Does the rotary engine consume a lot of fuel?
3 Answers
Rotary engines have relatively high fuel consumption. Here is some information about rotary engines: 1. Reasons: Due to the lack of high compression ratio found in reciprocating engines, rotary engines often experience incomplete combustion of fuel in the combustion chamber during operation, which can lead to increased fuel consumption in vehicles. 2. Applications: Currently, rotary engines are only used in the Mazda RX-7 and Mazda RX-8. Moreover, rotary engines have a limited lifespan as they consume not only fuel but also the life of the engine itself. 3. Characteristics: The rotary engine is a type of engine with a unique working principle and structure.
I've driven quite a few cars, including a Mazda RX-8 equipped with a rotary engine. The fuel consumption was indeed quite high. Compared to conventional engines, it completes one combustion cycle per rotor rotation, which sounds efficient, but due to poor sealing and susceptibility to gas leakage, it burns through fuel exceptionally fast. In city driving with frequent traffic jams, a full tank would only last around 200 kilometers, costing an extra hundred or two in fuel compared to cars of the same displacement. While it offers quick acceleration and an exhilarating sound, the daily expenses are substantial. To save money, it's advisable to avoid aggressive driving and regularly check spark plugs and seals to prevent further fuel leakage. In summary, the rotary engine is all about passion, but your wallet needs to be prepared. It's fine for short commutes, but long-distance driving can be challenging.
As an average car owner, I once bought a used rotary engine car, and its fuel consumption was surprisingly high. It guzzled more gas than my family SUV, averaging over 15 liters per 100 km in the city and around 12 liters on highways. My monthly fuel expenses increased by several hundred yuan. The issue lies in the rotary design being too intricate – air leakage during combustion causes significant energy loss, and engine wear exacerbates fuel consumption. I tried adjusting my driving habits, like avoiding sudden acceleration and shifting smoothly, which helped slightly, but the core problem remained. Saving money requires diligent maintenance, but replacement parts aren’t cheap. If you prioritize affordability, rotary engines aren’t ideal for daily commutes, especially in regions with high fuel prices.