Lower compression ratios (8:1 to 10:1) are commonly found in engines designed to operate on regular gasoline with lower octane ratings. These lower ratios help prevent engine knocking, which occurs when the fuel mixture ignites prematurely due to high pressure and temperature.
Higher compression ratios (10:1 to 12:1) are typically used in high-performance engines or engines designed for better fuel efficiency. Higher compression ratios allow for more complete combustion of the fuel, resulting in increased power and efficiency. However, higher compression ratios require higher-octane fuel to avoid knocking.
The optimal compression ratio for a specific engine depends on various factors, including the engine's design, operating conditions, and desired performance goals. Engine manufacturers carefully engineer the compression ratio based on these considerations to achieve the best balance of power, efficiency, and reliability.
