Bad/Failing fuel due to age

[virtuetovice]

Many still consider this a myth but the truth is, gasoline does have a shelf life. After the Cutlass sat for as long as it did[about 6 months give or take] the gas smelled horrible. When I went to start it, it ran like crap. Drained the fuel and put it in the Regal at roughly a 2 parts fresh gas to 1 part old gas ratio with absolutely no problems after a hundred-mile drive. Yet, years ago we picked up a 67 mustang that sat for 4 years with the same gas in it and started fine after a jump. What is the difference? What causes gasoline to go bad? Why does it affect some cars more than others? I do understand that it looses some of its octane rating but besides that....?????????? Does it lose volatility as well? Any other experiences out there with old gas?

[Garrett Powered]

another reason I buy only clear 92. real gas isn't watered down as much so it lasts longer probably.

[Andrew]

ethanol has a short shelf life, a matter of a couple months IIRC. Real gas should last quite a while.