I'm a rotary newbie -- when my RX-8 arrives in June, it'll be my first time driving (or even riding in) a rotary engine car :) .

I see people posting on this forum saying how great it is to drive a rotary, so could some of you elaborate and describe in detail what it is you find so wonderful about the rotary experience? Do you know anyone who's driven a rotary and did not like it, and if so, what didn't they like? I guess after all this waiting and anticipation, I'm starting to develop a slight case of cold feet wondering if I'm really going to love this car when it finally does arrive! Thanks :)

here is my recommendation...

http://www.socal7s.org

This is the Southern California RX-7 website.. get in contact with Berny or one of the other club officers.. and hitch a ride with one of them at a meeting or something... they are good guys.

Club Calendar : http://www.socal7s.org/calendar/

Good luck
Keith
Houston RX-7 Club

Try this link. It has some of my thoughts on a friend's FD that I drove.

http://www.rx8forum.com/showthread.php?threadid=702&highlight=OMG

I will put it this way: Everyone, and I am not exaggerating, that has driven a rotary car for more than a test drive has loved the way it drove. There is a reason rotaries have a cult following. I have seen Camaro guys talk all about the rumble and distinct sound of a 350, talking all big about the now famous "there's no replacement for displacement" statement. Then see the look of confusion when they drive/ride in a 3rd gen and see how smooth and powerful that little 86 cubic inch engine actually is. They are usually speechless afterwards. I had an 82 GS and an 84 GSL-SE and when I let others drive them (girlfriend, friends, bothers) they all hit the redline buzzer. The motor is soo smooth that you can not tell the difference between 3000 RPM and 7000 RPM. The power curve is similar to an electric car. The sounds of the engine are unmistakable, it sort of whirs. Make no mistake, if you ever own a rotary car, it will be a car you will never forget. I have never personally met someone that had one, that did not like the rotary. Hope that helps.

like the ad from the 70s said...

"Piston engines go Boing Boing Boing, but the Mazda goes Mmmmmm!!!"

:D

"I have never personally met someone that had one, that did not like the rotary"

... if they had one that ran, and ran well :D (like mine :D)

don't forget the little natural backfire flatulences when you let off the throttle ;)

can never forget those, I had headers and straight pipe to a gutted muffler on my GSL-SE, it was LOUD and I could make it back fire 2 foot of blue flame out the back almost at will, but that car was so fun to drive :D