Turbocharger vs Supercharger - Overview, Working & Comparison

Turbocharging and supercharging are the two primary methods of forced induction. These are used to improve the engine performance of cars by enhancing their horsepower. While there are similarities between these two, some key differences set them apart.

In this article, we will discuss and draw a comparison between turbochargers vs superchargers.

Before diving into the differences between turbochargers and superchargers, it is important to know what they are.

A turbocharger is a device you can fit into your car engine to improve its power output and efficiency. It uses an air pump to compress air which allows more oxygen to enter the engine at high pressure. This allows an engine to burn more fuel in its cylinder, which increases the car’s mechanical power and improves its fuel economy.

While turbochargers are not as powerful as superchargers, they are an efficient option since they use the waste energy from exhaust gases.

The compressor is made up of two sections; a compressor and a turbine. The compressor is built with aluminium and heats up to 70°C. When air is drawn into the compressor, its wheel compresses the air and increases its speed.

The turbine is made of cast iron/stainless steel and reaches temperatures up to 960°C. Exhaust gases rotate the turbine and boost its speed up to 2,80,000 RPM or revolutions per minute. These gases are passed out through the exhaust system.

This leads to increased fuel combustion and, subsequently, a boost in the engine's power. In addition, the increased airflow boosts the motor's power by 25-40%. The continuous cycle uses the waste energy from exhaust gases in this process.

However, there is a delay in this process since the turbine takes time to speed up. This delay is known as “turbo lag”.

Superchargers are mechanically-charged devices that inject pressurised air into a car’s engine to increase its power output and fuel efficiency. As with turbochargers, superchargers compress air at above atmospheric pressure. This causes more oxygen to burn with the fuel, which boosts a car engine’s power.

The main difference between turbochargers vs superchargers is the latter is powered by a belt drive or chain drive, unlike turbochargers which use turbines.

A supercharger comprises a set of compressors which compress air and force it through the engine. When the MEP (Mean Effective Pressure) of the engine is increased, the engine produces more power.

They are directly connected to the car engine using a belt. The supercharger spins when the crankshaft of the engine spins, which helps it to compress air and pass it through the engine.

Since superchargers are connected directly to the engine, this results in an instantaneous enhancement of engine power by 30-50%. In addition, there is no lag in superchargers. This makes superchargers more powerful than turbochargers. However, they are less efficient since they directly consume the engine's power. In addition, they do not use a wastegate like turbochargers, which results in high smog emissions. 

Let us now have a look at the differences between turbo and superchargers.