When talking about the “180 degree thermostat vs 195 degree” debate, it’s tough to come to a conclusion because both are equally good and have better performance, flow control, and durability than OE thermostats.
While 195-degree thermostats ensure better engine efficiency with reduced emissions and more mileage, 180-degree thermostats provide a little more torque and horsepower.
If you are confused about which one would be better for your car then just follow the manufacturer’s recommendation since every car is made with different heat tolerance and runs well at certain temperatures.
180 Degree Thermostat vs 195 Degree: How Do They Differ?
| Comparing factors | 180-degree | 195-degree |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
| Size | Bigger | Smaller |
| Notch | V notch | Bleed notch |
| Heat motor size | Larger than usual | Average |
| Mileage | Less | More |
| Emissions | More | Less |
| Horsepower | More | Less |
| Torque | More | Less |
| Investment cost | Less | More |
Weight
The 195-degree thermostat is slightly lighter in weight than the 180-degree. For example, the 195° STA45359 weighs 2.4 ounces while the 180° 45868 is 2.56 ounces.
Dimensions
With 3.8”×2.8”×1.7” dimensions, the 180-degree thermostat is bigger than the 195-degree with 2.28”×2.8”×2.72” dimensions.
For your information, these are the dimensions of the 45868 and STA45359 models respectively used as an example here.
Temperature
It is obvious by their names that there is a 15-degree difference in temperature between these two thermostats.
A hotter thermostat usually makes the engine more efficient but it comes at the cost of reduced horsepower. Also, if the temperature is higher than what the factory recommends for your car, its different engine parts may wear out quickly.
Flow controlling ability
The quality of thermostats is highly dependent on their ability to control the flow since a too small or too large flow directly affects the motor’s performance.
As for the 45868 and the STA45359, both devices are better at controlling the flow than their OE counterparts.
Heat engine
A 195-degree thermostat has an average-sized heat engine while the one in 180-degree is slightly larger.
Notch
The 180-degree thermostat has a V notch while the 195-degree variant comes with a bleed notch.
Thermostat material
The utilization rate of thermostats is determined by the materials they use. You can expect a significantly improved lifespan for both the 45868 and STA45359 models as they use flanges made of stainless steel.
Mileage
The hotter the engine the better the mileage since hot engines help vaporize the fuel more quickly and thus ensure better combustion.
For this reason, 195-degree thermostats will provide more mileage than their 180-degree counterparts.
Emission
195-degree thermostats are more eco-friendly as they have reduced emission levels. So, these thermostats emit less harmful gasses like hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxides (NO) into the air.
Horsepower
The 180-degree thermostat variants help the engines generate more power as they have more horsepower than 195-degree thermostats.
Torque
Since the 180° thermostat maintains a lower operating temperature, you can expect a bit more torque and horsepower.
Price
The price of these devices varies depending on the brand, product quality, and the features they come with. Although the 180-degree costs are slightly lower, the price range is between $5 to $20.
Advantages and Disadvantages of 180-Degree Thermostat
Pros
- Better flow control than OE thermostats
- SuperStat exceeds the performance of OE thermostats
- Longer life
- Higher strength
- Stainless steel flange
- Modern technologies
- More horsepower
- More torque
Cons
- Less efficient
- Less mileage
- Increased emissions
Advantages and Disadvantages of 195-Degree Thermostat
Pros
- Better flow control than OE thermostat
- SuperStat exceeds the performance of OE thermostats
- Stainless steel flange
- Higher strength
- Longer life
- Applicable to heavy vehicles
- Rust-resistant
- More efficient
- Decreased emissions
- Better fuel mileage
Cons
- Investment cost is higher
- Less horsepower
- Less torque
FAQs
1. Is a 180-degree thermostat good for winter?
Ans: Of course it is because it safeguards your engine from low temperatures by turning hot early and closing quickly.
2. What happens if I set the thermostat too high?
Ans: Technically, the hotter the thermostat the more efficient the engine is as it will have more fuel mileage and decreased emissions. However, the horsepower of your car may decrease by a few percent.
But it doesn’t mean that there is no temperature limit for the thermostat. Too high of a temperature, especially if it’s higher than the manufacturer’s recommendation, can reduce the lifespan of your engine parts.
3. What happens when a car thermostat goes bad?
Ans: If your car’s thermostat gets stuck and remains in a closed position because of aging or corrosion then the coolant won’t be able to reach the radiator through thermostats. Ultimately, this may cause severe problems as the engine will get overheated.
4. How much does it cost to replace a thermostat on a car?
Ans: This mainly depends on your car and the labor cost. Although the cost ranges from $200 to $300 for most cars, this can be more or less depending on the car type.
For example, a Jaguar XJ could cost around $500 while a Honda Accord will cost only $150. It’s better to talk to your mechanic to get a better idea.
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