What’s the Difference between a Supercharger and Turbocharger?

You’ve probably read that some cars have engines equipped with supercharger or turbocharger. This really is becoming standard for a lot of cars with smaller engines. Car manufacturers add superchargers and turbos to boost engine power without having to manufacture a completely new engine.

Both devices will raise the power of the car but there are some differences between a supercharger and turbocharger.

What is a Supercharger?

A supercharger is a device that is bolted to your engine and connects with a belt to the crankshaft. As the engine spins, it spins the supercharger and that compresses the air and forces it into the engine. The compressed air is what gives you more power. Superchargers can increase the horsepower of your engine by 30-50%.

What is a Turbocharger?

A turbocharger works with the exhaust system. As exhaust flows out of the engine, it spins a turbine which in turn spins an air compressor that pushes extra air into the engine. The extra air also means extra power. Turbochargers can increase the horsepower of your engine by 25-50%.

What’s the Difference?

The main difference between a supercharger and turbocharger is how they are powered. A supercharger is powered mechanically by the engine through a belt connected to the crankshaft. A turbocharger is powered by the exhaust gases coming from the engine.

Because a supercharger is connected directly to the engine, it provides an immediate boost in power with no lag. A turbocharger, on the other hand, has what is called “turbo lag” because it takes a moment for the exhaust gases to build up enough pressure to spin the turbine.

Superchargers are generally less efficient because they use engine power to create more power. Turbochargers are more efficient because they use “waste” energy from the exhaust to create more power.

Turbochargers are more common in modern cars because they are more fuel efficient. However, superchargers still have their place, especially in performance vehicles where immediate throttle response is important.