What are the advantages and disadvantages of small-displacement turbocharging?

[LeBethany]

Advantages of small-displacement turbocharged engines: 1. They increase engine air intake without raising displacement, thereby boosting power while keeping fuel consumption from rising too much. 2. Small-displacement turbocharged engines provide higher torque at low RPMs, making this power delivery more suitable for urban driving. 3. They have great modification potential—some engines can gain 40-50 horsepower just by reprogramming without any hardware modifications. Disadvantages of small-displacement turbocharged engines: 1. To reduce turbo lag, many small-displacement turbocharged engines use small-inertia turbos, which can cause pressure drop at high RPMs. 2. Their advantages disappear during high-speed driving, where naturally aspirated engines perform better. 3. Their power delivery is not linear. 4. Maintenance costs are slightly higher than naturally aspirated engines due to the need for higher-quality engine oil.