Turbocharger vs Supercharger (Explained)

Turbochargers are powered by exhaust gas, which is an otherwise wasted gas that's a simple byproduct of combustion. Superchargers, on the other hand, are powered mechanically, typically with a serpentine belt along with the engines other accessories or with it own separate belt.

As far as which one is better, it really depends on what you need from the application. If you need tons of torque, boost at any given RPM, linear power deliver, and zero lag, a supercharger is the better option. If you need a lot of peak power, efficiency, and cool sounds, a turbocharger is probably best for your application.

If we were discussing pure efficiency, the turbo would have to be the winner in this competition. Superchargers create plenty of power, but it’s not going to be the choice for anyone that wants to save energy.

Gear I use to shoot my videos:
(Buying through these links supports the channel)

[ahmadtajy]

I love supercharhers for the whine and predictability compared to turbos :)

[coldjustus]

I searched for turbo vs supercharger and I appreciate that one of the first results was from a small channel. Thanks for the informative video! Also, I honestly love the 2000 Chevy Tahoe z71 that I’ve had for a little over a year (and had to just get a transmission rebuild on, woohoo) and honestly if I could have a dream car I’d just want mine in mint condition with a TURBOcharged LSx....and maybe like a carbon fiber driveshaft and custom transmission since it’s all a dream anyway.

[sarmatiancougar]

This whole "turbo is more efficient" myth is total nonsense. The turbo creates drag by restricting the airflow. A suboptimal airflow is no less of a drag than the supercharger pulley.

[Ohem]

What about a twin cross turbo in sequence with a regular turbo? Spool up boost at lower rpm, once in higher bypass it to the regular turbo.

[bradnimbus]

I've been enjoying your videos, man. Centrifugal superchargers are very popular at the local track. They do great on small block Fords!

[mylesadams]

Thanks Soo much. I had been wondering this for ages also I didn't know they looked alike 😆



Also loved the joke about Priuses

[thefarmbuilds]

Turbos but that probably because I love diesels

[krispyk]

Love the new background. Keep up the good work

[puffyg]

Can you make a video explaining a 1.5 jz, I been watching videos about but they don't explain it good so I don't understand it very well and you make great videos about engines and how they work and what them grate?

[simpleclean]

Is it possible to have a video on anti lag?

[derekgilson]

Gen X with 79 el camino 383 and thinking about weiand blower 144 for light to light fun

[charlesgould]

Some turbos are really cool like the vgt, but I'd rather have a super charger! The may wear engine bearings but spooling that turbo constantly can't be good either!

[Kas_C_UK]

I would have both...
Although the cooling system probably needs a hell lot of tuning.
I'm 12 though. I've got time.

[darrylm]

Great Tips, Good Stuff👍🏿 in Town (200mi Radius) SuperCharger, on the interstate Turbocharger👍🏿

[msj]

I dont know how the RPM in engine works in forced induction emgine.
I know that optimally in combustion chamber, for every ~13 part of air, there should be 1 part of fuel. And a naturally aspirated engine, it will spin as fast as it can take air in, and push air out.
So lets say just for the sake of argument, for naturally aspirated engine, if given 10 liter of air per minute, the engine will spin at 1000 rpm, and if given 100 liter of air per minute, it spin at 10000 rpm (assuming the valve spring can handle it)
But why forced induction does not make the engines RPM increases dangerously high? Does every engine need rev limiter than?
What does a throttle body does in forced induction engine? When the air is pressurised anyway..

[mwx]

Wich one would be good for pulling power so the engine doesn't stran as much when healing haver loads?

[beachboardfan]

Modern control systems make turbos better in every capacity, even for bracket racing.

[goblinzl]

gm, ford and dodge tend to use SCs. at least in their v8 applications. any reason for that over turbos? my zl1 does hit hard everywhere but im still considering a turbo for my fbody.

[GreenBlueWalkthrough]

As a late Millennial /early Gen-z basically however you divide the two year-wise I can say I do love Superchargers over turbos because of the max, instant power, looks, and sound!
Which it could be I developed my tastes for cars in the early to mid-2000s with the Need for Speed Carbon and Forza Motorsport 3 like when you put a super in a Charger Daytona you can't go back.
How ever the first one I'll likely get is a turbo if I get an EcoBoost Mustang or Mazda CX-30 turbo but if I get a mustang I could one day take out the turbo and put in a super maybe even a Raptor's v6 EcoBoost too when I have money and got the reliability out of the V4.

[igoiks]

Drag racers don’t care for boost lag they build boost on the tree and operate engines in very tight range they never drop out off boost entire run, you see biggest and laggiest turbos used in drag racing on the other hand spool is very important in road and rally racing and those cars are always turbo,