CNET On Cars - Car Tech 101: Turbos vs. Superchargers

Learn the difference between two high tech trends to increase power with less fuel.

[callanklimts]

I love how they show a picture of a naturally aspirated lambo while he explains why a turbo is beneficial.

[FutureNoize]

@xanode the motor is the new Ford Coyote 5.8 liter V8 and it is running a twin screw supercharger. EFI blower setups are used to convert a carbureted engine to a fuel injected engine.

[audirx]

You could have addressed a twin scroll turbo also.
Much less lag vs single scroll since twin scroll gets exhaust pulses from different cylinders during there stroke for less lag.

[twinchargedca]

Good info, but just so some people dont get the wrong idea, at 1:18 when he is describing the turbo and says 'cold air comes in here', that is actually the turbo compressor outlet.

[ohheydarciemae]

Oh my gosh I LOVE these videos! Binge watch, here I come!

[ERICtheLATE]

Turbo lag is such a devine intervention-it takes sustained rpms to generate the force of exhaust to spool the turbo, then charge the intake manifold with boost pressure, this is also a chance to boost oil circulation, coolant circulation and just about any engine like being loaded at higher rpms than super low and lugging. If left on the standard factory tune, it can apply all this extra torque gently, on all supports and drivetrain, while staying just at the fringe of breaking traction if there are precipitated surface conditions. They are arguably a jet engine, I.C.E. hybrid.

A supercharger is a gas powered air compressor that beer bongs itself and whines all the time, but can compensate with it's throaty, free flowing exhaust note.

[tbok]

I saw my 3800 V6 in those shots of superchargers. I miss my Bonneville. That thing had amazing power for such a big car.

[edward_lee]

CNet on Cars.. the only thing good about C|Net nowadays...

[johnsmithfakename]

I hate to burst the bubble on turbochargers getting free boost at the expense of turbo lag, turbochargers and superchargers both consume energy to make energy.  It is where the parasitic effect comes from that changes.
For the supercharger it comes from the crank, a turbocharger it comes from the back end.  A turbocharger can increase exhaust backpressure, decreasing engine efficiency and increasing fuel consumption.

Therefore both have parasitic effects, where the effect comes from varies and the impact on the vehicle itself can be minimal if the correct forced induction system is selected reguardless of being a supercharger or a turbocharger.

[bobwolf]

With variable geometry turbochargers the lag issues are considerably reduced.
Take a factory 2. Something liter engine with variable geometry turbocharging, variable valve timing, coil on plug ignition and direct injection. We have 4 cylinder engines able to produce more power per cubic Inch than most V8 engines without the fuel expense. Best part is they produce the majority of their output between 1500 and 3500 rpm rev well over 8K and hold together.

[MrAddictedtocars]

Makes an otherwise boring material into something very informative, interesting, and applicable.

[BurnDuration]

He points to compressor outlet on the turbo and says "air goes in here". :-/

[oscarbonilla]

Keep making video s like this one. It really is very interesting

[yutian]

Thank you for the fun explanation! Very helpful explanation Mr. Cooley! Subbed!

[JoeBlue]

He mixed up the turbine and compressor sides in his demonstration. Turbo is infinitely more efficient as you can size the turbine and compressor to the exact specs that will give you what you want out of the engine. As for lag, easy to get around that with proper sizing. 

[TimJoseph]

The Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid and the Infiniti JX Hybrid have a 2.5 Liter Super-Charged engine, not turbo-charged, and both are paired with CVTs in either FWD or AWD. Both vehicles claim to achieve 26 MPG combined in either drivetrain. Nissan might consider putting low-displacement super-charged engines in their vehicles in America, since the Asian market has them.

[dieselboy]

I finally have a clear understanding of the differences... Thank you!

[GlassTopRX]

When it come to power what he says :50 is misleading.  A 400 hp engine, will use about the same amount of fuel regardless on how you get there.  In fact a boosted engine will use slightly more, to cool the charge and gain more timing.

Also in power applications the length of rev range and how fast the engine revs play a major role in what's best.  Turbo's are better suited to larger rev ranges and engine that rev quickly.

[SCmaro]

Got a couple of terms not quite right. On the exhaust side of the turbo that's called the turbine. And inside a (roots/twin screw) supercharger those are called rotors.

[Kele]

Can you put a supercharger in any car?