How Do You Measure Car's Power?

There are 2 ways of improving the engine power of a car without increasing its size – turbocharging and supercharging. Both ways utilize compressors to force more air into the cylinders. When the air and fuel ignite, said process will result to a more powerful explosion.

The difference between turbocharging and supercharging lies on the manner of giving power. The turbocharger of a car uses the engine's exhaust gas to turn the fan that compresses air. Said fan is directly controlled by the engine. This is done using the belt linked to the accessory drive. The components are identical to those of water pump. In the case of Ford Shelby GT 500, it uses a supercharger to help produce 500 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque.

Compared to superchargers, turbochargers are more common these days. Cars with turbochargers include the Volvo S40, Saab 9-3, Acura RDX, Mazdaspeed 6 and almost all models with diesel engines. On the other hand, cars with superchargers include Jaguar XKR, S-type R, Cadillac STS-V and XLR-V, and Land Rover Range Rover Sport.

Jaguar XKR is the replacement for XJS. It is known as the supercharged variant of the XK series. Jaguar XKR parts include standard 18-inch alloy wheels, navigation system and self-leveling xenon headlamps. Earlier, Jaguar has produced a concept car dubbed as the XKR-R which is very similar to the S-Type R special edition. S-Type R joined the automaker's lineup in 2003. Jaguar S-Type car parts used in said version include the supercharged V8. The engine is capable of producing 390 horsepower (291 kW). The car is made sportier by using unique fascia with built-in fog lamps, rear spoiler, aluminium bonnet, rear subframe and the peculiar 'R' badging. So far, S-Type R is the most expensive S-Type. It has a base price of $58,995.

In choosing which way to use in improving the car engine's power, the deciding factor is the engine size. As a fact, superchargers drain a little more power because they are always in action. Turbochargers, conversely, do not take power directly from the engine. It is the exhaust gas that compels them.

The primary disadvantage of using a turbocharger is that it is time-consuming. It has turbo lag. Said lag is not a problem with a supercharger because it driven directly by the engine. However, with the advancement of technology, turbo lag seems to wane from many engines. Additionally, sophisticated superchargers can now be disconnected if they are not needed.

Michelle Crimson holds a degree in business administration. She is currently working as an editor in New Orleans, Louisiana. This 32 year old mother of two is also a car racing fanatic.