TURBOCHARGERS IN PETROL

AND DIESEL-DRIVEN CARS

The applications of turbochargers are manifold. Besides its use in aircraft,

motorcycles and ships, turbochargers also feature heavily in automobiles.

These can be driven either by petrol or diesel. How then do the turbochargers

in these cars differ? Below, we explore 3 key differences.

SIZE

Turbochargers in diesel engines tend to be sturdier

and larger in size, owing to the high combustion

pressures caused by the atomisation of diesel fuel

as it enters the combustion chamber. Furthermore,

diesel fuel burns at very low temperatures, thereby

generating a lot more exhaust gases than petrol

engines do. The engine has to be fitted with a larger

turbine to accommodate the intake of exhaust

gases, hence adding to the size of the turbocharger.

ENGINE REVOLUTIONS PER MINUTE (RPM)

Given the size of turbochargers in diesel-

driven cars, the RPM of turbochargers tend to

be lower than that of petrol-driven cars.

Additionally, petrol burns at high

temperatures, so a higher RPM is needed in

order to drive the car.

COOLING SYSTEMS

As a large amount of heat is generated in

petrol-powered cars, turbochargers in these

automobiles tend to be fitted with better

cooling systems, so as to prevent the engine

from overheating.