Phrase 'rather than' (I think it is rather than instead of other than that...)

[Ofriendragon]

Hello, there
There are two meanings in Macmillan English Dictionary for Advanced Learners about other than:
1. except (for)
2. besides / in addition to
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And here are some sentences:
1. They are developing cars that use fuel other than gasoline.
2. The presence of elements other than iron greatly affects the physical properties of steel.
3. Anecdotal evidence would seem to suggest that Facebook is the most hyped thing this year other than the iPhone.

I find it hard to get the real meanings of the above three sentences; I understand them as follows:
1. a. the cars will be those that can use fuel including gasoline. (besides / in addition to)
b. the cars will be those that can use any other fuel except gasoline. (except)

2. Still, other than may mean the same as 1, but it sounds more like except in meaning to my ears. I think it is rather than instead of other than that should be used here.

3. Both iPhone and Facebook are publicized, but Facebook is most publicized.(besides)

It’s confusing. I wonder if I am correct, and what’s more, I want to be confirmed whether other than would never be equal to rather than in meaning.

Best regards

[Mister Micawber]

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1.b. the cars will be those that can use another fuel and not gasoline. I know of no vehicle that runs on more than one fuel-- see my comment below at #2.

2. Other elements besides iron-- iron is of course the basic ingredient of steel. You often (always?) must have some knowledge of the topic or context in order to decide the meaning.

3. Both iPhone and Facebook are publicized, but Facebook is most publicized.(besides) -- Yes

As for 'other than' / 'rather than'-- here's a possibility: 'What vegetable would you like for dinner other/rather than spinach?'
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_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Yankee]

[Mister Micawber]

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I've got some old jars of mayonnaise-- shall I send them to you?
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_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Lost_Soul]

[Yankee]

[Ofriendragon]

Thank you all!