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Oil & Fluids

Pennzoil Platinum vs Ultra Platinum: What’s Best for You?

Pennzoil-Platinum-vs-Ultra-Platinum
Last Updated on Aug 16, 2023 By Lillian Kazmierczak

 You need to use the correct type of motor oil to make sure that your vehicle runs smoothly. Experts usually recommend synthetic oil because it can maintain high temperatures and have fewer impurities than regular oil.

But what synthetic oil is best out of Pennzoil Platinum vs Ultra Platinum? Both have the same base but differ in other factors.

Let’s explore the nuances of both.

Pennzoil Platinum vs Ultra Platinum

1. Specifications

Platinum

Made from natural gas and not crude. The following is to be used as a guideline only. You need to check your driver’s manual for more details.

Industry specifications:

  • API SP-Resource Conserving and all previous categories
  • API SP, SN, SM, SL, SJ (SAW 0W-16, SAE 0W-20, SAE 5W-20, SAE 5W-30, SAE 10W-30)
  • ACEA A1/B1-10, A1/B1-12 and ACEA A5/B5-10, A5/B5-12 (SAE 5W-30)
  • ILSAC GF-6
  • Exceeds ILSAC GF-6 engine cleansing and protection requirements

OEM specifications:

  • Chrysler MS-6395 (SAE 0W-20, SAE 5W-20, SAE 5W-30, SAE 10W-30)
  • Ford WSS-M2C930-A and WSS-M2C945-A (SAE 5W-20)
  • Ford WSS-M2C929-A and WSS-M2C946-A (SAE 5W-30)
  • Ford WSS-M2C947-A (SAE 0W-20)
  • GM 6094M (SAE 5W-20, SAE 5W-30, SAE 10W-30)
  • GM 4718M (Corvette and Cadillac) (SAE 5W-30, SAE 10W-30)
  • GM dexos1™ Certification (SAE 0W-20, SAE 5W-20, SAE 5W-30)
  • Honda/Acura HTO-06 (SAE 5W-30)
  • Volvo (SAE 5W-30)

Ultra Platinum

Made from natural gas. The following is to be used as a guideline only. You need to check your driver’s manual for more details.

Industry specifications:

  • API SP, SN, SM, SL and SJ
  • ACEA A1/B1-10, A1/B1-12 (SAE 0W-20, SAE 5W-20, SAE 5W-30, SAE 10W-30*)
  • ACEA A5/B5-10, A5/B5-12 (SAE 5W-30, SAE 10W-30*)
  • ILSAC GF-6
  • Exceeds ILSAC GF-6 engine cleansing and protection requirements

*Engine protection only

OEM specifications:

  • Chrysler MS-6395 (SAE 0W-20, SAE 5W-20, SAE 5W-30, SAE 10W-30)
  • Chrysler MS12633 (SRT) (SAE 0W-40)
  • GM dexos1™ Certification (SAE 0W-20, SAE 5W-20, SAE 5W-30)
  • GM 4718M (Corvette and Cadillac) (SAE 5W-30, SAE 10W-30)
  • GM 6094M (SAE 5W-20, SAE 5W-30, SAE 10W-30)
  • Ford WSS-M2C930-A and WSS-M2C945-A (SAE 5W-20)
  • Ford WSS-M2C929-A and WSS-M2C946-A (SAE 5W-30)
  • Ford WSS-M2C947-A (SAE 0W-20)
  • Honda/Acura HTO-06 (SAE 5W-30)

*** As specified by pennzoil.com

Winner

Both work hard for your engine. The winner will depend on your personal needs.

2. Variety based on viscosity

Platinum

This type of oil is available in 7 different varieties based on viscosity. They include: 0W16, 0W20, 5W20, 5W30, 5W40, 10W30 and lastly, 10W60.

Ultra Platinum

This type of oil has 5 different varieties based on viscosity. They include: 0W20, 0W40, 5W20, 5W30, and 10W30.

Winner

With 7 varieties based on viscosity, Platinum wins in this category.

3. Performance

Platinum

You will observe cleaner pistons, excellent engine protection, less power loss, improved fuel efficiency, and works wonders in different weather conditions.

Ultra Platinum

This type of oil performs well as the Platinum version resulting in similar results for your vehicle.

Winner

It’s a draw. If you switch to either oil, you will notice a big difference in your vehicle’s performance. You will have more control, and you will find that your engine runs smoother than before. This is because of the strict process the oils have gone through and the investigated formulation of both the Platinum and Ultra Platinum.

4. Engine Compatibility

Platinum

When using this oil, you won’t have to be concerned with noisy engines, premature combustion, or engine failure. It’s perfect to use in older diesel engines and the more modern turbocharged vehicle engines.

Ultra Platinum

This oil is compatible with new and older vehicle models. Since it maintains the engine’s torque and horsepower, it is great for using this oil in luxury and sports cars. It’s also ideal for petrol and diesel engines.

Winner

The winner will depend on the type of vehicle you have.

5. Protection

Platinum

The life of your engine is extended and protected up to 500 000 miles or 15 years (whatever comes first). It’s all about top engine performance, wear protection, does well in extreme temperatures, superior fuel economy keeps pistons 45 percent cleaner, and is designed in high-performance engines.

Ultra Platinum

This oil is “race trusted” and optimized for maximum engine performance. It boasts factory cleanliness for your engine. It can last up to 10 000 miles if there are no mechanical issues with your car.

Winner

Both are contenders. It all depends on the type of vehicle you own. The Ultra Platinum, however, is better in fast and luxury cars.

6. Piston Cleanliness

Platinum

This oil keeps your pistons 40 percent cleaner than regular brand oils.

Ultra Platinum

has more added detergents; it cleans your car pistons better than the Platinum variety.

Winner

Both are great at protecting and limiting oil buildup, but there’s a reason why the word “ultra” is in its name. The Ultra Platinum wins this round.

7. Mileage

Platinum

Exclusively using this product, you can drive up to 10 years or 300 000 miles. Of course, getting a routine oil change will help your vehicle’s engine performance.

Ultra Platinum

This oil can cover you up to 10 000 miles with a well-running vehicle and no mechanical issues.

Winner

It all comes down to numbers for this one. The Platinum wins for this section.

8. Warranty

Platinum

Comes with a limited warranty and free coverage of 15 years or 500 000 miles.

Ultra Platinum

The warranty is the same as the Platinum, 15 years or 500 000 miles.

Winner

In this case, it’s a tie.

9. Price

Platinum

Depends on the type, size, and where you purchase it, but this oil will cost you anywhere from $25 to $50.

Ultra Platinum

The price is determined by the type, size, and where you buy this oil. However, this can sometimes be priced higher than just the Platinum version.

Winner

Both synthetic oils are more expensive than regular oils because they are made from natural gas and give out high-performance levels. It would be best to do your research to get more bang for your buck. It’s available to get online or in stores.

What’s Best For Whom?

Both are compatible with a variety of vehicles and exist within the same oil group with a similar base.

However, the Platinum is great for daily used cars while the Ultra Platinum contains an ingredient that increases the performance and cleanliness of your engine at a very high standard or race level. The Ultra is simply best for racing and other strenuous activities that require high horsepower and torque.

FAQs

1. Can Pennzoil be used in motorbikes and airplanes? 

Ans. No. Using either Pennzoil synthetic oils in motorcycles or aviation vehicles isn’t recommended.

2. Can you mix Pennzoil Platinum with Ultra Platinum?

Ans. It usually isn’t prudent to mix oils, but in the case of Platinum and Ultra Platinum, you can since they are the same brand and if they share the same viscosity rating.

3. Is Pennzoil the best on the market?

Ans. It is one of the leading motor oils on the market, often beating its competition. It does an efficient job lubricating the engine, promoting fuel efficiency, and maintaining your vehicle’s horsepower.

4. How are Pennzoil oils made?

Ans. The oils get changed from gas to liquid form through a process called PurePlus. This makes the product clear with fewer impurities than many traditional and synthetic motor oils out there. After the base oil, some different additives are included to make a variety of oils including the Platinum and the Ultra Platinum.

About the author

Lillian Kazmierczak

As far as I can remember, I would say I have been a car nut for my whole life. My father was a car dealer who used to change and repair his cars himself. This gave me the opportunity to get around all sorts of cars and get my hands dirty repairing vehicles from an early age.

A great fan of Japanese quality and German preciosity, my deep passion lies in older models that I believe have a flair that takes me back to my childhood! I also love their extraordinary durability and reliability when compared to today’s modern models.

When not out taking a ride, I enjoy socializing with fellow motorheads online and consuming any car facts and figures I can get my mind on!

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