What Cars Have Rotary Engines?

Rotary engines, also known as Wankel engines, are a type of reciprocating internal combustion engine that uses a triangular rotor instead of pistens to convert pressure into rotational motion. This design offers several advantages, such as a smoother and more powerful power delivery, as well as a more compact and lightweight size. However, rotary engines also have some disadvantages, such as higher fuel consumption and emissions, as well as a shorter lifespan than piston engines. The only car manufacturer that has mass-produced rotary engines is Mazda.

Mazda Cosmo 110S (1967-1972)

The Mazda Cosmo 110S was the first car to be powered by a rotary engine. It was a small, sporty coupe that was available with a 1.0-liter or 1.3-liter rotary engine. The Cosmo 110S was a critical and commercial success, helping to establish Mazda as a leader in rotary engine technology.

Mazda RX-2 (1970-1975)

The Mazda RX-2 was a larger and more powerful version of the Cosmo 110S. It was available with a 1.3-liter or 1.6-liter rotary engine, and it offered a more comfortable and refined interior. The RX-2 was a popular choice for racing, and it helped Mazda to win several championships.

Mazda RX-3 (1971-1978)

The Mazda RX-3 was a smaller and more affordable version of the RX-2. It was available with a 1.3-liter or 1.6-liter rotary engine, and it offered a more sporty and aggressive design. The RX-3 was a popular choice for young drivers, and it helped to further increase Mazda’s sales of rotary-powered cars.

Mazda RX-4 (1972-1978)

The Mazda RX-4 was a larger and more luxurious version of the RX-2. It was available with a 1.8-liter or 2.0-liter rotary engine, and it offered a more spacious and comfortable interior. The RX-4 was a popular choice for families, and it helped to further increase Mazda’s market share.

Mazda RX-5 (1975-1981)

The Mazda RX-5 was a luxury coupe that was available with a 1.3-liter or 1.6-liter rotary engine. It offered a more comfortable and refined interior than the RX-4, and it was a popular choice for executives and professionals. The RX-5 was only sold in Japan.

Mazda RX-7 (1978-2002)

The Mazda RX-7 was a sports car that was available with a 1.3-liter or 1.6-liter rotary engine. It offered a more powerful and responsive engine than the RX-3, and it was a popular choice for racing and street performance. The RX-7 was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the best rotary-powered cars ever produced.

Mazda RX-8 (2003-2012)

The Mazda RX-8 was the last car to be powered by a rotary engine. It was available with a 1.3-liter or 1.6-liter rotary engine, and it offered a more powerful and fuel-efficient engine than the RX-7. The RX-8 was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to keep rotary engine technology alive for several more years.

Conclusion

Rotary engines offer several advantages over piston engines, such as smoother and more powerful power delivery, as well as a more compact and lightweight size. However, rotary engines also have some disadvantages, such as higher fuel consumption and emissions, as well as a shorter lifespan than piston engines. Mazda is the only car manufacturer that has mass-produced rotary engines, and the RX-8 was the last car to be powered by a rotary engine.