The Difference Between Supercharging and Turbocharging
2 Answers
The differences between supercharging and turbocharging are as follows: 1. Supercharging utilizes the engine's own power to drive a compressor for pressurization, which consumes engine power. The speed changes with the engine speed, so there is no turbo lag. It performs exceptionally well at low engine speeds but is limited by the engine speed, resulting in insufficient pressurization at high engine speeds. 2. Turbocharging uses the exhaust gases produced by the engine to drive a turbine in the exhaust pipe, which in turn drives a turbine in the intake pipe for indirect pressurization, without consuming engine power. Turbochargers operate at extremely high speeds and provide several times more pressure than superchargers. However, due to the inertia of the turbine and the considerable resistance of the intermediate bearings, the turbine speed does not increase immediately when exhaust gases suddenly increase, which is known as turbo lag.
Last time I drove my friend's modified car, I truly experienced the difference between these two types of supercharging. The supercharger is like a small fan directly attached to the engine—step on the throttle, and you immediately feel the push in your back, making it especially suitable for stop-and-go city driving. But on the highway, it turns into a fuel guzzler, as the engine has to divert extra power to drive it, causing fuel consumption to soar. Turbocharging, on the other hand, is a master of exhaust reuse—the airflow from the exhaust pipe spins the turbine blades, and the harder you press the throttle, the faster it spins. However, turbo lag is quite annoying; that half-second delay when starting from a green light makes it feel like the car is contemplating life. So, if you prefer aggressive driving, go for the turbo; if smoothness is your priority, a supercharger is the way to go.
