Castrol Import ATF > Mobil 1 ATF ?

[ArcticCat]

I was recently comparing the spec sheet of Castrol Import Multi-Vehicle ATF against the specs of the newly reformulated Mobil 1 ATF and came across what I found to be surprising. Both products are recommended by their manufacturers for use in exactly the same applications (both are recommended for virtually any automatic transmission ever made with the exception of CVT's and those calling for Ford Type F or Dexron VI ATF) yet the Castrol ATF has significantly better flash and pour points! If I were to make a judgment based simply on the spec sheets it would appear that the Castrol Import ATF is the superior the two.

This seems at odds with the current pricing, as the Castrol Import ATF is sold at $6 Canadian a litre (based on buying the 3.78 litre jug for $22), while the Mobil 1 ATF sells for $9+ per litre.

Castrol Import Multi-Vehicle ATF:
Flash Point= min 208 Celsius
Pour Point= -48 Celsius

Mobil 1 ATF:
Flash Point= 200 Celsius
Pour Point= -41 Celsius

http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Lubes/PDS/NAUSENPVLMOMobil_1_Synthetic_ATF.asp

http://www.castrol.com/liveassets/bp_int...ds_ImportMV.pdf

Why is the Mobil 1 ATF priced at 50% more than the competition if it isn't even matching the specs of its lower priced (and non-synthetic) competition?

I thought one of the main selling points of synthetic ATF was its superior performance in extreme cold and extreme heat?

Comments?

 

[Bebop367]

Good question.
The big difference I see is in VI (viscosity index).
Castrol list VI of 200.
M1 list VI of 176.
I am NOT SURE but I think this means more Viscosity Improvers in the Castrol. Meaning M1 possibly has better base oil.
Note I don't know for sure and am waiting for others with more experience to reply.

 

[The Critic]

The Mobil 1 ATF probably contains a premium additive package.

I remember that Lubrizol has two different multi-vehicle additive packages available: 9684 and 9680. 9684 was targeted toward premium synthetic ATFs, 9680 was formulated for conventional base stocks.

The 9684 was formulated to have significantly better frictional durability and anti-shudder properties.

 

[d00df00d]

ATF is an extremely complex application AFAIK. There has to be quite a lot more to it than what you see on paper.

 

[ArcticCat]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
The Mobil 1 ATF probably contains a premium additive package.


Perhaps the new premium multi-vehicle ATF additive packages have the side-effect that they hurt the flash point and pour point of the finished ATF more so than the mainstream/lesser multi-vehicle additive packages and the old Mercon/Dexron III additive packages. Either this or they are switching to cheaper base oils for the new multi-vehicle version...

The fact that the version of Mobil 1 ATF that is available in Canada (the old version that is only recommended for Mercon/Dexron III applications) has vastly superior characterics than the new premium multi-vehicle version at extreme temperatures would tend to bolster your 'blame it on the premium multi-vehicle additives' theory.

Mercon/Dexron III version of Mobil 1 (Current Canadian specs)
Pour Point: -54 C
Flash Point: 236 C
Brookfield Viscosity at -40C: 5190 cP

Multi-Vehicle version of Mobil 1 (Current US specs)
Pour Point: -41 C
Flash Point: 200 C
Brookfield Viscosity at -40C: 10,040 cP

http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Lubes/PDS/NAUSENPVLMOMobil_1_Synthetic_ATF.asp
http://www.imperialoil.ca/Canada-English/Files/Products_Lubes/IOCAENPVLMOMobil_1_Synthetic_ATF.pdf

On paper the old Mercon/Dexron III version's specs looks so much more impressive! Any one else have a take on whether these new multi-vehicle additives hurt the extreme high and low temp performance of the ATF?

 

[BTLew81]

I currently use Castrol Import MV...great performing fluid compared to the stock Mazda M-V fluid, and shifts well in all temps. It's considerably cheaper than M1, though my Walmart is closing out Mobil 1 ATF for $4/qt.

I'll stick with Castrol for now, but MaxLife is also M-V approved and is enticing!

 

[hounddog]

What bout Valvoline's claim that their synthetic ATF exceeds Amsoils or Mobiles? Thats what I got in a e/mail from them.The CASTROL folks offered NO int to theirs.Said it was proprietary!

 

[postjeeprcr]

Originally Posted By: hounddog
What bout Valvoline's claim that their synthetic ATF exceeds Amsoils or Mobiles? Thats what I got in a e/mail from them.The CASTROL folks offered NO int to theirs.Said it was proprietary!


You should post the email, I am sure a lot of people would be interested in seeing it.

 

[KLowD9x]

The Castrol Multi-vehicle ATF HTML datasheet says that it is not to be used in Volvo 5-speed transaxles, but the PDF says that it is suitable for all Volvo specifications.

Something seems out of place.

 

[unDummy]

Webmasters can't keep up with the rest of the company.

Paper specs are great. Run your own test. Flush with 1 and UOA in 30k, then flush with the other and UOA in 30k, and compare.

When Castrol Import came out, I tried it and highly recommend it. It was more impressive then the "Castrol Syntec ATF DexronIII" that was out a decade+ ago. I boiled and smoked the Syntec DexIII. I couldn't boil/smoke the M1 in the same transmission.

M1 is asking much money for their ATFs. Its still a favorite of mine(has never failed me yet).

 

[vinu_neuro]

Fwiw, here are the Amsoil physical specs. Anyone know which additive package they're using? Considering their products, I'm sure the base oils and additives are top notch.

Viscosity Index 172
Flash Point °C (°F) 220 (428)
Pour Point °C (°F) -53 (-63)

Originally Posted By: ArcticCat

Perhaps the new premium multi-vehicle ATF additive packages have the side-effect that they hurt the flash point and pour point of the finished ATF more so than the mainstream/lesser multi-vehicle additive packages and the old Mercon/Dexron III additive packages. Either this or they are switching to cheaper base oils for the new multi-vehicle version...

The fact that the version of Mobil 1 ATF that is available in Canada (the old version that is only recommended for Mercon/Dexron III applications) has vastly superior characterics than the new premium multi-vehicle version at extreme temperatures would tend to bolster your 'blame it on the premium multi-vehicle additives' theory.

Mercon/Dexron III version of Mobil 1 (Current Canadian specs)
Pour Point: -54 C
Flash Point: 236 C
Brookfield Viscosity at -40C: 5190 cP

Multi-Vehicle version of Mobil 1 (Current US specs)
Pour Point: -41 C
Flash Point: 200 C
Brookfield Viscosity at -40C: 10,040 cP

http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Lubes/PDS/NAUSENPVLMOMobil_1_Synthetic_ATF.asp
http://www.imperialoil.ca/Canada-English/Files/Products_Lubes/IOCAENPVLMOMobil_1_Synthetic_ATF.pdf

On paper the old Mercon/Dexron III version's specs looks so much more impressive! Any one else have a take on whether these new multi-vehicle additives hurt the extreme high and low temp performance of the ATF?