Pennzoil vs Mobil 1 Engine Oil: 8 Differences

Automotive engine maintenance is all about engine oil because the engine is the heart of your car. Two giants in synthetic motor oils, Pennzoil Platinum from Shell and Mobil 1. Although these engine oils are fully synthetic, they have some significant differences.

Pennzoil Platinum is made from a purer base material derived from natural gas, while Mobil 1 is derived from conventional oil. Also, Pennzoil Platinum is suitable for gasoline, hybrid, semi-hybrid, and Diesel engines, while Mobil 1 is primarily recommended for modern gas-powered vehicles.

Throughout this article, we will explore the differences between these two brands and help you decide on your vehicle engine oil. So, keep reading to uncover the facts.

Differences Between Pennzoil and Mobil 1 Engine Oil for Vehicles

When comparing Pennzoil and Mobil 1 engine oil for vehicles, several key differences exist.

• Base material and refinement
• Additives and viscosity options
• Suitable engines & vehicle compatibility
• Longevity and lifespan
• Noack volatility test
• Environmental impact
• NASCAR team preferences
• Price

1. Base Material and Refinement

Pennzoil Platinum is made using PurePlus Technology, converting natural gas into a high-quality synthetic base oil. This process produces a purer base material with fewer impurities, improving performance even under extreme temperatures.

On the other hand, Mobil 1 is made from conventional oil and utilizes an ‘Advanced’ complete synthetic formula. While Mobil 1 is highly regarded for its synthetic formulation, it isn’t derived from natural gas like Pennzoil Platinum.

2. Additives and Viscosity Options

Both Pennzoil Platinum and Mobil 1 offer a range of viscosities to suit different engine types and driving conditions.

Pennzoil Platinum provides various viscosity options, including 0W-20, 5W-20, 0W-40, 5W-30, 10W-30, and 5W-40. Alternatively, Mobil 1 offers viscosities such as 0W-20, 5W-20, 10W-30, and 5W-30.

But when considering additives, both brands incorporate specific additives to enhance fuel economy, engine cleanliness, and overall performance.

Pennzoil Platinum contains ZDDP and Zinc, while Mobil 1 utilizes synthetic base materials and other additives to ensure high-performance protection and fuel efficiency. However, the specific formulations and types of additives used may vary between the two brands.

3. Suitable Engines & Vehicle Compatibility

Pennzoil Platinum is a versatile gasoline, hybrid, and Diesel engine option. It also offers specialized versions like ‘Ultra Platinum’ and ‘Platinum High Mileage’ to cater to specific engine needs.

Also, Pennzoil Platinum is compatible with many vehicles, including trucks, SUVs, personal vehicles, and even those that must meet EU emission standards.

Conversely, Mobil 1 is recommended for modern gas-powered vehicles, especially high-performance and racing cars with turbocharged or supercharged engines. While it excels in protecting such engines, it may not be as versatile for different types of vehicles as Pennzoil.

4. Longevity and Lifespan

Pennzoil Platinum generally requires more frequent oil changes, with recommended intervals ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 miles. This may be a better option if you prefer regular maintenance and want to ensure maximum engine protection.

Alternatively, Mobil 1 is well-known for its extended service intervals, with some products claiming to last up to 20,000 miles between oil changes. Mobil 1 may be a more suitable choice if you prefer longer intervals between maintenance.

However, consider factors such as driving conditions and vehicle age when deciding on your vehicle’s optimal oil change interval.

5. Noack Volatility Test

Mobil 1 claims to have an advantage in this test, indicating better engine protection against volatility than Pennzoil engine oil. The Noack Volatility Test measures the oil’s ability to resist evaporation at high temperatures.

This is important because excessive evaporation can lead to oil consumption and decreased engine performance. Mobil 1’s lower Noack volatility suggests it offers better engine cleanliness and reduced oil consumption compared to Pennzoil.

6. Environmental Impact

When considering the environmental impact of Pennzoil and Mobil 1 engine oil for vehicles, you can compare their base materials and their potential effects on reducing your carbon footprint.

Pennzoil Platinum, with its base material derived from natural gas, is seen as having a lower environmental impact compared to Mobil 1, which is derived from conventional oil. Using natural gas as a base material, Pennzoil Platinum reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

7. NASCAR Team Preferences

While both brands are trusted by NASCAR teams, each has unique qualities that make it appealing to different teams.

Pennzoil is known for protecting and enhancing engine performance under extreme racing conditions. This makes it a popular choice for teams prioritizing engine durability and reliability.

Meanwhile, Mobil 1 is recognized as a high-quality synthetic racing oil suitable for demanding performance scenarios. It’s favored by teams that value its ability to provide excellent lubrication properties and reduce friction, resulting in improved engine efficiency.

8. Price

Regarding cost, Pennzoil Platinum is generally more budget-friendly than Mobil 1. 

For instance, a 5-quart container of Pennzoil Platinum 5W-30 oil is priced at $26.44. But the same quantity of Mobil 1 5W-30 oil costs $27.97. This slight price difference may not seem significant, but it could be a determining factor for those on a tight budget.

Mobil 1 Extended Performance vs Pennzoil Platinum Engine Oil: Comparison Table

Here’s a comparison table comparing the key features and differences between Pennzoil Platinum and Mobil 1 engine oils:

Feature	Pennzoil Platinum	Mobil 1
Base Material	Made from natural gas	Made from conventional oil
Viscosity Options	0W-20, 5W-20, 0W-40, 5W-30, 10W-30, and 5W-40	0W-20, 5W-20, 10W-30, and 5W-30
Price	Slightly more affordable	Slightly more expensive
Recommended Oil Change	Every 5,000 to 10,000 miles	At least 10,000 miles, some up to 20,000 miles
Suitable for Engines	Gasoline, hybrid, Diesel engines	Modern gas-powered vehicles
Variations	Ultra Platinum, Platinum High Mileage	Various specialized versions
Manufacturing Location	Pennsylvania, USA	Texas, USA
Noack Volatility Test	Notably good	Better engine protection
NASCAR Usage	Used by some NASCAR teams	Not specified

Can I mix Pennzoil and Mobil 1 vehicle engine oil?

You shouldn’t mix Pennzoil and Mobil 1 vehicle engine oil.

Motor oils, especially synthetic ones, contain a unique blend of additives specific to the manufacturer. This means that each oil is formulated to perform optimally with its own set of additives.

Mixing different oil brands can disrupt the balance of these additives and potentially lead to decreased performance and engine damage.

Does NASCAR use Pennzoil engine oil?

NASCAR teams rely on the use of Pennzoil engine oil. One example is Team Penske, which not only uses Pennzoil for their NASCAR vehicles but also for their IndyCar. The high-performance race cars depend on Pennzoil oil to ensure optimal performance on the track.

By using Pennzoil, NASCAR teams can protect their engines from wear and tear and maintain the necessary lubrication for smooth operation. Using Pennzoil in NASCAR demonstrates the trust and confidence that teams have in this engine oil brand.

Is Pennzoil engine oil owned by Shell?

Pennzoil was purchased by Shell in 2002. Before the acquisition, Pennzoil was an independent motor oil company headquartered in Pennsylvania.

Since the acquisition, Pennzoil has become the largest motor oil brand in market share. Being owned by Shell, Pennzoil benefits from the resources and expertise of a global energy company.

This ownership has allowed Pennzoil to expand its product offerings and innovate in the motor oil industry. It’s worth noting that despite being owned by Shell, Pennzoil maintains its identity and brand recognition in the engine oil market.

Is Pennzoil synthetic engine oil better?

With an advanced formula, Pennzoil synthetic engine oil outperforms conventional motor oil, providing superior protection and extending engine life.

Formulated to deliver 40% better performance than conventional motor oil, Pennzoil Full Synthetic motor oil is suitable for use in new and older engines. Its advanced formula allows for fewer oil changes than conventional motor oil, saving you time and money.

Why does Jeep recommend Pennzoil engine oil?

Jeep recommends using Pennzoil engine oil because it provides superior lubrication and protection for their vehicle’s engine. The Pennzoil motor oil is specifically designed to keep Jeep vehicle’s pistons clean and bearings well lubricated, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

This high-quality engine oil is formulated with advanced additives that help prevent engine wear, reduce friction, and maintain engine cleanliness. Pennzoil is committed to producing motor oils that meet or exceed the industry’s highest standards, making it a trusted choice for Jeep owners worldwide.

Why Mobil 1 is the best engine oil?

You can’t go wrong with Mobil 1 when choosing the best engine oil. Mobil 1 offers unsurpassed engine protection, making it an excellent choice for any vehicle.

It has superior resistance to high temperatures, ensuring your car engine stays protected even under extreme conditions. Also, Mobil 1 performs exceptionally well in low temperatures, allowing for smooth start-ups in cold weather.

Its exceptional cleaning power helps to keep your engine clean and free from harmful deposits. Mobil 1 also has lower oil consumption, reducing the need for frequent oil changes.

How many miles is Mobil 1 fully synthetic good for??

To determine how many miles Mobil 1 fully synthetic is good for, consider its proven protection of up to 20,000 miles.

Mobil 1 Extended Performance synthetic motor oil is designed to offer outstanding all-around protection surpassing synthetic blends and many regular full synthetic motor oils. This advanced formulation provides superior lubrication, reducing engine wear and extending the life of your engine.

Choose Perfect Engine Oil Between Pennzoil and Mobil 1 for Better Performance

When choosing between Pennzoil and Mobil 1 engine oil, both options have their strengths and benefits.

Pennzoil Platinum, derived from the depths of natural gas, carries the torch of affordability, while Mobil 1, forged from the crucible of innovation, sets a high standard for endurance.

Whether you seek the faithful companion of Pennzoil or the racing spirit of Mobil 1, the path is yours to choose. So, when you go with Pennzoil or Mobil 1, rest assured that both options will help keep your vehicle running smoothly for miles to come.