Fri May 31, 2013 9:38 am by silenthunter
The key difference between a turbocharger and a conventional supercharger is that the latter is mechanically driven from the engine, often from a belt connected to the crankshaft,
whereas a turbocharger is driven by the engine's exhaust gas turbine.
Also to maintain a good efficiency the turbo needs to be as close to the exhaust ports as possible and since the short cast one is the smallest in terms of distance from the engine. The reason is that else the hot gasses cool too much before reaching the exhaust turnine, wich results in less pressure at the intake turbine.
Turbocharging can be used to increase power output for a given capacity or to increase fuel efficiency by allowing a smaller displacement engine to be used. Low pressure turbocharging is the optimum when driving in the city, whereas high pressure turbocharging is more for racing and driving on highways/motorways/freeways. The long tubular ones that Daffyflyer mentioned are mainly used for tuned/racing engines while the short cast ones are for most economical/city cars.
Cut-away view of an air foil bearing-supported turbocharger.

Go to source if you want to know more about turbo's, intercoolers, etc.
source :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbocharger
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