What are the advantages of a rotary engine?
3 Answers
The advantages of a rotary engine are high rotational speed with large power output, relatively lightweight, and fast throttle response. These are the three prominent advantages of a rotary engine. Because the rotary engine operates by rotation, unlike conventional piston engines (excluding aircraft radial engines) which perform reciprocating motion, the rotary engine has much less vibration and its size is easier to control. Due to the low inertia of the rotor, the rotary engine can quickly increase its rotational speed, resulting in excellent acceleration performance. The disadvantages of the rotary engine are high fuel consumption and heavy pollution. Due to the lack of a high compression ratio like reciprocating engines, combustion cannot be very efficient. Although Mazda once added single turbocharging and twin turbocharging to the rotary engine, it only increased horsepower output and moderately reduced exhaust emissions, still falling far short of reciprocating engines.
What fascinates me most about the rotary engine is its minimalist design and high-efficiency performance. Without the complex piston-crankshaft system, it just has a rotating triangular chamber with far fewer parts, making maintenance much more convenient and time-saving. At high RPMs, the power delivery is incredibly smooth with almost no vibration, delivering an exceptionally exhilarating driving experience. Its compact size and lightweight nature mean it doesn't take up much space in small cars while also enhancing handling. Although the fuel consumption is a bit high, the driving pleasure is off the charts, and the unique engine sound makes you fall in love at first listen. I think these advantages are hard to replicate in modern turbocharged engines, making it a highlight of automotive engineering.
I love driving cars with rotary engines because the driving experience is so unique. When driving one, the acceleration is smooth as silk, without any jerking, especially responsive when cornering or overtaking. The lightweight design and excellent body balance make the handling naturally more precise. For daily commutes, it's effortless to drive, and the noise level is much lower than traditional engines. Although maintenance requires skilled technicians, the long intervals between part replacements make it quite hassle-free. In everyday use, the rotary design reduces wear points, resulting in relatively stable longevity, allowing an ordinary driver like me to drive with peace of mind and enjoyment.
