I'm trying to decide between these two types of intercoolers and here's what I've figured out:

tube and fin is cheaper, lighter, flows better and has a lower pressure drop.

bar and plate has a better efficiency, up to 35%.

My question is, if I'm planning for no more than 400whp, do I need the efficiency benefits of bar and plate over the other benefits of tube and fin?

 

I think the consensus is that both have minor advantages and are overall pretty equal in design.