Universal Anarc

Hey Guys,
Anyone cares to explain why does the 1.3 L Rotary Mazda does distinctibly less mileage than my 1.6 L Alfa 156 (about 20 MPG combined), is it Mazda's mistake or that rotaries are prone to spend more gas than pistons ?
(am still getting it , just curious to know the dynamics of it)

RobDickinson

You cant compare it to a piston engine of equivelant size.

In number of 'bangs' over the same period its equivelant to a 2.6 v6 piston engine.

But because of less development, poorer thermodynamics etc its not as efficient as piston engines.

Thats one of its downsides. It has plenty upsides to make up for it. (size, weight, smootheness etc).

PaulieWalnuts

You're comparing apples to oranges. If you took a 1.6 Alfa and massaged it to produce a CID equivalent naturally aspirated 300 HP (if even possible), I'm sure the MPG would not be all that great. All of my RX-7's averaged a combined 20MPG. Based upon what I've seen here with the 8's, the average is about 18-20, minus those who are at extremes of 10MPG to 27MPG. Keep in mind that it's 1.3 liters producing 238HP. The only other NA 4 cyl production engine I can think of that is pushed to its design limit is the S2000's.

robertdot

Apparently, the engine runs rich for several reasons, including to dump some fuel into the cat to help with emissions. Canzoomers Stage 1 is supposed to increase MPG ro about 20.

RenesisPower

We all know that rotaries are thirsty engines but it seems logical to assume that any engine that puts out 238 BHP and moves 2,800 lbs. of weight should be more efficient.

Our other car is a 5 litre V8, 302 BHP which pushes 4,500 lbs. is faster to 60MPH than the RX-8 and gets a combined 19 MPG.

I love the RX-8 but guys lets be truthful, this engine sucks gas like nothing else for the performance it puts out.

shawnio

The Yamaha developed Celica engine is pretty high in specific output. 180-190hp out of a 1.8L. I'm pretty sure it's the highest output fully mass produced engine, due to it's nikosil(sp?) cylinder linings I believe.

Rotary engines are really short stroke, read that Why 1.3 post by rotarygod, it's really informative.

rotaryDemon

welcome to the club.

Universal Anarc

Just read the "Why 1.3" by Rotarygod
man do this guy lives up to his nickname!!! glad it wasn't taken when he registered :D
however another question was not really dealt with in that thread: reliability or rather durability,
since am still a fresh grad i still lack the financial stability to afford extra unforseen expenses,
does the rotary engine pose any durability issues?