Turbos & Supercharges - Automotive performance parts direct
Auto manufacturers have decided: the turbocharger wins by a wide margin. It's not so much about power but rather fuel efficiency. Federal requirements for ever-improving fuel economy, strict greenhouse-gas emissions standards, and customers' desire for good fuel mileage have driven carmakers to use turbos rather than superchargers.
The turbocharger has enabled automakers to replace a lot of V-6s with more efficient turbocharged inline-fours that provide at least equivalent power and often more tire-spinning torque, while turbo-sixes have replaced many V-8s in higher-performance sport and luxury vehicles. Global information company IHS Markit counts some 220 2018 models offering at least one turbocharged engine versus just 30 available with a supercharged engine.