Turbo or non-turbo, that’s the question

Honda S2000

Engineers are being pulled in two directions. Customers expect new models to be more powerful, but burn less fuel than the cars which went before.

So, it’s hardly surprising the latest vehicles are more often than not turbocharged.

It’s the cheapest and most effective way of making a petrol engine more efficient.

Forced induction is even the direction BMW’s tuning division M-Sport is taking for its latest engines.

But are turbo’d cars as fun to drive?

Normally aspirated cars are more responsive and progressive in their power delivery – making them enjoyable and predictable to drive on the limit. They have a purer – and often louder – soundtrack too.

Turbocharged cars can pack a bigger punch, but if implemented badly, there can be chronic lag as the engine gets into its stride.

The winning combination is most likely sequential turbocharging. By fitting a small turbo which kicks in at low revs and a bigger one which takes over at higher revs, lag is virtually eliminated and power is delivered more smoothly.

Do you prefer a turbo thump or a high-rev scream?

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ400