The Difference between Supercharger and Turbocharger is often misunderstood by car enthusiasts and other curious people when it comes to engines and car performance upgrades. These two devices do similar work but in different ways, and understanding the differences can help ensure the proper system is chosen and installed correctly.
What Is a Supercharger?
The supercharger is an accessory in the form of an electric motor or engine-driven compressor. It pushes the air into the engine’s intake manifold, allowing more fuel and air to enter. This increases the engine’s power, known as forced induction, resulting in more power output, increased performance, and improved efficiency.
The most common type of supercharger is a belt-driven unit, often referred to as a Roots type. It is driven by an engine-driven belt, and does not use an exhaust gas powered turbine like a turbocharger does. Additionally, a Roots unit is considered to be less complex, more reliable, and easier to install and maintain than a turbocharger.
What Is a Turbocharger?
The turbocharger is a device powered by the exhaust gases leaving the engine. A turbine-style compressor is spun by the exhaust gases, creating increased air pressure and air flow to the engine’s intake manifold. This adds more air and fuel to the cylinder, resulting in increased performance and efficiency.
This makes the turbocharger a great choice for larger or high-performance engines, because of the higher exhaust flow and pressure needed to spin the turbines. Additionally, the turbocharger can be used in smaller engines due to the increased air intake and improved efficiency. This is great for vehicles with limited displacement or space, as an additional power boost is added to the output.
Cost
The cost of a supercharger or turbocharger will vary depending on the make, model, and size of the engine. Generally, a turbocharger is more expensive than a supercharger, as it requires additional parts for installation and requires more complexity. A supercharger, on the other hand, is easier to install and maintain, making it a more cost-effective option for some engines.
It’s important to consider the cost of both when looking for a power boost for a car, as it will likely influence the decision. Both can provide great performance, but the added cost of a turbocharger may make a supercharger the more attractive option.
Sound
The sounds of the supercharger and turbocharger are both heard under heavy acceleration, though there are differences. A turbocharger’s sound is typically a low, drone-like whistle or whine, as the turbine is spinning at high RPMs. The supercharger, on the other hand, makes a whirring sound similar to an electric motor, and can be heard above the engine noise.
These sounds can make a big difference in the type of engine desired, depending on the aesthetic of the vehicle. The supercharger produces a more distinct sound compared to the turbocharger, which can make it more attractive to some car enthusiasts.
Response Time
The turbocharger has a faster response time than the supercharger, as it is driven by the exhaust gases created by the engine. This allows it to immediately provide the increased air pressure and air flow needed for better engine performance. The supercharger works by compressing the atmosphere, so it takes a little bit of time to build up the necessary pressure.
This is important to consider, as a turbocharger is best for drivers that require quick, instantaneous power such as racers, drifters, or drag racers. A supercharger may provide better power output for general driving and cruising, but the turbocharger will provide quicker response times and therefore more performance.
Maintenance and Reliability
The turbocharger requires more maintenance and attention then the supercharger due to its complexity of installation and working parts. A supercharger is a simpler, more straightforward device and can provide reliable power boosting for some time with minimal maintenance. The turbocharger, however, needs regular repair and replacements of certain components due to the high-speed operation of the turbines.
Due to the complexity of a turbocharger, it is often recommended to have a professional mechanic take a look at the system when performing maintenance. This helps keep all the parts working properly and avoid breaking, resulting in smoother and more reliable performance.
Efficiency
The supercharger is more efficient than the turbocharger in terms of fuel economy due to the lack of an exhaust-driven turbine. This results in less air being pushed through the engine, meaning less fuel needs to be used to achieve the same power output as a turbocharger. Additionally, the supercharger is strictly powered by the engine, so no additional fuel is needed.
The turbocharger, on the other hand, requires more fuel to achieve the same power output due to the use of an exhaust-driven turbine. Additionally, the compressor needs to be constantly running in order to achieve the same performance, resulting in a higher fuel consumption rate.
Which Is Better?
It ultimately comes down to the car, the engine, and the goals. A turbocharger is better suited for high-performance engines, such as those used in race cars or large engines, as the increased air pressure and air flow can provide huge power gains. A supercharger is better suited for a more general performance increase, and its simplicity and cost effectiveness may make it a better choice for some.
It’s important to properly determine the engine type and the goals of the car or driver to ensure the best system is chosen. Both the supercharger and turbocharger provide different benefits and come with different costs, so understanding the differences and capabilities is essential for choosing the best system.
Conclusion
The Difference between a Supercharger and Turbocharger is clear. While both provide great performance and improved efficiency, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The supercharger is more cost effective and more reliable, while the turbocharger provides quicker response and more power output. Understanding these differences is essential for obtaining the best performance for the engine.
The decision boils down to the engine type, goals of the driver and desired power. The supercharger or turbocharger should be chosen accordingly, taking into consideration the costs and benefits each provides.