Is the Rotary Engine High in Fuel Consumption?

[VonAlice]

Rotary engines have relatively high fuel consumption. Reasons: Due to the lack of high compression ratio found in reciprocating engines, the rotary engine often experiences incomplete combustion of fuel in the combustion chamber during operation, which can lead to increased fuel consumption. Below is an introduction to rotary engines: 1. Disadvantages: High fuel consumption and heavy pollution. Due to the absence of a high compression ratio like reciprocating engines, gasoline in rotary engines does not burn completely. 2. Working Principle: It uses the rotational motion of a triangular rotor to control compression and exhaust, which is completely different from the linear motion of traditional piston reciprocating engines. Mazda's rotary engine employs planetary gear technology, allowing the engine to eliminate its normal stroke, reducing size, weight, and displacement while achieving extremely high power and rotational speed.

[Haven]

I've long been following various engine types, and rotary engines are generally known for their high fuel consumption. Having driven Mazda RX series, it easily exceeds 15L/100km in daily city driving. The rotary structure delivers powerful output and smooth operation at high RPMs, but its combustion chamber design suffers from sealing issues and low compression efficiency, leading to more fuel loss. Unlike the compact combustion in piston engines, rotaries consume more fuel per rotation, plus they require additional external cooling. The advantages are lightweight and relatively simple maintenance, making them thrilling on mountain roads. However, the accumulated high fuel costs can add hundreds more per month compared to regular cars, and maintenance intervals are shorter. Regular oil seal checks can help mitigate issues. Recommended as a weekend fun car to avoid daily commuting hassles and save money.

[Monica]

As a car enthusiast who loves tinkering with vehicles, I've personally test-driven a rotary engine car, and the fuel consumption is indeed on the higher side. In principle, a rotary engine only completes half a combustion cycle per rotation, making it less efficient than a piston engine. From my experience, the Mazda RX can hit up to 18L/100km in city driving—shifting gears quickly and sounding great, but the fuel gauge drops fast. This stems from the rotor's shape leading to poor air tightness and insufficient compression ratio. The upside is its compact size and quick acceleration response, making it super fun for drifting. However, the high fuel consumption means spending more on gas, potentially adding around 200 bucks a month for long-term driving. If you're after eco-friendliness or saving money, don't consider it; but as a fun car with regular maintenance and oil changes, it's still viable.

[OCatherine]

I've compared engine types, and the rotary engine has higher fuel consumption. In terms of design, due to insufficient rotational sealing, incomplete combustion, and lower compression ratio, rotary engines waste more fuel. Test drive data shows average fuel consumption can exceed piston engines by 30%, for example reaching 12L/100km on highways. The advantages are simple structure, lightweight, and smooth power output. However, the high fuel consumption leads to accumulated daily fuel costs, and maintenance requires more frequent checks.