Superchargers versus turbochargers: similarities and differences

If you aim to improve the power of your car’s engine, and cannot decide if to use a supercharger or a turbocharger, here are a few tips that might help you decide. First of all is good to know they both are forced induced systems. This means they use the principle of compressing the air flow into the engine, thus stuffing more air inside a cylinder, which leads to an overall boost of power (the improvement can go up to 50%).
The main difference is in the way the supercharger and turbocharger are powered. The supercharger, for example, is mechanically powered, by using a belt, chain or shaft connected to the car’s crankshaft.
A turbocharger on the other hand, increases the density of air that enters the engine by using a turbine that re-circulates the engine’s own exhaust gases, thus proving to be more economical by using energy that would otherwise be lost. Two identical yet smaller turbos might be used on some engines, in order t prevent lag. They might be installed parallel or sequential. Turbo lag is basically the time required to make the engine work at full efficiency.
A turbocharged system also provides more power than a supercharged one, but the later has the advantage of a better boost and full throttle capabilities, as the turbo lacks the needed air flow pressure to sustain a powerful enough first time acceleration. It’s actually a matter of what the car is used for that decides between one of these system.
Superchargers manufacturers like MagnaCharger, HKS, Greddy, Stillen, TPC or Procharger make these systems available for a wide range of car models, while for a turbo kit you can check Greddy for example. You should also consider opting for a new car exhaust system (like those made by Borla, Larini or Capristo) if in search of obtaining the maximum power your engine can give.