Which adds more horsepower turbo or supercharger?

Turbochargers generally offer higher peak horsepower on the same engine compared with a supercharger, while a supercharger provides immediate boost and stronger low-end torque. The exact gains depend on engine size, boost pressure, fueling, and tuning.

In this article, we explore how each forced-induction method works, compare their horsepower potential, and discuss practical trade-offs for street cars, track builds, and everyday drivers.

How Turbochargers Work

Turbochargers use exhaust gas energy to spin a turbine that compresses intake air. This increases air density in the combustion chamber, allowing more fuel to be burnt and more power to be produced. The trade-off is that boost builds as the turbine spools up, which can introduce lag, especially at lower RPMs.

The following points summarize the key factors that influence turbo horsepower gains.

• Exhaust energy drives the turbine: More exhaust flow can produce more boost, up to the limits of the turbo housing and the engine’s capacity to feed fuel and manage heat.


• Boost potential and range: Turbos can achieve high boost pressures, especially when paired with larger or multiple turbos and advanced wastegate control.


• Spool and lag: The time it takes for the turbo to reach operating speed creates a delay before boost is felt.


• Intercooling and efficiency: Cooler intake air increases density and power; modern systems use air-to-air or water/air intercoolers to maximize gains.


• Advanced technologies: Variable-geometry turbos, twin-scroll designs, and electric-assisted turbos reduce lag and improve responsiveness across a wider RPM range.

In practice, turbochargers can deliver substantial peak horsepower, particularly on performance-oriented or larger displacement engines, but the boost curve and heat management requirements are important considerations.

How Superchargers Work

Superchargers are belt-driven devices that force air into the engine directly from the crankshaft. Because they are mechanically connected to the engine, boost is available almost instantly, delivering strong low-end torque and quick throttle response. The downside is that the overall peak power gain can be more modest than a similarly boosted turbo system, due to parasitic loss from the belt drive and the engine’s limited ability to sustain very high boost without additional cooling and fueling upgrades.

The following points summarize the strengths and limitations of superchargers.

• Immediate boost: Since the supercharger is connected to the crankshaft, boost appears with little to no lag, improving response at low to mid RPMs.


• Parasitic power cost: The belt-driven drive consumes engine horsepower, which can limit net gains at the top end compared with turbocharging.


• Types and boost curves: Roots and twin-screw designs deliver strong low-end power, while centrifugal layouts tend to build boost more at higher RPMs.


• Cooling and efficiency: Intercooling helps, but the boost is less dependent on exhaust gas energy than a turbo; efficiency gains come from compression and cooling design.


• Reliability and integration: Generally straightforward to install and tune, with fewer exhaust-side heat concerns than turbo systems.

Overall, superchargers provide predictable, immediate horsepower gains and excellent low-end torque, but their peak horsepower potential is often lower than a well-optimized turbo on the same engine.

Power Potential and Practical Considerations

The amount of horsepower added by forced induction is shaped by engine size, internal strength, fueling capability, cooling capacity, and the level of boost targeted. The choice between turbo and supercharger involves weighing peak power against throttle response and daily drivability.

Peak power vs. usable power

Turbo systems can achieve higher peak horsepower, especially when boosted aggressively and kept cool. Superchargers tend to deliver more usable power at low and mid RPMs, which translates to quicker response and stronger pull in everyday driving.

Engineering and reliability factors

Engine internals, fuel system adequacy, cooling capacity, and drivetrain robustness determine how far you can push either system without compromising reliability or durability.

1. Engine displacement and internals: Larger engines and forged components tolerate higher boost and longer runs at elevated power levels.


2. Boost targets and control: Turbos can be tuned for very high peak boost with sophisticated wastegate and intercooler control; superchargers offer simpler, steadier boost profiles.


3. Cooling and heat management: Efficient intercooling and charge cooling are crucial for maintaining performance, especially with turbocharged setups.


4. Fuel delivery and ignition timing: Adequate fuel supply and proper timing are essential to realize gains without detonation or overheating.


5. Drivetrain stress: Increased horsepower stresses transmissions, differentials, and axles; supporting upgrades are often required.

In summary, turbocharging is often capable of higher peak horsepower given appropriate exhaust energy, cooling, and fueling, while supercharging offers quicker, more reliable throttle response. Advances like electric-assisted turbos and variable-geometry designs continue to blur the traditional gap.

Practical Takeaways: Who Should Consider Each?

Choosing between turbo and supercharger depends on how you intend to use the vehicle, how you value responsiveness, and what kind of power delivery you want. The following guidance reflects common use cases and current technology trends.

The following points illustrate typical considerations for different applications.

• Daily drivers prioritizing smooth response and ease of use: A compact turbo with a well-matched intercooler and calibration can provide strong mid-range torque and good efficiency, or a well-designed roots/twin-screw supercharger for immediate response.


• Track-focused builds seeking maximum top-end power: A turbo setup with efficient cooling, higher boost, and robust fueling is often preferred to achieve higher peak horsepower.


• Hybrid or electric integration: Modern combinations—such as electric assist for turbo or electrically driven compressors—can reduce lag and broaden the usable power band.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your goals, budget, and the engineering limits of your vehicle. A well-executed plan may include supporting upgrades to fuel systems, cooling, and drivetrain components to realize the full potential of either approach.

Summary

Turbochargers generally provide higher peak horsepower potential and greater efficiency at high RPMs, especially with modern technologies like variable geometry and electric-assisted designs. Superchargers offer immediate throttle response and strong low-end torque, with simpler integration and fewer lag-related drawbacks, though peak gains can be more modest for the same engine size. The optimal choice depends on whether you value maximum top-end power or instant, predictable acceleration, plus how you plan to use the vehicle and how much you’re willing to invest in supporting systems. Advances in cooling, control, and hybridized setups are expanding the options for both approaches.

Do superchargers or turbos make more horsepower?

Turbochargers are more effective at getting higher power out of smaller engines that, without a turbocharger, might not produce much horsepower. A turbocharger won't improve an engine's fuel economy, but it will get more horsepower out of a smaller, more fuel-efficient engine.

What's better, a blower or a turbo?

Neither a blower (supercharger) nor a turbo is universally "better"; the choice depends on the desired power delivery and performance goals. Turbos are generally more efficient because they use exhaust gas, making them good for power from smaller engines, but can have "lag". Superchargers provide more instant, linear power and torque, but are less efficient because they draw power from the engine. 
You can watch this video to learn about the differences between blowers and turbos: 56sSummit RacingYouTube · Apr 18, 2024
Turbocharger

• How it works: Uses exhaust gases to spin a turbine, which in turn spins the compressor to force more air into the engine. 
• Pros: More efficient as it uses wasted exhaust energy, allowing for higher power from smaller engines and potentially better fuel economy. Can be finely tuned to manage boost pressure in different gears. 
• Cons: Can suffer from "turbo lag" because it needs exhaust pressure to spool up. The hot exhaust gas can heat the intake air, reducing performance, and they require a specialized exhaust system. 

This video demonstrates the difference in power curves between a turbo and a blower: 59sRichard HoldenerYouTube · Sep 1, 2020
Blower (Supercharger)

• How it works: Mechanically driven by the engine's crankshaft, usually via a belt, to force air into the engine. 
• Pros: Provides instant, linear throttle response with no lag. Often provides strong low-end torque. Can provide a unique, desirable engine sound. 
• Cons: Less efficient because it consumes engine power to operate, leading to a parasitic loss. Can lead to lower fuel economy. 

Which one is right for you?

• Choose a turbo if: You want maximum efficiency and high power from a smaller engine, or are building a drag car where boost can be precisely controlled. 
• Choose a blower if: You want immediate and predictable power delivery, especially at lower RPMs, and are less concerned with efficiency. 
• Consider a combination: Some modern engine designs use both a supercharger for low-end torque and a turbocharger for high-end power to get the best of both worlds. 

What increases horsepower the most?

Increasing compression is the most productive way to increase horsepower. Build compression into your engine and you build in power. In more than a century of internal combustion, there has never been a more common sense way to make power. But be careful about how you raise compression.

Why aren't superchargers used anymore?

The main reason super-charger is not used in today's car is because of market demand for fuel-efficient cars. Super-charger increase volume of air flow and that is important during high-rev, but that does not increase fuel-efficiency. Car fitted with super-charger usually have slightly lower fuel-efficiency.