What are the advantages and disadvantages of turbocharged engines?
4 Answers
Turbocharged engines have the following advantages and disadvantages: Advantages: Effectively utilizes the exhaust energy of the engine to provide boost for the intake system, resulting in good energy-saving performance. Disadvantages: Insufficient exhaust energy in the low RPM range leads to less noticeable boost effects. Turbocharging only becomes apparent after reaching a certain RPM, causing a delayed and inconsistent acceleration feel. Additional information: Main functions of turbocharging: Increases the engine's air intake, thereby enhancing its power and torque, making the vehicle more powerful. On another level, it improves fuel economy and reduces exhaust emissions. When properly matched and operating under conditions where the turbo is generating positive pressure, it can reduce emissions and exhaust noise while significantly increasing power without a substantial increase in engine size. The downside is slower acceleration response and less linear and smooth operation.
I've been driving a turbocharged car for five years, and the most noticeable feeling is that the power comes on very strong when I step on the throttle, especially when overtaking on the highway, which gives me a lot of confidence. However, the throttle feels a bit sluggish at low RPMs, making it easy to get cut off in traffic jams. The technology has improved a lot now; for example, my friend bought a new car last year, and the turbo engagement is quite smooth. Maintenance requires attention to full synthetic oil and timely changes, as turbos are sensitive to high temperatures and impurities. When buying a used car, you need to pay attention to the turbo's condition, as replacing one can cost several thousand. Overall, I still prefer turbocharged cars—small displacement can deliver the acceleration feel of a larger engine, and they also offer advantages in terms of environmental friendliness and purchase tax.
The most common turbo issue we see at our repair shop is oil leaks caused by high temperatures, especially in vehicles where drivers frequently floor the accelerator without timely maintenance. The advantages are obvious - a 1.5T engine can deliver power comparable to a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine while achieving about 15% better fuel efficiency. But don't be fooled by the specs: during frequent stop-and-go city driving when the turbo isn't engaged, actual fuel consumption may exceed that of naturally aspirated engines. Modified ECUs are particularly prone to causing turbo failures, as factory tuning offers the most balanced performance. For average drivers, modern turbos are quite durable if you follow three rules: don't shut off the engine immediately after hard driving, change air filters regularly, and always use the correct oil viscosity.
Turbocharging is essentially about reusing exhaust gases. The expelled exhaust drives the turbine blades, forcing more air into the engine, akin to giving an oxygen mask to someone with limited lung capacity. The biggest advantage is a 30% horsepower increase under the same fuel consumption is quite normal—take Geely's 1.0T three-cylinder engine, which surprisingly delivers 136 horsepower. The downsides are also evident: a stuck wastegate can cause a sudden power drop, and repair costs are high. However, with the widespread adoption of electric turbos, lag issues have improved significantly, and dual-turbo setups like the Audi SQ7 run even smoother. Nowadays, even budget-friendly domestic cars priced around 100,000 yuan come equipped with turbos, showcasing how much the technology has proliferated.
