I don't know if this has been discussed or not before so forgive me if it has. How do Rotary engines react to having the A/C on? In my Miata when I turn on the air it totally kills my little 4 cylinder. I know in a larger V6 or V8 that isn't as much a problem and I was wondering how a Rotary reacts when you run the air.

Aircon is switched off for 5 seconds when throttle hits 65% open.

It seems to have very little power reduction. You can not even notice that the compressor cycles on, "as far as power dip"
when you are crusing. Compressor does a lot of on off cycling.

Driving car since Monday, aircon on constantly, and I have the same response as Zoom49.

I've been wondering about that myself. Thanks CelticFan for asking that question! I have a similar problem/annoyance with my truck. With the a/c on, it feels like I need to get out and push it...espeically on a really hot day!

isnt it bad for the A/C clutch when it goes on/off like that?

Originally posted by RobDickinson
Aircon is switched off for 5 seconds when throttle hits 65% open.

This is correct. I remember seeing this on the RX-8 Technical Highlight CD (or something very close to what is mentioned). The A/C basically gets disengaged if you decide to hammer the gas pedal.

Originally posted by takahashi j
isnt it bad for the A/C clutch when it goes on/off like that? Not at all. The clutch in most A/C compressors these days is magnetic and in fact in many cars the compressor actually cycles on/off every few seconds when the outside temperature is cool.

I just drove mine first time tonight, and I could not notice any difference.
When you hit the ga hard it does turnoff, as you can feel the warm air from the vent for a couple of seconds.