What is the difference between turbocharged and non-turbocharged engines?
4 Answers
For vehicles with the same displacement, the differences between turbocharged and non-turbocharged engines are as follows: 1. The primary function of a turbocharger is to increase air intake, thereby enhancing the engine's power and torque, making the car more powerful. When an engine is equipped with a turbocharger, its maximum power can increase by 40% or more compared to when it is not equipped with one. 2. After turbocharging, the engine can generate greater power. At higher RPMs, the output power is improved. Generally, the characteristic is weak performance at low RPMs (except for models like Lancer and Volkswagen). When reaching a certain RPM, there is a sudden acceleration (this characteristic is not obvious in brands like Lancer and Volkswagen). At high RPMs, the performance is exceptionally strong (Lancer). Generally, choosing a small displacement engine with a turbocharger is more economical.
I've driven quite a few cars with both turbocharged and naturally aspirated engines, and the biggest difference I've noticed with turbocharging is the power boost. A small-displacement engine equipped with a turbo can instantly deliver horsepower comparable to a larger engine, making overtaking or climbing hills incredibly thrilling, especially on highways where it feels exhilarating. However, naturally aspirated engines respond more directly—step on the gas, and the power is immediately there, offering a smoother drive without any noticeable lag in traffic. That said, turbocharged engines do have a minor flaw called turbo lag, where there's about a half-second delay in power delivery when you lightly press the accelerator, which might be tricky for beginners to adapt to. Overall, the choice depends on your needs: go for turbo if you crave excitement and high-speed performance, or opt for naturally aspirated if you prioritize comfort and linear control. Nowadays, many cars use turbos for better fuel efficiency, though long-term maintenance can be slightly more expensive.
In daily driving, I've noticed that turbocharged engines excel in fuel efficiency. With the same displacement, turbos can force in more air, allowing for more complete fuel combustion, which is noticeably more fuel-efficient during high-speed cruising and also more environmentally friendly with lower emissions. However, naturally aspirated cars are more economical in stop-and-go city driving because there's no turbo lag or extra heat, resulting in stable fuel consumption. In terms of maintenance costs, turbo systems are complex, prone to overheating or bearing wear, and may require additional expenses of several thousand dollars for parts replacement after a few years, while naturally aspirated engines are simpler, more durable, and have fewer issues. Regarding power response, naturally aspirated engines provide immediate and more controllable power, whereas turbos are incredibly powerful when fully loaded or climbing hills but require some adaptation. Based on my experience, for commuting, naturally aspirated engines are more worry-free, while for frequent highway driving, turbos are more cost-effective and reliable.
As a car enthusiast, turbocharging uses exhaust gases to spin the turbine, forcing extra air intake to boost power, making it feel like the engine is on steroids with strong acceleration perfect for racing. Naturally aspirated engines rely solely on piston suction for air intake, delivering smooth power output with less noise for a quieter ride. The driving experience differs significantly: turbos have response lag requiring anticipation, while naturally aspirated engines offer linear throttle control for easier handling. Maintenance-wise, turbos are more expensive with more high-temperature components prone to damage, though their lifespan is improving. Fuel-wise, turbocharged small-displacement engines with high output show clear fuel-saving trends, though efficiency may drop in urban traffic. Overall, choose based on preference—opt for turbos for thrill-seeking and naturally aspirated for smoothness.
