Which is Better: Turbocharged or Supercharged Engine?

[VonJulianna]

Superchargers directly utilize the engine's power to drive the compressor, delivering high-density air into the cylinders to enhance engine output. Turbocharging, on the other hand, uses exhaust gases to drive the compressor. Both forced induction methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Below are the key differences between supercharging and turbocharging: 1. Principle: Supercharging employs the engine's own power to drive a compressor for pressurization; Turbocharging utilizes exhaust gases to spin a turbine in the exhaust pipe, which then rotates a compressor wheel in the intake pipe for indirect pressurization without consuming engine power. 2. Pros & Cons: Superchargers consume engine power, their speed varies with engine RPM, eliminating boost lag - they perform exceptionally well at low engine speeds but suffer from insufficient boost at high RPMs due to engine speed limitations. Turbochargers operate at extremely high speeds, generating several times more boost pressure than superchargers. However, due to turbine inertia and significant bearing resistance, turbine speed cannot instantly match sudden increases in exhaust flow, resulting in turbo lag.