You can also view previously answered questions in the HSW Question Archive . Answer Let's start with the similarities. Both turbochargers and superchargers are called forced induction systems . The advantage of compressing the air is that it lets the engine stuff more air in a cylinder.
More air means that more fuel can be stuffed in too.
Therefore you get more power from each explosion in each cylinder. The key difference between a turbocharger and a supercharger is its power supply. Something has to supply the power to run the air compressor. In a supercharger there is a belt that connects directly to the engine. It gets its power the same way that the water pump or alternator does.