Cars with Rotary Engines
Introduction
A rotary engine is a type of internal combustion engine that uses a triangular rotor that spins within a circular chamber to convert pressure into rotational motion. Rotary engines are more compact and lighter than piston engines, and they can operate at higher speeds. However, rotary engines also produce more emissions than piston engines, and they are more difficult to manufacture.
History of Rotary Engines
The first rotary engine was invented by Felix Wankel in 1954. Wankel’s engine was a single-rotor design, and it was not until 1964 that a two-rotor engine was developed. The first car to use a rotary engine was the NSU Ro 80, which was introduced in 1967. The Ro 80 was a commercial failure, but it proved that rotary engines could be used in production cars.
Advantages of Rotary Engines
- Compact and lightweight
- Can operate at higher speeds
- Smoother operation than piston engines
Disadvantages of Rotary Engines
- Produce more emissions than piston engines
- More difficult to manufacture
- Less fuel-efficient than piston engines
Cars that have used Rotary Engines
- NSU Ro 80
- Mazda RX-2
- Mazda RX-3
- Mazda RX-4
- Mazda RX-5
- Mazda RX-7
- Mazda RX-8
Conclusion
Rotary engines offer a number of advantages over piston engines, but they also have some disadvantages. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy a car with a rotary engine is a personal one. If you are looking for a compact, lightweight, and high-performance car, then a rotary engine car may be a good option for you. However, if you are concerned about emissions or fuel efficiency, then you may want to consider a car with a piston engine.
