
Head to head: Turbocharger vs supercharger
Jeremy Clarkson eat your heart out; BBC Science Focus Magazine puts turbochargers and superchargers head to head in a true battle of the engines!
Turbocharger | VS | Supercharger |
150,000-280,000rpm | COMPRESSOR SPEED | 30,000rpm |
70kPa | BOOST PRESSURE | 100kPa |
60-75kW | EXTRA POWER | 40-130kW |
106dB | NOISE | 116dB |
£2,400 | COST | £3,000 |
Both increase engine power by compressing the intake air. This allows more fuel to be burned for each piston stroke. A supercharger uses a turbine driven by the engine, which uses some engine power. Turbos are powered by the otherwise wasted exhaust gas pressure. They are more efficient but more complex, and are less responsive when you accelerate.
Subscribe to BBC Focus magazine for fascinating new Q&As every month and follow @sciencefocusQA on Twitter for your daily dose of fun science facts.
Subscription offer
Subscribe and save 50% on the shop price. Pay just £16.50 every 6 issues by Direct Debit. Receive every issue delivered direct to your door with FREE UK delivery.