Motor Oil Nov 2019 Test: Which Brand Wins?
In our Nov 2019 test we compared 2 motor oil options head to head. Quaker State 10W-40 (modern) came out on top. See the measured results, the runner-up, the budget pick, and a link to the full test video.
Quaker State 10W-40 (modern)
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Quaker State vintage (1950s/60s)
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The quick take
The short version of why each pick lands where it does, built straight from the measured results.
“Actually, modern motor oil did win the showdown as far as the lubricity test, but the vintage didn't do too bad.”
The measured results
Every number below is read straight from the test. Products are listed in the order they finished.
All measurements (11 more)+
Evaporative loss (410F for 2 hours)
- 1Quaker State 10W-40 conventional motor oil (modern)
started at 430 g, ended at 423.37 g, a loss of 6.63 g
- 2Quaker State vintage oil, approximately 60 to 70 years old (1950s can)
started at 404.56 g, ended at 395.13 g, a loss of 9.43 g, described as a lot of evaporative loss
Lubricity/film strength test
- 1Quaker State 10W-40 conventional motor oil (modern)
won the showdown against the vintage oil
- 2Quaker State vintage oil, approximately 60 to 70 years old (1950s can)
lost to the modern oil but did not do too badly
Cold oil flow test (after 24 hours at minus 40F)
- 1Quaker State 10W-40 conventional motor oil (modern)
new Quaker State was first across the finish line, 2 inches ahead of the cooked Quaker State sample
- 2Quaker State vintage oil, approximately 60 to 70 years old (1950s can)
very sluggish and the last to move meaningfully; described as not liking the cold temperature at all
Oil analysis, moly
- 1Quaker State 10W-40 conventional motor oil (modern)116 parts per million
- 2Quaker State vintage oil, approximately 60 to 70 years old (1950s can)0 parts per million
(none detected)
Oil analysis, phosphorus
- 1Quaker State 10W-40 conventional motor oil (modern)475 parts per million
- 2Quaker State vintage oil, approximately 60 to 70 years old (1950s can)475 parts per million
Oil analysis, zinc
- 1Quaker State 10W-40 conventional motor oil (modern)581 parts per million
- 2Quaker State vintage oil, approximately 60 to 70 years old (1950s can)509 parts per million
Oil analysis, TBN
- 1Quaker State 10W-40 conventional motor oil (modern)6.2
described as pretty average
- 2Quaker State vintage oil, approximately 60 to 70 years old (1950s can)0.4
described as extremely low
API rating
- 1Quaker State 10W-40 conventional motor oil (modern)
has the API donut, API service SN, meets or exceeds API SN and previous API categories
- 2Quaker State vintage oil, approximately 60 to 70 years old (1950s can)not tested
Packaging
- 2Quaker State vintage oil, approximately 60 to 70 years old (1950s can)
no viscosity grade rating and no API donut on the can
- 1Quaker State 10W-40 conventional motor oil (modern)not tested
Small engine run (16 oz added to a small engine)
- 2Quaker State vintage oil, approximately 60 to 70 years old (1950s can)
slight drop in compression; teardown showed crusty buildup on the cylinder head and around the intake and exhaust valves, plus vapor from the positive crankcase ventilation
- 1Quaker State 10W-40 conventional motor oil (modern)not tested
Oil analysis, calcium
- 2Quaker State vintage oil, approximately 60 to 70 years old (1950s can)
only 6 parts per million
- 1Quaker State 10W-40 conventional motor oil (modern)not tested
How it was tested
- NOACK-style evaporative loss test at 410F for 2 hours
- lubricity/film strength wear-scar test
- small engine run with compression check and cylinder head teardown
- cold oil flow race after 24 hours at minus 40F, cooked and uncooked samples of both oils
- independent oil lab analysis (moly, phosphorus, zinc, calcium, boron, TBN)
“Actually, modern motor oil did win the showdown as far as the lubricity test, but the vintage didn't do too bad.”
