Turbochargers and Superchargers are two forms of forced induction, but use different means to achieve it. There are a number of differences between the two, and they are sometimes better for certain applications.
| Characteristic | Turbochargers | Superchargers | Ram Air |
|---|---|---|---|
| Improves Power Output | Yes | Yes | Yes, When The Vehicle is in Motion |
| Powered by Exhaust Flow | Yes | No | No |
| Powered by Engine Torque | No | Yes | No |
| Power Lags | On Some High-Output Models | No | Yes |
| Needs Lubrication | On Some Models | Yes | No |
| Installs with Minimal Modifications | Some | No | Yes |
| Easily Adjustable (Manual) | No | Yes (Change Pulley Size) | Yes (Increase Intake Vent Size) |
| Automatically Adjusting | With Variable Vane Option Only | No | Adjusts With Vehicle Speed |
| Blow-Off Valve Option | Yes | Yes | No |
Power Gain Difference
The amount of power that a Turbocharger or Supercharger has to offer depends entirely on how they are designed, and even the power band shape differences differ, depending on the type, settings, engine, and other factors.
- Turbochargers
- Superchargers
- Ram Air
- Turbo Lag