Do Turbocharged Cars Have More Engine Braking?

Introduction

Engine braking is the use of the engine to slow down a vehicle. It works by closing the throttle, which reduces the amount of air flowing into the engine. This causes the engine to work harder to maintain its speed, which in turn slows the car down.

Turbocharged cars are equipped with a turbocharger, which is a device that uses exhaust gases to spin a turbine. The turbine then drives a compressor, which forces more air into the engine. This results in increased power and torque.

How Turbochargers Affect Engine Braking

Turbochargers can affect engine braking in two ways:

1. Increased Compression Ratio: Turbochargers increase the compression ratio of the engine. This means that the air in the cylinders is compressed more before it is ignited. This results in increased power and torque, but it also makes the engine more difficult to slow down.
2. Reduced Backpressure: Turbochargers reduce the backpressure in the exhaust system. This means that the exhaust gases can flow out of the engine more easily. This reduces the amount of work that the engine has to do to expel the exhaust gases, which in turn makes the engine easier to slow down.

Overall Effect

Overall, turbocharged cars have less engine braking than naturally aspirated cars. This is because the increased compression ratio and reduced backpressure make it easier for the engine to spin freely.

Benefits of Reduced Engine Braking

There are a few benefits to reduced engine braking, including:

* Improved Fuel Economy: Reduced engine braking means that the engine is working less hard, which in turn saves fuel.
* Smoother Shifting: Reduced engine braking makes it easier to shift gears smoothly.
* Increased Acceleration: Reduced engine braking means that the car can accelerate more quickly.

Drawbacks of Reduced Engine Braking

There are also a few drawbacks to reduced engine braking, including:

* Increased Stopping Distance: Reduced engine braking means that the car will take longer to stop.
* Less Control on Downhill Grades: Reduced engine braking can make it more difficult to control the car on downhill grades.

Conclusion

Overall, turbocharged cars have less engine braking than naturally aspirated cars. This is due to the increased compression ratio and reduced backpressure caused by the turbocharger. While reduced engine braking has some benefits, such as improved fuel economy and smoother shifting, it also has some drawbacks, such as increased stopping distance and less control on downhill grades.