## Cars with Rotary Engines
### Introduction
The rotary engine is a unique and fascinating type of internal combustion engine that operates on a different principle than traditional piston engines. Rotary engines were first developed in the early 20th century, but they only gained widespread recognition in the 1960s and 1970s when Mazda introduced the first commercially successful rotary-powered car, the Mazda Cosmo.
Rotary engines offer several advantages over piston engines, including a smoother, more powerful power delivery, a lighter and more compact design, and reduced emissions. However, rotary engines also have some disadvantages, such as higher fuel consumption and a shorter lifespan than piston engines.
### Cars with Rotary Engines
Only a handful of cars have ever been produced with rotary engines. The most notable rotary-powered cars include:
* **Mazda Cosmo (1967-1972)**: The Mazda Cosmo was the first commercially successful rotary-powered car. It was powered by a 1.0-liter rotary engine that produced 110 horsepower.
* **Mazda RX-2 (1970-1975)**: The Mazda RX-2 was a popular sports car that was powered by a 1.2-liter rotary engine that produced 130 horsepower.
* **Mazda RX-3 (1971-1978)**: The Mazda RX-3 was a larger and more powerful sports car than the RX-2. It was powered by a 1.3-liter rotary engine that produced 160 horsepower.
* **Mazda RX-4 (1972-1978)**: The Mazda RX-4 was a luxury sports car that was powered by a 1.8-liter rotary engine that produced 135 horsepower.
* **Mazda RX-5 (1975-1981)**: The Mazda RX-5 was a rotary-powered coupe that was sold only in Japan. It was powered by a 1.3-liter rotary engine that produced 135 horsepower.
* **Mazda RX-7 (1978-2002)**: The Mazda RX-7 was a popular sports car that was produced for three generations. It was powered by a variety of rotary engines, including a 1.3-liter engine that produced 155 horsepower, a 1.6-liter engine that produced 192 horsepower, and a 2.6-liter engine that produced 255 horsepower.
* **Mazda RX-8 (2003-2012)**: The Mazda RX-8 was the last rotary-powered car that was produced by Mazda. It was powered by a 1.3-liter rotary engine that produced 238 horsepower.
### Advantages of Rotary Engines
Rotary engines offer several advantages over piston engines, including:
* **Smoother, more powerful power delivery:** Rotary engines have a smoother power delivery than piston engines because they do not have any reciprocating parts. This results in a more refined and enjoyable driving experience.
* **Lighter and more compact design:** Rotary engines are lighter and more compact than piston engines because they have fewer moving parts. This makes them ideal for use in sports cars and other lightweight vehicles.
* **Reduced emissions:** Rotary engines produce fewer emissions than piston engines because they have a more efficient combustion process.
### Disadvantages of Rotary Engines
Rotary engines also have some disadvantages, including:
* **Higher fuel consumption:** Rotary engines consume more fuel than piston engines because they have a less efficient combustion process.
* **Shorter lifespan:** Rotary engines have a shorter lifespan than piston engines because the apex seals that seal the combustion chambers wear out over time.
* **Complexity:** Rotary engines are more complex than piston engines, which makes them more expensive to manufacture and maintain.
### Conclusion
Rotary engines are a unique and fascinating type of internal combustion engine that offers several advantages over piston engines. However, rotary engines also have some disadvantages that make them less desirable for use in mainstream vehicles. As a result, only a handful of cars have ever been produced with rotary engines.
