Which Mazda vehicles use rotary engines
3 Answers
Mazda RX series vehicles use rotary engines. The rotary engine utilizes a triangular rotor's rotational motion to control compression and exhaust. Below are the specifications for the Mazda RX: 1. Body dimensions: The 2008 Mazda RX8 manual model has a body length of 4460 mm, width of 1770 mm, height of 1340 mm, a wheelbase of 2700 mm, a fuel tank capacity of 65 liters, and a curb weight of 1406 kg. 2. Vehicle configuration: The 2008 Mazda RX8 manual model is equipped with a 1.3L naturally aspirated engine, with a maximum power output of 170 kW at 8200 rpm and a maximum torque of 211 Nm at 5500 rpm.
I'm a huge car enthusiast and particularly love Mazda's rotary engine models! The most classic is undoubtedly the RX series, such as the RX-7 that was wildly popular in the 1990s, which came in three generations: SA22C, FC3S, and FD3S. The FD is the most famous, equipped with the 13B twin-rotor engine—powerful, with a smooth exhaust note, and an absolutely fantastic driving experience. Then there's the RX-8 from the 2000s, which used the Renesis engine, focusing more on efficiency, though its high fuel consumption was an issue. Tracing back the history, the 1967 Cosmo Sport (also known as the 110S) was the pioneer, ushering in the rotary era, followed by models like the RX-2, RX-3, and RX-4 for daily driving, and even commercial vehicles like the Parkway gave it a try. The rotary engine's advantages are its compact size, low center of gravity, and excellent front-end handling, but its seals are prone to wear, leading to high maintenance costs—keeping one isn't cheap. Today, there are still many RX-7s circulating in the used car market, often at premium prices. They're worth buying for track modifications or as collectibles, but it's advisable to have a professional mechanic inspect the engine condition first to avoid recurring oil-burning issues. Overall, Mazda's decades-long commitment to rotary engines has created a unique brand charm and made a tremendous contribution to car culture.
I used to own an RX-7, and driving it felt like flying. Mazda has produced quite a few cars with rotary engines, with the RX-7 series being the backbone. The first-generation SA22C had a solid start, the FC3S was popular in the 1980s, and the FD3S became an iconic car in the 1990s. The 13B engine was reliable but required regular maintenance. The RX-8 came later, featuring the improved Renesis engine, which delivered smooth power output but struggled to meet emissions standards and has since been discontinued. Earlier models like the 1967 Cosmo Sport were the pioneers, while the RX-2 and RX-3 brought rotary engines to the mass market, and the RX-4 combined practicality with sedan utility. These cars had lightweight engines and agile handling, making them perfect for mountain road driving—I often took them on twisty roads with fellow enthusiasts. However, rotary engines have frequent sealing issues, especially with rapid wear under high temperatures, so replacing apex seals every few years is common, costing at least 10,000 to 20,000 RMB. When buying used, checking the oil system is crucial to avoid embarrassing breakdowns. Mazda recently announced a new rotary engine project, reportedly for hybrid use, showing their passion isn’t dead yet—enthusiasts can still look forward to new developments.
