Can i just say this is my first post on here and i only got directed here from a link posted in the improved production forums. (they are constantly having the same argument over the rated capacity of a rotary compared to a 4 stroke piston engine). I just wanted to point out that the inference that a rotary is a 2 stroke because it is completes its inlet and exhaust process at the same time is wrong.
If you look at the three sides of a rotor as seperate combustion faces (much like the top of each of a 4 strokes pistons) then yes definately one is completing the intake cycle while one is completing the exhaust cycle. But if you look at a 4 stroke 4 cylinder for instance when cylinder one is completing its intake stroke, cylinder two (I think its number two, brain isnt working the best after reading 47 pages) would be completing its exhaust stroke, exactly the same as the process that supposedly makes a rotary a 2 stroke.
As far as the swept capacity of a rotary 3.9ltrs is spot on although as said above there are lots of arguments going on as to how a rotary compares to a piston engine in regards to capacity. I agree that they should be compared to a 2.6 lt piston 4 stroke although that is just my opinion. The problem with this argument, especially in regards to motorsport (SydneyKid) is that in racing every one thinks they are being disadvantaged in some way (IPRA for example, turbo guys think the restrictors are a disadvantage, piston guys think that the 1.79 mulitplier for rotaries is a disadvantage etc.) I personally am going to be running a TG Gemini in improved production (cheap fun) and I could harp on for days about how the guidelines etc disadvantage me (example the shitty front suspension on a Gemini) but the fact of the matter is i chose my car for a reason. If you think that the rotary guys have an advantage in racing buy a rotary and move on.
In regards to the original question (which lots of people had already answered within the first few pages). Rotaries dont suck. They are great little engines and are great in the cars they are put in. I personally have never owned one but know plenty of people who do/have and when it comes down to it people are entitled to their own opinion/taste.
As far as Mazda lying about the engines..... who cares? Through forums like this one and others I dont know of anyone who is into cars/engines/bikes or whatever and doesnt know that a rotary doesnt exactly have a 1.3 lt capacity.
Thats my two cents worth anyway and sorry for digging up an old thread. Just wanted to point out another reason why rotaries arent 2 strokes.
Thank you
Ben
