Naturally Aspirated (NA) vs. Turbocharged – Which Engine is Better?

This is the question of the century for car enthusiasts and tuners worldwide. But with time, higher-displacement Naturally Aspirated (NA) engines are being ditched for smaller-displacement engines with one or more turbochargers. Why is that happening? What is a turbo? Do I need to turbocharge my car? Read till the end to find out the answers to all of your questions in this NA vs. Turbocharged.

The Difference

Internal combustion engines are initially naturally aspirated, meanwhile, turbochargers are power boosters that increase the power output of these engines by forcing more air into the combustion chamber. The turbocharger is a device driven by the engine’s exhaust gases and designed to boost the engine’s efficiency and performance.

In the past, naturally aspirated engines were more prevalent among car enthusiasts as they provided a more raw driving experience and throttle response. More specifically, people liked having NA V8 engines instead of turbocharged four or six-cylinder engines. 

NA Engines are Better

Sure, Turbochargers give you a thrill worth remembering, but Turbocharged engines aren’t usually as reliable as NA engines. Another reason why people prefer NA engines is that turbochargers require some time to build up boost as they reach high rpm. This delay is called turbo lag, and it’s not very rewarding when you are trying to beat your cousin’s Ford Mustang in a straight-line rolling race from 40 kph.

NA engines are simpler to work on, too, which means you can grab a 10 mm wrench and act like you are fixing your alternator in front of your high school crush. The next thing you know, you just dropped the wrench inside the engine bay, and you won’t be able to see it again. Unless, of course, if you blow the engine. 

Boost is Addictive

You hate turbocharged engines until you have one for yourself. Most of the people who don’t like turbocharged engines are really the people who can’t afford to build a turbo engine. The immediate and everlasting push you get after hitting boost for the first time, your head being pushed back into the headrest, your mind telling you to let off the throttle or you’ll blow the transmission.

Still, your heart is enjoying every bit of the drama and wants you to keep going. It’s really just an addiction. Harmful but equally fun to do and very hard to quit once you get used to it. 

Is the future NA or turbo?

With the ever-increasing emissions limitations, most car manufacturers worldwide have started making electric cars. The other half, the better half, has decreased the engine displacements to almost half. But that would simply make the cars slower and less powerful! Actually, they are adding either one or two turbochargers to the engine to make efficient power, give better performance, and still comply with emission standards. We are still determining the future, but the present is definitely in favor of turbochargers.

Let us know in the comments which one is your choice in this NA vs. Turbocharged battle.