At the cost of propagating further discussion on the same old topic, I'd like to point out that...Newer specs focus on emissions equipment longevity more than anything else. A whole lot of the really good anti-wear additives are being removed. Zinc+phosphorus are in smaller and smaller quantities in the newer oils (ie. ZDDP or "break-in" additives) which are highly important to engines like the OM60X and OM61X engines that have flat tappet cam/lifters.

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{2010 Mazda 3 266,000mi} - daily since new, Airlift suspension + some chunky sway-bars: fastest pass 17.7@77MPH
{1987 300SDL 256,000mi} - stock turbo @ 22lbs straight piped + a whole bunch of pre-turbo water/meth injection, 722.3 with increased line pressure, special sauce, and shift kit: fastest pass 16.5@82
{1992 964 Carrera 4 Frankenstein ??,???mi} - 993 forward dated, Speedster conversion, GT45 + E85: fastest pass 12.5@113