Turbocharger vs Superchargers

One of the most commonly used ways to give a vehicle more horsepower these days is forced induction. There are normally 3 different methods of forced induction, nitrous, turbochargers and superchargers. Although this essay will only consist of superchargers and turbochargers. The problem people face when choosing which equipment to install on their car is what is better, turbocharging or supercharging? Both turbochargers and superchargers have pros and cons, and both of them share quite a few similarities. Choosing a forced induction system can be something that makes or breaks your street car, or weekend warrior. Pending what the budget is, what the power levels desired are, and even the type of car it is going into. Many variables come into play with front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive vehicles. It is entirely up to the driver or builder in order to determine the best route to take, or possibly the worst route to end at. Covering the pros and cons is a good way to help make an educated decision on what

The first type of forced induction system is the turbocharger. A turbocharger is essentially the same as a supercharger, except where they get their power from. A turbocharger is powered by exhaust gasses that have been produced by the engine and are forcing their way through the turbofold, or the exhaust manifold that the turbo is housed in. The exhaust gas pushes its way through the turbocharger and hit the turbine wheel. Vehicles that usually find the need for a turbocharger from the factory are four or six cylinder engines. Standard in most European vehicles such as Mercedes, Audi, Volkswagen and Volvo. These cars are known for their small displacement motors, and great gas efficiency, due to this setup...

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...e practically endless, and each person will have his or her own opinion on which is better based on the desired outcome of the setup. It is almost is basically a given that a turbocharger will produce more peak power, but the power band on the supercharger is the main property it has going for it. Each set up is complicated to some extent, but the supercharger is an easier way to learn what you’re doing as it is much less work than installing a turbocharger. Turbochargers are more in depth and require more tuning and more modifications in order for it to operate efficiently and correctly. If the end game is to produce as much power as possible the turbo is going to be the best bet, but if the goal is to reach peak power as quick as possible the supercharger might fit the bill better. At the end of the day everybody has their own opinion and nobody is going to win.