quick lubrication in cold
- 2Mobil 1 Annual Protection
ultimate full synthetic motor oil, licensed API SN resource conserving, ILSAC GF-5, GM dexos1, claims proven protection for one full year or 20,000 miles, recommends an extended performance oil filter and following the owner's manual maintenance schedule, recommends checking oil level frequently, if under warranty follow the vehicle's oil life sensor or the owner's manual interval, extended service not recommended in severe applications
Lubricity test, bearing wear and film strength, 10 minutes
- 1Schaeffer's Supreme 9000
no specific weight or wear scar numbers were narrated, presenter states both oils did extremely well but the victory goes to Schaeffer's
- 2Mobil 1 Annual Protection
no specific weight or wear scar numbers were narrated, presenter states both oils did extremely well but Schaeffer's won this test
Cold flow test, new oil, -15 F for 24 hours
- 1Schaeffer's Supreme 9000
first to reach the end of the oil slide, winning over Mobil 1 by less than half an inch
- 2Mobil 1 Annual Protection
reached the end of the oil slide just behind Schaeffer's, losing by less than half an inch, presenter calls it a very impressive performance by both
Evaporative loss test, oil heated on a griddle to about 375 to 400 F for 2 hours
- 1Schaeffer's Supreme 9000
started at 417 grams, ended at 414.4 grams, a loss of 2.6 grams
- 2Mobil 1 Annual Protection
started at 407.14 grams, ended at 404.66 grams, a loss of 2.48 grams, won this test with less evaporative loss than Schaeffer's, though by a narrow margin
Post-heat four-way cold flow race, -15 F for another 24 hours
- 1Schaeffer's Supreme 9000
new Schaeffer's finished first, cooked Schaeffer's finished second (just behind new Schaeffer's, beating the new Mobil 1 by less than half an inch); narration also describes the cooked Schaeffer's losing about two and a half grams during the evaporative loss test, which is close to but not identical to the 2.6 gram figure stated during that test, kept verbatim as a minor inconsistency rather than reconciled
- 2Mobil 1 Annual Protection
new Mobil 1 finished third, just behind cooked Schaeffer's, and just ahead of the cooked Mobil 1 which finished last
How it was tested
- lubricity test on a test bearing, measuring weight loss and wear scar size, 10 minutes per oil
- cold flow race down an oil slide after 24 hours at -15 F
- evaporative loss test, oil heated on a griddle to about 375 to 400 F for 2 hours, weighed before and after
- post-heat four-way cold flow race comparing new oil versus heat-exposed (cooked) oil for both brands, after another 24 hours at -15 F
“however that can only be one oil that advances to the next level and that's clearly Schafer's”
