Turbocharged vs Supercharged Engines Explained

Engines have evolved significantly over the years, and two popular methods of improving performance are turbocharging and supercharging. Both add more air into the engine, ultimately increasing the power output. While similar, the two technologies work in different ways and offer distinct advantages and drawbacks. In this article, we’ll explain the difference between turbocharged and supercharged engines.

Internal combustion engines rely on fuel, oxygen, and ignition to produce power. The engine’s ability to make more power depends on the amount of fuel and oxygen flowing through it. Turbocharging and supercharging increase an engine’s power output by forcing more air into the engine, which enables more fuel to burn and produce additional power.

What is a Turbocharger?

A turbocharger is a turbine-driven device that forces compressed air into the engine’s intake manifold. The turbine driver is powered by exhaust gases that flow from the engine through the turbocharger. The turbine spins an impeller that compresses the incoming air before it enters the engine. The compressed air is denser and contains more oxygen, making it easier for more fuel to burn, producing additional power.

What is a Supercharger?

A supercharger is essentially a belt-driven air compressor that produces a surge of compressed air into the engine intake manifold. The force of air compression is usually generated by a crankshaft-driven belt that connects to the engine. A supercharger’s design can vary from a positive displacement mechanism to a centrifugal blower, all of which provide pressurized air that ultimately creates more power.

What are the Differences?

The primary difference between turbocharging and supercharging is the way in which they compress air and increase engine power. Turbochargers are driven by exhaust gases, while superchargers are mechanically driven by the engine.

Power Delivery

Turbocharging is known for its efficiency at high RPMs (revolutions per minute), where the engine is already producing a large amount of exhaust gas. The gases turn the turbocharger and create boost, which can deliver large amounts of power at high speeds. On the other hand, superchargers create boost at lower RPMs, which can provide more power in the low to mid-range torque band. This makes superchargers more effective for vehicles that require quick and immediate power delivery, like drag racers that use the quarter-mile stretch.

Cost

When it comes to cost and availability, turbochargers tend to be more common and less expensive than superchargers. This is because turbochargers can be fitted to small and lightweight engines and do not require as many complex components as superchargers. Furthermore, due to demand, the number of aftermarket options and upgrade kits for turbos is higher. In contrast, superchargers require more extensive design and engineering, which ultimately increases manufacturing costs.

Sound

The way that superchargers and turbochargers sound in the engine compartment is another notable difference. Turbochargers tend to produce a whistle or high-pitched sound as they spool up and deliver more power; however, some enthusiasts find that sound appealing. Superchargers, on the other hand, have a more traditional low-pitched rumble operated by a separate drive belt. Some enthusiasts prefer this sound, which can be associated with the classic muscle car feel.

Conclusion

In conclusion, turbochargers and superchargers provide different advantages and are best suited to certain situations. Turbochargers are most effective at high RPMs and are often the more affordable option, while superchargers provide more power delivery in the low and mid-range torque band. The choice ultimately comes down to personal preference, what the engine needs, and how easy it is to install. The excellent news is that vehicle owners and enthusiasts have access to both options to fit their specific needs.