Supercharged vs. TurbochargedIn the world of high-performance engine components there is probably no other topic more hotly debated than supercharger vs. turbocharged. turbocharger. In a fast-paced world of automotive ingenuity, both of these products prevail in power production. Compared to other possible engine modifications, these modifications remain at the top of the list for creating power. When comparing these two modifications you need to consider many different aspects, such as how they work in terms of cost, fuel economy, durability and power generated. Both superchargers and turbochargers are forced induction systems and therefore have the same goal: to compress the air and force more air molecules inside. the engine's combustion chambers with a higher pressure than normally allowed at atmospheric pressure here on Earth (14.7 psi at sea level). The benefit of forcing more air molecules into the combustion chambers is that it allows the engine to burn more fuel per power stroke. With an internal combustion engine, burning more fuel means converting more fuel into energy and power. For this reason, supercharged and turbocharged engines typically produce 40% to 100%+ more horsepower (depending on the amount of boost). Boost is any pressure above atmospheric pressure in the intake manifold. When there is more air pressure in the intake manifold it means there can also be more fuel pressure. The higher pressure in the combustion chamber means that the explosion used to move the pistons up and down is greater, however this pressure must resist combustion to get more energy from the power stroke. A resistance to combustion is achieved through the type of petrol used. There are normally three different types of petrol available at most petrol stations and their resistance to burning is represented by the octane number shown at the pump, for example 87, 89 and 92. The higher the number, the higher the resistance to burning. combustion. The cost of the supercharger or turbocharger system for a specific engine is about the same, so cost is generally not a determining factor. Those interested in purchasing a super turbocharger should expect to spend around $2,500 for a quality product. There are companies that offer these parts for as little as $1,500, however the reduced price comes at a non-dollar cost. One thing that should be considered is that you get what you pay for.