i'm amazed at how many people have just said that 'more octane doesn't equal more power". that statement couldn't be any more incorrect.
yeah that's kinda true, if you're running the used dishwater the good ol' US of A call 'premium'. the difference between your premium and the rest of the worlds is that USA's 'premium' is the same as our regular unleaded. and your 'regular' is illegal for sale in all countries but the USA.
it's a bit of a conspiracy theory, the less octane you have, the more fuel you need to travel the same distance. premium is more expensive, but after a tank full it works out cheaper per kilometre to run a higher octane. it's just one way to prop up the failing economy.
our 'premium' is 98 RON - and soon to be 101 with BPs new fuel. our 'regular' is 91 RON. Japan has a 'premium' of 108 RON.
more octane means a cleaner, more efficient burn. more efficient combustion means a more complete burn, which means more force exerted onto the piston, which means more power. simple as that.
try running your engine on 50 RON and watch the power drop - then tell me the octane number doesn't increase or decrease power.
it's sad that misinformed people are able to dish out advice on this forum.