Yes, there are differences in driving a turbocharged car versus a supercharged car, primarily due to the different ways in which each type of forced induction system operates.
Everyone likes owning a car that produces more power and better mileage, and when this comes with a feeling of helping the environment, it just puts the cherry on the cake. These perks are achieved with the help of turbochargers and superchargers. The basic purpose of turbochargers and superchargers is to supply more oxygen in the cylinder to burn fuel more efficiently and generate more power, however, they differ from each other in terms of their mechanical functioning.
Here are the main differences:
Power Delivery
- Turbocharged Car: Turbochargers use exhaust gases to spin a turbine, which in turn drives a compressor to force more air into the engine’s intake manifold. Turbocharged cars often exhibit a characteristic “turbo lag,” where there may be a delay in power delivery as the turbo spools up. However, once the turbocharger is spooled, it can provide a significant surge of power, often referred to as a “boost” sensation.
- Supercharged Car: Superchargers are driven directly by the engine’s crankshaft, typically via a belt or gear drive system. This means that superchargers provide instant power delivery with no lag, as they are not dependent on exhaust gases for operation. Supercharged cars tend to deliver more linear power delivery throughout the rev range.
Engine Response
- Turbocharged: Turbocharged engines may feel more responsive at higher engine speeds once the turbocharger is spooled up, but they may feel less responsive at low engine speeds due to turbo lag.
- Supercharged: Supercharged engines tend to feel more responsive across the entire rev range, as they provide immediate power delivery without the need to wait for the turbocharger to spool up.
Efficiency
- Turbocharged: Turbocharged engines can be more fuel-efficient than supercharged engines, especially at lower engine speeds and under light load conditions, as they do not consume extra power from the engine to operate.
- Supercharged: Supercharged engines may consume more fuel compared to turbocharged engines, as they are driven directly by the engine’s crankshaft and require power to operate.
Sound
- Turbocharged: Turbocharged cars often have a distinct sound, with the audible “whoosh” of the turbocharger spooling up and releasing pressure during gear changes.
- Supercharged: Supercharged cars may have a different sound profile, often characterized by a whining or whistling noise from the supercharger as it spins.
Maintenance and Reliability
- Turbocharged: Turbochargers have more complex components and are exposed to higher temperatures, which may require more maintenance and can potentially lead to reliability issues if not properly maintained.
- Supercharged: Superchargers are generally considered to be more reliable and require less maintenance compared to turbochargers, as they have fewer moving parts and operate at lower temperatures.
Finally
In summary, while both a turbocharged and a supercharged car offer increased performance through forced induction, they have different characteristics in terms of power delivery, engine response, efficiency, sound, and maintenance requirements. The choice between them depends on factors such as driving preferences, intended use, and specific vehicle characteristics.
Because of those differences, the decision of whether to choose a turbocharger or a supercharger for performance is a bit complicated. If instantaneous speed is the number one priority, a supercharger could be the right choice. But if fuel economy plays a part in your decision, turbochargers have become today’s default solution for higher performance without lower gas mileage.
