Agreed, but the valve train in the VQ family always sounded very "truck like" to me.

Not nearly as smooth as other Japanese 6cyl's, much less a Wankel...

You make it out to be a hybrid compared to the RX-8, which isn't true. Look up what real 350Z owners are getting in the city. Also add to it that it's using the same frame that they use in SUVs (FX35)... It's no lightweight.

should listen to a Subaru turbo flat-4, fast yes, but it sounds broken straight from the factory

No doubt, And that's ironic, because the boxer 4 in theory is one of the most well balanced (pisoton) engine designs ever made...

I have had 35 year old Porsche air cooled boxer 4's that sound better than their brand new Japanese counterparts. Damn shame.

I remember getting into an argument with a mechanic years ago about my RX-7. I told him that it had a rotary engine. He basically asked what that was. When I told him it didn't have any pistons he told me that was impossible. Yeah, so is a jet turbine and so is flying! I proceeded to describe to him how it worked and he just looked at me like I was trying to pull a fast one on him. Of course this same guy also tried to extoll the virtues and advantages of a solid rear axle suspension as opposed to an independent rear suspension in road racing! He's apparently sucked at his job for over 30 years. That's the only way I can explain it. Experience apparently doesn't give you credibility.

That engine has always sounded wrong to me. Then again so have the flat Porsche engines. They definitely aren't anywhere in the runnings when it comes to a cool engine sound. I don't care what you do to them. Quick sure but they sound like crap.

It's the "mechanics" and "car enthusiasts" like this that really aggravate me. Almost exciting me to violence.

But then my wife explains to them the little triangle thingies with the gears in the middle that bounce around and spin a shaft, and I just have to smile...

The Porsche engines definitely sound like junk. However, I can appreciate the flat four noise though primarily because of the resonant rumble from the exhaust.

Yes, but the more common Porsche flat 6 is not a true "boxer" Without equally offsetting pistons. That makes the six sound very different from the four... I still like it though. (the 6 that is) That boxer four should just be smooth, I guess its the loud valve train in the subie that I don't car for.

I rather like the burble or WRX, especially at idle. But then I like the sound of a V8 tool.

My canned response to "V6 or V8?" is:

"Before I answer that question, do you know what a rotary engine is?"

This puts them on the defensive because their image is at stake and they usually go away. The sincere ones admit ignorance and ask me for an explanation. I formulate my response to only bother with ones that are receptive.

I like the exhaust note too, just I dont want the engine to sound like it is made of stamped steel, and plastic parts bouncing around under the hood. (at any rpm)

Very smart, indeed . Such a perfect approach, I'm just too stuborn, or maybe I like to wind people up too much. :)

:)

I explained the same thing to my dad.. Looked at me like I was some idiot..

so the crower cams i just got for my 8 won't fit then..DAM!

Not to worry, you can always make a really trick hood prop!

The Porsche engine does sound better than the 4 cylinder to me but it still sounds a bit "off".

it always happens to me too, but the first one was from my cousin, first day i got the eight i showed it to him and as i was explaining and showing got to the end and pop the hood and told him.....and its a rotary engine!!.....he was like :scratchhe :1 min silence: so is it a v4 or v6 :confused: then i repeat myself it doesnt have pistons....he was like yeah i know so is a V8 then? :icon_droo..i just drove away :icon_no2: ....no patience here...

I actually like the sound of a Subaru flat 4, but then I used to own one. When in motion they're pretty smooth engines, though definitely not rotary level. I don't like American V8s in motion (idle sounds cool though) or the VQ though. The best way I can describe the VQ sound is flatulence; I don't understand why so many people like it.

I remember trying to pull the whole 4 cylinder thing with Allstate (back when I had those ripoffs!) about my RX-7. They actually had rotary engine listed for the car though. Bastards! I'm with USAA now and I'm not sure what they have that car's engine listed as but I only pay about $100 a year on that car anyway so I don't care. It's liability only and it's 23 years old in case your wondering why my rate is so cheap.

i've stopped trying when someone asks me if its a v8, i just say "yeah yeah it is" and leave.

I tend to respond to the ignorami by getting a really shocked look on my face and saying "You mean you still drive a car with pistons??!!"

That either shuts them up, or puts the onus on them to explain how a contraption with parts bouncing up and down can work.

Ken

Here's a new definition for your vocabulary library:

rotard: A person who is ignorant when it comes to rotary engines.

I hate P.C. but before someone jumps on your case, should it not be
"rotary challanged" :)