Turbocharger vs Supercharger, What's the Difference and which is better?

Turbochargers and superchargers are both forced induction systems used in internal combustion engines to increase power output by forcing more air into the cylinders. This allows more fuel to be burned, generating greater force and, consequently, more power. However, they achieve this through different means.   

Here's a breakdown of their differences, advantages, and disadvantages:

Turbocharger

• How it works: A turbocharger utilizes the kinetic energy of the engine's exhaust gases to spin a turbine. This turbine is connected by a shaft to a compressor, which then draws in and compresses ambient air before forcing it into the engine's intake manifold.   
• Power Source: Exhaust gases (waste energy). 
• Supercharger

• How it works: A supercharger is mechanically driven directly by the engine's crankshaft, usually via a belt, chain, or gears. The rotational power from the engine spins the supercharger's compressor, which then forces air into the intake manifold. 
• Power Source: Engine's mechanical power.  

Which is Better?

There isn't a definitive "better" between turbochargers and superchargers, as the ideal choice depends on the specific application and desired characteristics:

Turbocharger Advantages:

• Higher Efficiency: Turbochargers utilize otherwise wasted exhaust energy, making them generally more fuel-efficient than superchargers.   
• Increased Power Output (relative to engine size): Turbochargers can produce significant power gains, often allowing for smaller displacement engines to achieve the power of larger, naturally aspirated ones.   
• Reduced Emissions: More complete combustion due to increased air density can lead to lower emissions.  
• Better High-Altitude Performance: Turbochargers can compensate for the lower air density at higher altitudes by forcing more air into the engine.  

Turbocharger Disadvantages:

• Turbo Lag: There's often a slight delay between the driver pressing the accelerator and the turbocharger delivering its full power. This is because it takes time for the exhaust gases to build up enough pressure to spin the turbine effectively.
• Increased Complexity: Turbocharger systems are more complex, with additional components like intercoolers and intricate piping, potentially leading to higher maintenance costs and more potential failure points.   
• Higher Operating Temperatures: Turbochargers operate at very high temperatures due to the exhaust gases, requiring robust cooling and lubrication systems.  

Supercharger Advantages:

• Instant Power Delivery: Because they are mechanically driven by the engine, superchargers provide immediate boost across the engine's RPM range without the lag associated with turbochargers.   
• Linear Power Delivery: The power increase from a supercharger tends to be more linear and predictable, directly proportional to engine speed.   
• Simpler Installation (generally): Supercharger systems can be less complex than turbocharger setups in some configurations.   
• Good Low-End Torque: Superchargers often provide a significant boost in power and torque at lower engine speeds.   

Supercharger Disadvantages:

• Lower Efficiency: Superchargers draw power directly from the engine, reducing overall engine efficiency and potentially leading to lower fuel economy.   
• Lower Peak Power (generally): While offering good low-end power, superchargers might not achieve the same peak power figures as well-designed turbocharger systems.
• Increased Engine Wear: The added mechanical load of driving the supercharger can potentially contribute to increased engine wear over time.   

Why "Supercharged"?

The term "supercharged" predates the widespread use of turbochargers. Historically, any method of forcing more air into an engine than it could naturally draw in was considered a form of "supercharging."

The prefix "super-" implies "above" or "beyond." In this context, "supercharged" signifies that the engine is receiving an air charge above atmospheric pressure, enhancing its performance beyond what a naturally aspirated engine could achieve.

Even though turbochargers compress the intake air to a higher density (which is then forced into the engine), the fundamental principle of both systems is to "charge" or fill the cylinders with more air than they would otherwise hold. The "super" in "supercharged" simply highlights this increased or "superior" charge of air.   

Up until the mid-20th century, turbochargers were even referred to as "turbosuperchargers," further illustrating the historical connection of both technologies under the umbrella of "supercharging" as a general concept of forced induction.