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Very few aspects compare to the beating heart of your supercar, its engine. We want to break down the natural aspiration vs turbo engine debate. As general concepts they\u2019re easy to understand, but the intricate details aren\u2019t as clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s take a closer look at what\u2019s powering our favourite motors. Plus, in the NA engine vs turbo debate, we look at how these engines work and what benefits they bring. Finally, we\u2019ll finish up with a roundup of the top cars with each type of engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Let\u2019s start with what a naturally aspirated powertrain does. As the name suggests, these engines draw air into the cylinders at normal atmospheric pressure. The movement of the pistons causes a partial vacuum that makes this possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the combustion chambers fill with more air, more fuel goes into the mix for increased combustion and more power. As you go faster, there\u2019s an increase in the rate at which air flows in, giving you more power to reach high speeds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Turbochargers, on the other hand, don\u2019t use natural atmospheric pressure. Instead, it\u2019s a system connected to the engine, where the exhaust gases power a turbine that takes in air from outside. It forces higher levels of air than would normally be possible into the motor, and the compression delivers the power. This system is called forced induction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Forced induction feels like a relatively new thing, as it became more widespread following efforts to reduce emissions. However, the first \u2018compressor\u2019 cars date back to the 1920s when Paul Daimler took inspiration from aviation engines and brought it to Mercedes<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While the improved performance was a huge hit at the time, it took a while for engineering advances to catch up and make this system reliable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Later on, fuel efficiency was seen as the simplest way to reduce emissions. Since forced induction systems require smaller engines and, therefore, burn less fuel for the same amount of power as NA engines, there\u2019s less waste gas as a result. Car manufacturers found a way to maintain performance levels even while decreasing engine volume through turbochargers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Cars with forced induction tend to have a supercharger or a turbocharger. The main difference is where they\u2019re mounted. Superchargers are mounted at the air intake point, whereas turbochargers are found further down in the engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A supercharger is always running via a belt or chain from the engine. The benefit is that there are no delays when it comes to power. However, it\u2019s not as fuel-efficient as a turbocharger, as some engine power is required to run it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Turbochargers, on the other hand, use the pressure from the exhaust gases. Its self-perpetuating nature is what brings fuel efficiency. However, you need to reach a minimum speed to get the benefits, which means a delay in power, also known as turbo lag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The natural aspiration vs turbo discussion isn\u2019t all about emissions. While that certainly played a role in causing many car companies to choose turbo engines, there are other considerations. Turbochargers are expensive parts and require precision engineering, and you\u2019ll find superchargers mostly on performance engines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Was the turbocharged engine the death of the naturally aspirated one? Not quite. While they\u2019re not as easy to find brand-new cars with an NA engine, there are exceptions, as we explore below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Many petrolheads still love them as they\u2019re considered longer-lasting and more reliable. Fewer parts, less compression and cooler combustion chambers help that, as does an engine that works with fewer parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you care about your engine sound and want to stick to the classic way of doing things, then the winner of the NA engine vs turbo debate will be naturally aspirated every time. Fortunately, there are plenty of thrilling supercars that deliver. Here are four top options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you value performance above all else, then a supercar that\u2019s enhanced by its turbocharged engine is probably for you. Let\u2019s take at some of the stand out performance cars in this bracket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ferrari F40<\/a> – A road car that goes over 200mph? It\u2019s a no-brainer, and, of course, it\u2019s a Ferrari. The twin-turbocharged V8 delivers thrills that are unlike any other Ferrari or supercar, for that matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bentley Continental GT<\/a> – Sophistication and a 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engine, what more could you ask for? The Continental GT is a modern classic and proof that turbos and performance cars go hand in hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTurbocharger vs Supercharger<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
NA Engine Vs Turbo<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Supercars with NA Engines<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Supercars with Turbocharged Engines<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n