How much difference does the correct oil to gas mix ratio make?

Different 2 cycle engines NEED different oil mixtures.
50–1 mixture will “toast” some of the older engines.

I’d stick to the specs unless you want to foul plugs or blow engines.

The oil changes the octane rating of the fuel somewhat, as well as lubricates the crankshaft bearings, and associated engine parts. I agree with @Tropical_Willie and @ARE_you_kidding_me . Stick to the manufacture’s recommendations.
And I agree with you: Why can’t they standardize mix ratios???

All of your gas powered equipment will run on 40:1 but not likely to produce ideal performance if recommended at a different ratio.

@gondwanalon Older 2 cycles with bushings for the wrist pins on the pistons will have shortened life. They’ll smoke like a mosquito sprayer but last longer on 20:1 !

Just a thanks to all for responding.
I bought two more 1 gal cans and labeled all three with magic marker indicating which mix is in which jerrycan.

@kritiper one other question; we used to run our two stroke M/Cs with Avgas occasionally and they would run clean with no smoke and run like a Stripedyassed Ape. Was this because we did not adjust the ratio to account for the higher octane rating?

@rojo Couldn’t say. Higher octane doesn’t mean more power, only slower burning to reduce or eliminate knock (predetonation.) It may have burned faster, hotter, and produced the higher power output, thus the cleaner exhaust.

@rojo That should have been “pre-ignition,” not “predetonation.”