What’s the Difference Between a Supercharger and a Turbocharger?

September 16th, 2020 by Fix Auto USA

The difference between a turbo and supercharger is significant. If you understand what separates one charger from another, you can determine if one of these chargers can help you increase your car engine’s power.

Supercharger vs. Turbocharger: What You Need to Know

 A supercharger is an air compressor that boosts air pressure or density as it enters a car’s engine. It is powered by the engine and consists of an air pump that is hooked up directly to the engine’s crankshaft.

Thanks to a supercharger, your car’s engine receives additional oxygen that it can use to burn fuel. As such, a supercharger can help you boost your engine’s power.

Like a supercharger, a turbocharger is an air compressor that can help you increase your car engine’s power. Yet, a turbocharger is powered by a turbine in a car’s exhaust stream.

What Are the Differences Between Superchargers and Turbochargers?

A supercharger delivers an instant power boost and ensures that you won’t have to worry about lag, since the charger is connected directly to an engine. On the other hand, a supercharger tends to be less efficient than a turbocharger; this is due to the fact that it siphons additional power from the engine as it revs.

Comparatively, a turbocharger requires extra time to boost an engine’s power, as it must build exhaust pressure that powers the turbine.

How Much Power Does a Supercharger or Turbocharger Deliver?

Expect a supercharger or turbocharger to add between 30% to 50% more power to your car’s engine.

A typical naturally aspirated car engine operating at sea level receives air at an average of 14.7 psi. If a supercharger or turbocharger adds 7 psi to the engine, it should help the engine’s cylinders get 50% more air. This can help boost the car’s power by up to 50%.

Usually, superchargers are more powerful than turbochargers. The average supercharger has an RPM rate of 50,000, while the average turbocharger has an RMP rate of 40,000.

Which Is More Reliable: A Supercharger or a Turbocharger?

A turbocharger tends to be less reliable than a supercharger for several reasons.

Turbochargers generate significant heat, and they must be properly installed and insulated. Generally, turbochargers will last up to 150,000 miles; without proper installation and insulation, turbochargers may quickly deteriorate and impact a car engine’s performance.

Conversely, a supercharger is simple to install and easy to maintain in comparison to a turbocharger. A supercharger also tends to run louder than a turbocharger, which is an important consideration when determining which type of charger for your car.

Which Is the Better Option: a Supercharger or Turbocharger?

There are many factors to consider as you decide between a supercharger or turbocharger, such as:

• Cost: Superchargers tend to be more expensive than turbochargers.
• Maintenance: Additional time, resources, and energy may be required to maintain a turbocharger in contrast to a supercharger.
• Emissions: Superchargers tend to produce more carbon emissions than turbochargers.

Regardless of whether you buy a supercharger or turbocharger, proper installation and maintenance is key. By working with certified automotive technicians, you can ensure your supercharger or turbocharger works correctly. You can also minimize the risk of supercharger or turbocharger issues that hamper your car engine’s performance.

Need Auto Body Repairs? Choose Fix Auto Chatsworth

At Fix Auto Chatsworth, we are a top provider of auto body repairs in California and can fix dents, dings, and other auto body damage for both supercharger and turbocharger vehicles. To learn more about our auto body repair services or to book an appointment, please contact us online or call us today at (818) 709-7333.

 

This blog post was contributed by Fix Auto Chatsworth, a leading industry expert and collision repair shop servicing northwestern San Fernando Valley and the surrounding areas in Los Angeles County.