Turbochargers and superchargers are forced induction systems that provide additional air to the engine. For example, a turbocharged car uses exhaust gasses to spin a turbine and compress air into the cylinders. The difference between the two is in how they operate, how much power they can provide and other factors. Here are some of those differences:
Size
The size of a supercharger is considerably larger than that of a turbocharger. This can be attributed to the fact that superchargers use an external power source, such as the engine, whereas turbo in Australia is powered by the exhaust gasses generated by the engine itself. The greater size of turbochargers is also necessary due to their higher efficiency in compressing air than their supercharged counterparts.
Installation
- A turbocharger is installed on the exhaust side of the engine. It boosts power by utilizing energy from exhaust gasses to spin a turbine and spins an air compressor (which compresses air before it enters the engine).
- A supercharger is installed on the intake side of the engine. It boosts the pressure in an engine’s intake system by spinning a rotor that draws pressurized air straight from outside of your car and pushes it into your combustion chamber.
Efficiency
Take a look at how these two devices compare in terms of efficiency. Superchargers are more efficient than turbos at low RPMs, and turbo Australia is more efficient than superchargers at higher RPMs. A turbocharged engine is also less efficient at high altitudes (since there’s less air pressure). In contrast, a supercharged engine can maintain its efficiency even when driving on mountains or through the desert.
Time Lag
Another difference between them is the time lag. The time lag is the difference in time between the moment a driver steps on the gas and when the car actually accelerates. In a supercharger, there’s more of a delay because part of it is connected to the engine by belts, which means that it takes longer for air pressure to build up and generate force.
On average, this can take anywhere from five seconds to ten seconds.
Turbochargers have no such delay—the turbine compressed air before it gets released into your engine so that there’s no delay at all. This makes turbocharging ideal for low-powered engines like those found in sports cars like Porsches and Ferraris (though they are also used in many other cars).
Location
The location of a turbocharger versus that of a supercharger is the first significant difference between the two. A turbocharger is located in the exhaust manifold, while a supercharger is placed in the intake manifold. This has implications on efficiency, as well as effectiveness.
When you hear someone describe their car as being modified with a “turbo,” they’re actually describing that it has been equipped with an exhaust-driven turbine compressor to increase its power. That said, it’s important to note that there are two types of turbos: twin-scroll and single-scroll.
Power Boost
Turbochargers and superchargers are both power boosters, but they work differently. A turbocharger uses exhaust gasses to spin a turbine wheel that forces more air into the engine. This can happen under all conditions, including idle or when you’re at low RPMs. A supercharger only works when you’re above a certain speed threshold (usually around 2,300 rpm), so it’s not as efficient as a turbo when you’re at lower speeds.
That’s what you need to know about turbochargers and superchargers.
