Environment & Energy

Requires careful handling and storage! Will self-contaminate with humidity in any un-sealed container. Attacks many fuel system components that are compatible with gasoline or diesel. Has starting problems at low temperature (why E85 exists), some racers use a gasoline primer system. Lower energy density than gasoline - requires 2x minimum volume for equivalent output.
The pro's - makes mad power! Has a very high octane - compatible with diesel compression ratios, or high mechanical compression ratios in "spark ignition" engines - like 16:1in an "outlaw" sprint car engine! Higher thermal efficiency is a bonus. Similarly, the charge cooling effects of "alky" work wonders in turbo or supercharged applications. It's not just a "hot rod" thing, either - Maersk has ordered 6 container ships set up for methanol fuel!