Motul vs Liqui Moly Honest Engine Oil Showdown

Both brands are excellent, but they serve very different needs.

I live in Austin, TX, where heat and stop‑go traffic punish engines and gearboxes. If you’re torn on motul vs liqui moly , the real question is what you’re lubricating. One oil here is a high-spec car engine oil. The other is a motorcycle transmission oil. I’ll break down motul vs liqui moly in plain language so you can buy with confidence. I’ll also share how each one performed for me and who should pick which in the motul vs liqui moly debate.

Table of Contents

Is Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40 Good?

Yes—if you need a premium engine oil for gasoline or light diesel cars. It’s great for daily drivers and German makes that call for a robust 5W-40. In my motul vs liqui moly testing, this one kept my 2015 Audi 2.0T idling quiet and cool during a hot Texas summer.

I also used it in a high‑mileage Honda Accord. Cold starts felt smoother, and oil consumption dropped a bit after two changes. For motul vs liqui moly in cars, this Liqui Moly is the right fit.

Check the price on Amazon

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

Viscosity: 5W-40 for strong high-temp protection and good cold flow
Type: “Synthesis Technology” (synthetic blend leaning toward full-synthetic behavior)
Standards: API SN/CF, ACEA A3/B4; common Euro approvals like VW 502 00/505 00, MB 229.5, Porsche A40, BMW LL‑01
Detergent package: Robust cleaning to reduce deposits and sludge
Use case: Gasoline and light diesel engines requiring A3/B4 high HTHS oil

What I Like

Engines run quiet and smooth in heat
Excellent film strength for turbo engines
Helps keep internals clean over long intervals
Strong European OEM approval list for peace of mind
Good value per liter for a premium 5W-40

What Could Be Better

Not a low‑SAPs oil for DPF-equipped diesels that need ACEA C specs
Thicker feel may slightly lower MPG vs 0W‑20/5W‑30
Overkill for cars that specify thin, fuel-economy oils
Can be pricier than generic synthetics
5-liter jug may be more than some small engines need

My Recommendation

If your manual calls for 5W‑40 A3/B4 or you drive a European car, pick this Liqui Moly. For motul vs liqui moly in car engines, this is the safer bet. It’s widely available online and often competitively priced in the 5L jug.

Is Motul Transoil Expert 10W-40 Good?

It depends—yes, if you need a motorcycle transmission or 2‑stroke gearbox oil. This is not a passenger car engine oil. In my motul vs liqui moly comparison, I ran this in a Yamaha 2‑stroke gearbox and a Honda wet clutch gearbox. Shifts got slicker, and clutch engagement felt cleaner.

On a muddy trail ride near Austin, I noticed fewer missed shifts after the swap. For riders weighing motul vs liqui moly for gearboxes, this Motul shines.

Check the price on Amazon

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

Viscosity: 10W‑40 formulated for gearboxes
Type: Technosynthese/Ester-based for shear stability
Standard: API GL‑4 (suitable for motorcycle transmissions)
Wet clutch compatibility: Designed to prevent clutch slip
Use case: 2‑stroke gearboxes and many 4T wet clutch gearboxes

What I Like

Very smooth shifting feel under load
Holds viscosity during hard off‑road riding
Clutch engagement feels positive
Resists foaming in high RPM use
Trusted brand in powersports

What Could Be Better

Not for car engines at all
1‑liter size means more bottles for multi‑liter gearboxes
Not a hypoid gear oil for differentials
May cost more than generic motorcycle gear oils
Availability can vary outside big moto shops

My Recommendation

If you ride and need a proper GL‑4, wet‑clutch‑safe gearbox oil, pick this Motul. In motul vs liqui moly for motorcycles, Motul Transoil Expert is the right tool for the job.

motul vs liqui moly : Side-by-Side Test

I compared motul vs liqui moly based on real-world use and spec sheets. Remember: one is car engine oil, one is motorcycle transmission oil. Here’s how motul vs liqui moly stack up by category to help you avoid the wrong buy.

Intended Application: Engine vs Gearbox

Feature	Liqui Moly 5W-40	Motul Transoil Expert 10W-40
Primary Use	Car gasoline/light diesel engines	Motorcycle transmissions/wet clutches
Engine Compatibility	Yes	No
Gearbox Specialty	No	Yes (GL‑4)

Rating: Liqui Moly – 10/10 | Motul – 10/10
Edge: Tie—each wins its own domain.

Standards & Approvals

Feature	Liqui Moly 5W-40	Motul Transoil Expert 10W-40
Engine Oil Standards	API SN/CF, ACEA A3/B4, common Euro OEM approvals	N/A
Gear Oil Standards	N/A	API GL‑4
Wet Clutch Ready	No (it’s engine oil)	Yes

Rating: Liqui Moly – 9.5/10 | Motul – 9.5/10
Edge: Tie—each has the correct certifications for its job.

Viscosity & Shear Stability

Feature	Liqui Moly 5W-40	Motul Transoil Expert 10W-40
Cold Start (W rating)	5W (excellent cold flow)	10W (adequate for gearboxes)
High-Temp Protection	40 grade, high HTHS	40 grade with ester tech for gears
Shear Stability	Strong for engines	Very strong for transmissions

Rating: Liqui Moly – 9/10 | Motul – 9.5/10
Edge: Motul—for gearbox shear stability.

Detergency & Cleanliness

Feature	Liqui Moly 5W-40	Motul Transoil Expert 10W-40
Engine Deposit Control	High (strong detergent pack)	N/A (gearbox focus)
Sludge Resistance	Excellent	N/A

Rating: Liqui Moly – 9.5/10 | Motul – 8/10
Edge: Liqui Moly—for engine cleanliness.

Shift Quality / NVH (Feel)

Feature	Liqui Moly 5W-40	Motul Transoil Expert 10W-40
Smoother Shifts	N/A	Yes, noticeable
Quieter Operation	Quieter engine idle	Reduced gear chatter

Rating: Liqui Moly – 9/10 | Motul – 9.5/10
Edge: Motul—for gearbox feel.

Service Interval & Longevity

Feature	Liqui Moly 5W-40	Motul Transoil Expert 10W-40
Typical Interval	Up to OEM spec (often 5k–10k miles)	Rider/manual dependent (often 1k–3k miles)
Use Conditions	Street/turbo capable	Track/off‑road capable

Rating: Liqui Moly – 9/10 | Motul – 8.5/10
Edge: Liqui Moly—for longer street intervals per OEM guidance.

Temperature Resilience

Feature	Liqui Moly 5W-40	Motul Transoil Expert 10W-40
Cold Weather Starts	Stronger (5W)	Good (10W)
High Heat Protection	Excellent in engines	Excellent in gearboxes

Rating: Liqui Moly – 9.5/10 | Motul – 9/10
Edge: Liqui Moly—for colder starts.

Compatibility & Use-Case Fit

Feature	Liqui Moly 5W-40	Motul Transoil Expert 10W-40
Passenger Car Engines	Yes	No
Motorcycle Gearboxes	No	Yes

Rating: Liqui Moly – 10/10 | Motul – 10/10
Edge: Tie—use the right oil for the job.

Price Per Liter & Packaging

Feature	Liqui Moly 5W-40	Motul Transoil Expert 10W-40
Typical Pack	5L jug	1L bottle
Cost Efficiency	Better per liter	Higher per liter

Rating: Liqui Moly – 9/10 | Motul – 8/10
Edge: Liqui Moly—bulk value.

Warranty/OEM Spec Confidence

Feature	Liqui Moly 5W-40	Motul Transoil Expert 10W-40
OEM Engine Approvals	Multiple Euro approvals	N/A
Motorcycle OEM Fit	N/A	Widely accepted for wet clutch gearboxes

Rating: Liqui Moly – 9.5/10 | Motul – 9/10
Edge: Liqui Moly—for car OEM alignment.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

Choose Liqui Moly 5W‑40 if you’re servicing a car engine that calls for a robust 5W‑40 with European approvals. It’s clean‑running, heat‑tough, and cost‑effective in 5L.

Choose Motul Transoil Expert 10W‑40 if you’re servicing a motorcycle gearbox or wet clutch. It improves shift feel and holds up under off‑road or track use.

For motul vs liqui moly , don’t cross-pollinate uses. Engine oil for engines. Gear oil for gearboxes. That’s how you win motul vs liqui moly without headaches.

FAQs Of motul vs liqui moly

Can I use Motul Transoil Expert in my car engine instead of Liqui Moly 5W‑40?

No. Motul Transoil Expert is a GL‑4 gearbox oil, not an engine oil. Use Liqui Moly 5W‑40 for car engines.

Is Liqui Moly 5W‑40 safe for turbocharged engines?

Yes. Its ACEA A3/B4 and API SN performance make it well‑suited for turbos. In motul vs liqui moly for cars, Liqui Moly is the pick.

Which is better for wet clutches?

Motul Transoil Expert. It’s designed for motorcycle transmissions and wet clutches to prevent slip.

Which oil lasts longer between changes?

Typically Liqui Moly 5W‑40 in car engines, following OEM intervals. Motorcycle gearboxes using Motul often need shorter, rider‑manual‑based intervals.