Why Can't Turbocharged Cars Outrun Naturally Aspirated Cars at High Speeds?
2 Answers
Turbocharged cars can't outrun naturally aspirated cars at high speeds due to the turbo lag issue inherent in turbocharged engines, whereas naturally aspirated engines provide relatively more stable and linear power output. When driving at high speeds with cruise control engaged, the turbocharger in a turbocharged engine does not build up pressure while maintaining a constant speed; it only comes into play during acceleration phases. If both turbocharged and naturally aspirated cars are driven at high speeds with infrequent acceleration, the turbocharger builds pressure less frequently, making its performance nearly indistinguishable from that of a naturally aspirated engine. Turbocharging is predominantly applied to small-displacement engines primarily to control fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.
As a passionate driver who has experienced various performance cars, the reason why turbocharged cars can't outperform naturally aspirated cars on high-speed sections is quite straightforward. When you step on the gas, turbocharged cars often have a delayed response, while naturally aspirated ones just take off instantly. This is mainly because turbo systems rely on exhaust gases to spool up, and at high-speed cruising, heat buildup in the engine reduces efficiency. Additionally, naturally aspirated engines have simpler designs and are lighter, making the car more agile and stable during high-speed cornering or straight-line acceleration. I've tested this several times on highways—naturally aspirated cars accelerate smoothly from 120 mph to 150 mph, while turbocharged ones struggle noticeably. Air resistance amplifies these issues at high speeds, and since turbo power peaks at low-to-mid speeds, it weakens in the high-speed range. Maintenance-wise, turbocharged cars are also more prone to overheating and failures. So, in terms of driving pleasure, naturally aspirated cars have the upper hand at high speeds.
