http://www.bostonengine.com/articles/todaysfuels.html :

"Finally, there is the formula for determining octane which is displayed on
the pump. It has changed to the (R+M)/2 method from the old MON (Motor
Octane Number) method. While in Europe the RON method is the standard.  The
"R"  in the (R+M)/2 equation stands for Research Octane Number (RON).  The
"M" in the equation stands for MON.  RON  serves as the essential index of
acceleration knock. The Motor Octane Number (MON)  provides an indication of
the tendency to knock at speed under loads. The MON figures are lower than
the RON numbers. For instance,  93(R+M)/2 method octane  "high-test " is not
even sufficient for the  upright VW engine with a posted minimum RON octane
number of 91."

That sticker for the vanagon is 91 RON - but isn't our compression lower
than 10:1 so isn't it easier for us to use lower octane fuels?

>From: Mark Ingalls <ingalls_mark@HOTMAIL.COM>
>
>There are different types of octane ratings, the most common in the US is
>something like RON/MON. The Volks I believe used to just state a RON number
>which  "IF"  I remember correctly is higher than the equivelant RON/MON. It
>should be specified on the Gas Pump.
>
>Go here for to the "fuel section" for all you want to know about Octane:
>
>
>http://www.geocities.com/motorcity/lane/1970
>
>
>
>Mark Ingalls
>
>
>>From: Dan Landry <landry_skidd@HOTMAIL.COM>
>>Reply-To: Dan Landry <landry_skidd@HOTMAIL.COM>
>>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>>Subject: Re: petrol consumption
>>Date: Tue, 5 Sep 2000 09:25:48 ADT
>>
>>There's a sticker beside my fuel cap than says minimum octane to put into
>>the tank is 91.
>>
>>Danl
>>
>>Bedford, Nova Scotia
>>
>>
>>----Original Message Follows----
>>From: Bill Hayeslip <whayeslip@JUNO.COM>
>>Reply-To: whayeslip@JUNO.COM
>>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>>Subject: petrol consumption
>>Date: Mon, 4 Sep 2000 22:21:02 -0400
>>
>>In reading the discussions of the various mpg averages, I noticed that
>>many of the vans are using a higher octane. Should the 2.1 engine be
>>running on the higher octane or is it ok to run on the regular 87? And
>>btw I'm getting 17.76 mpg local and 20.75 mpg highway.
>>
>>Bill H.
>>88 GL
>>Pgh.,Pa.
>>
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