Turbo, supercharged or naturally aspirated for excitement?
Discussion
Which method gives the best feeling of sheer power and fun?
Is it the relatively narrow ranged but immense thrust a twin turbo V8 provides or do you prefer the instant tug a supercharged car gives?
Or is something like a Ferrari 458, Lamborghini Huracan 610 or Audi R8 Plus V10 with their Everest-like rev limits the way to go, with added throttle response like nothing else? You can of course add the banshee wail of a N/A car to those qualities.
Maybe you feel BHP is the ONLY thing that matters? However it is produced.
For me, if you're on a budget relatively speaking, a turbo can give you crazy performance for sensible money. Witness things like 500 bhp Audi RS3s and the like. But if you've got the dosh i see no better way than the Huracan and it's 5.2 screamer or even a top Ferrari 6.5 V12 with it's 812 PS/800 bhp and to die for sound and power.
Is it the relatively narrow ranged but immense thrust a twin turbo V8 provides or do you prefer the instant tug a supercharged car gives?
Or is something like a Ferrari 458, Lamborghini Huracan 610 or Audi R8 Plus V10 with their Everest-like rev limits the way to go, with added throttle response like nothing else? You can of course add the banshee wail of a N/A car to those qualities.
Maybe you feel BHP is the ONLY thing that matters? However it is produced.
For me, if you're on a budget relatively speaking, a turbo can give you crazy performance for sensible money. Witness things like 500 bhp Audi RS3s and the like. But if you've got the dosh i see no better way than the Huracan and it's 5.2 screamer or even a top Ferrari 6.5 V12 with it's 812 PS/800 bhp and to die for sound and power.
Whilst I'm a fan of natural aspiration and RPM for an engine of choice, I've come to the conclusion that there is no single answer that is applicable across the board.
A turbocharged engine suits an R32 Skyline or Mk4 Supra perfectly, and seeing cars with V8 swaps just seems a shame.
The problem comes when there are incongruous engine and gearboxes in cars that deserve so much more, or which spoil otherwise great packages. Think of a Smart Roadster or Renault Alpine as examples where the gearbox ruins an otherwise great car, or modern BMW M cars that lose out on some magic by retiring their naturally aspirated motors in favour of downsizing and turbo charging.
Most of this isn't affecting statistical performance or lap times, and is more about the visceral experience of enjoying the car ..... the connection between the sack of blood and organs, and the machine it's strapped to
A turbocharged engine suits an R32 Skyline or Mk4 Supra perfectly, and seeing cars with V8 swaps just seems a shame.
The problem comes when there are incongruous engine and gearboxes in cars that deserve so much more, or which spoil otherwise great packages. Think of a Smart Roadster or Renault Alpine as examples where the gearbox ruins an otherwise great car, or modern BMW M cars that lose out on some magic by retiring their naturally aspirated motors in favour of downsizing and turbo charging.
Most of this isn't affecting statistical performance or lap times, and is more about the visceral experience of enjoying the car ..... the connection between the sack of blood and organs, and the machine it's strapped to
Generally I prefer a turbo engine in a daily driver(torque comes in lower down), and a N/A engine in a weekend/occasional car(I enjoy the high revs when the roads are quiet). I think that both can offer fun/excitement though but in different ways.
I haven't had a car with a supercharger although I'd like to try one.
I like the depth/noise that a N/A engine offers, but I do also like the noises that a turbo engine makes as well.
I haven't had a car with a supercharger although I'd like to try one.
I like the depth/noise that a N/A engine offers, but I do also like the noises that a turbo engine makes as well.
I loved my supercharged 2-Eleven. The whistle and scream was great, as was the throttle response. However, I do like a nice normally aspirated engine, such as the dramatic roller barrel throttle k series in the 'R' Caterhams. I couldn't choose between them. I'm not a fan of turbos - I've owned several, driven lots, and nope. If anything, the more serious engines are even worse than the more humble. I drove a Noble M400 on track and hated the way it spooled up mid-corner, something a milder engine like the twin turbo 135i never did.
Too many variables. Especially with boosted cars. There's a massive difference in excitement from say a RS3 with 420HP to a 20 year old Nissan Silvia with 420HP. One will be smooth, quiet and fast and the other will be crazy and feel like you're in a rocket ship in comparison.
Same with big engines, you could have a V12 merc/BMW that'll be just as fast (in a straight line) as some supercars.
Same with big engines, you could have a V12 merc/BMW that'll be just as fast (in a straight line) as some supercars.
Many turbo cars especially budget ones are similar to driving with an elasticted throttle any power delivery is erratic and hence of no interest whatsoever.
Can't beat the perfectly linear power delivery throttle response and sound of a 9k rev limit sophisticated na which has minimal power and torque drop off to the redline.
There really is no substitute engine for fun driving.
Can't beat the perfectly linear power delivery throttle response and sound of a 9k rev limit sophisticated na which has minimal power and torque drop off to the redline.
There really is no substitute engine for fun driving.
Good replies. The turbos on my 2 fast cars are certainly different. The Lotus despite being set up to perfection with 400 bhp is a like a light switch compared to the BMW despite the latter having over 50% more power. The BMW is easier to drive even with the massive power advantage. Plus the Lotus loves it's 99 octane. BM isn't bothered it seems. I'd love a Ferrari V12 like the 812 but that's not happening. But i DO want a 599 next year, now they are down to sensible money. I really want a n/a Ferrari with 12 pots.
Krikkit said:
Depends what you find exciting - most people think jerk and acceleration are most interesting.
Therefore turbo > supercharged > NA, in general.
Err no. Positive Displacement supercharger always gives the biggest shove in the back. Here's mine, observe the torque curve. Therefore turbo > supercharged > NA, in general.
Makes Golf R HP at 2000 rpm.
Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 19th November 19:28
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