What are the disadvantages of a turbocharged engine?
4 Answers
Turbocharged engines have the following advantages and disadvantages: 1. Advantages: Effectively utilizes the exhaust energy of the engine to provide boost for the intake system, resulting in good energy-saving effects. 2. Disadvantages: In the low-speed range, the exhaust energy is insufficient, and the boost effect is not obvious. The turbocharging intervention can only be felt after reaching a certain speed, leading to a delayed and inconsistent acceleration feeling. Below is additional information: The main function of turbocharging is to increase the engine's air intake, thereby improving the engine's power and torque, making the car more powerful. On another level, it also 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, significantly increasing power without a substantial increase in volume. The disadvantages are slow acceleration response and less linear and smooth operation.
I've been driving a turbocharged car for several years and found the biggest issue is turbo lag. When accelerating, there's always a one or two-second delay after stepping on the gas before the power kicks in, which feels unsettling during high-speed overtaking – the response just seems sluggish. Additionally, maintenance costs are relatively high. Last time I had to repair turbo components, it cost me 800 bucks, whereas regular engines don't come with these hassles. Plus, you have to use full synthetic oil, which is noticeably more expensive. High temperatures are another concern; during summer road trips, you must constantly monitor cooling to prevent dangerous situations like engine smoke from turbo overheating. Fuel efficiency saves a bit in normal driving, but it becomes worse than non-turbo engines in traffic jams or aggressive driving – not cost-effective. Reliability isn't great either; my friend's car broke down last year due to turbo failure, resulting in hefty repair bills and lots of trouble. Overall, it suits car enthusiasts but feels a bit high-maintenance for daily commuting.
I'm quite the car tech enthusiast and have worked with many turbocharged engines, which come with several drawbacks. Turbo lag is particularly noticeable at low RPMs, making starts in traffic feel sluggish and disrupting smoothness—downright torturous in city driving. Maintenance is complex; the turbo system is finicky, with high costs for parts or repairs—a major overhaul can run into thousands, less durable than naturally aspirated engines. There's also the risk of overheating; at high speeds, you need to pay extra attention to the cooling system to avoid burnout. Fuel efficiency theoretically saves money, but aggressive acceleration or mountain driving consumes more, offering little real savings. Newer models have improved lag, but reliability remains an issue. Noise-wise, the turbo whine might be cool to some but unbearable for others. Before buying, consider your actual needs and budget—high-maintenance tech can be a hassle.
I've been driving for decades, and turbocharging has many drawbacks. The most annoying thing is the lag, acceleration isn't quick, which can be dangerous in emergencies. Maintenance is expensive, parts are prone to damage and costly to repair, spending more than old engines. High-temperature issues are a headache when driving mountain roads in summer, worrying about poor heat dissipation causing breakdowns. Short lifespan, turbo components need frequent replacement, which is troublesome. Fuel savings aren't significant, and it's even more fuel-consuming on city roads. Not recommended for beginners, simple naturally aspirated engines are more reliable and durable.
