Interview Questions for Rotary Owners
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29
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From: NW
Interview Questions for Rotary Owners
Im doing a research paper on rotary engines, and while I could find a lot of information from the net, I would like some actual user opinions as part of my source. My topic is on the efficiency and potential of a rotary engine as opposed to that of a conventional piston engine. I wanted to focus on F/C owners since the they have both N/A and single turbo and their cars are easier to compare with the other cars. It would be good also if they've owned and worked on both rotary and pistons engines. Anyway it would be really helpful if you can answer the following questions or come up with any other information that Ive not thought of, and maybe leave your name just for the record.
1. Have you driven both rotary and piston powered cars?
2. How do you feel about rotary powered cars in general?
3. Are they any harder to work on than piston engines?
4. Are there any more concerns about reliability and maintenance?
5. Does driving a rotary provide any feeling or sensation that you dont usually feel when driving a piston, or do you feel just about the same?
6. How does the performance of rotary compare to that of a piston engine in the same class?
7. Have you had any difficulty with the rotary engine that you wouldnt generally have with a piston powered car?
8. What are advantages does owning a rotary have (other than being able to spank cars that have 2-4x the displacement)?
9. Do you feel that it costs more to work on a rotary than a piston engine? ( yeah I know this depends more on how fast do you want to go but how do you feel about bang per buck for the rotary?)
10. If you could trade your car for another car that is of about the same(or atleast almost close to) class, would you? ( something like an RSX/Integra, Civic, Mustang, Camaro, Vette, MR2, Silvia, or 32)?
These are just sample questions and well you get the rest. I can answer a lot of these for myself, but the research is not about me, and I know I can find a lot of information around by just searching this forum, but I would just like a general idea of how people feel about their cars.
1. Have you driven both rotary and piston powered cars?
2. How do you feel about rotary powered cars in general?
3. Are they any harder to work on than piston engines?
4. Are there any more concerns about reliability and maintenance?
5. Does driving a rotary provide any feeling or sensation that you dont usually feel when driving a piston, or do you feel just about the same?
6. How does the performance of rotary compare to that of a piston engine in the same class?
7. Have you had any difficulty with the rotary engine that you wouldnt generally have with a piston powered car?
8. What are advantages does owning a rotary have (other than being able to spank cars that have 2-4x the displacement)?
9. Do you feel that it costs more to work on a rotary than a piston engine? ( yeah I know this depends more on how fast do you want to go but how do you feel about bang per buck for the rotary?)
10. If you could trade your car for another car that is of about the same(or atleast almost close to) class, would you? ( something like an RSX/Integra, Civic, Mustang, Camaro, Vette, MR2, Silvia, or 32)?
These are just sample questions and well you get the rest. I can answer a lot of these for myself, but the research is not about me, and I know I can find a lot of information around by just searching this forum, but I would just like a general idea of how people feel about their cars.
White Comet
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,145
Likes: 0
From: Orange County
Im bored so I'll give it a shot
1. yes
2. I like them
3. overall "no"
4. no more concerns then my 240
5. top end punch is great, and how smooth it is throughout the rev range.
6. pretty good
7. not yet
8. originality, great motor with lots of potential, either NA or turbo.
9. so far pricing seems ok
10. probably the only cars id consider buying in the same price range would be S13 or MR2.
1. yes
2. I like them
3. overall "no"
4. no more concerns then my 240
5. top end punch is great, and how smooth it is throughout the rev range.
6. pretty good
7. not yet
8. originality, great motor with lots of potential, either NA or turbo.
9. so far pricing seems ok
10. probably the only cars id consider buying in the same price range would be S13 or MR2.
Rotorhead
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 9,136
Likes: 39
From: Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
Hey, the best way I can help you out is to tell you that this is a really difficult subject for a research paper, and I would recommend that you try to change the subject to something more tangible unless you are doing this for a marketing research assignment. If you need to stick with this subject, then you may want to look through old Consumer Reports magazines if you have not already done so.
1. Yes
2. They suck gas like crazy, but they have a lot less parts to worry about. My heart sunk when I bought my F-150 because I realized that I would once again have to deal with spark plug gaps, cam shafts, valve jobs, and timing belts.
3. They are much more difficult to work on if you lack the knowledge. Physically, they are easier to work on.
4. Less.
5. Yes. Like one of my friends said, "I hate driving V-8's now, because just when you get them reved up to where you are just about to have some fun you have to shift. It sucks because they sound really cool but don't go fast".
6. This question doesn't make any sense. The reason that cars are put into a class is because of their similarities, so of course they will be similar.
7. Yes, it is impossible to find any good books or magazines on how to modify your engine. I have 15 college credit hours of engines, systems, and performance, and during that time my rotary engine education consisted of only 2 textbook pages. Even Corky Bell's books don't cover the rotary engine, and he used to make turbo kits for them!
8. The advantage of the rotary engine is Originality. The advantage of the RX-7 is Balance. The advantage of owning one is understanding the two previous statements.
9. General maintenance is about the same price. Although the rotary requires less maintenance, the parts and labor are more expensive.
10. No. I also like the NSX, Porsche 944, Corvettes, and some of the 60's muscle cars, but I still like my RX-7's better. BTW, I don't like the FD quite as much as the FC and FB.
1. Yes
2. They suck gas like crazy, but they have a lot less parts to worry about. My heart sunk when I bought my F-150 because I realized that I would once again have to deal with spark plug gaps, cam shafts, valve jobs, and timing belts.
3. They are much more difficult to work on if you lack the knowledge. Physically, they are easier to work on.
4. Less.
5. Yes. Like one of my friends said, "I hate driving V-8's now, because just when you get them reved up to where you are just about to have some fun you have to shift. It sucks because they sound really cool but don't go fast".
6. This question doesn't make any sense. The reason that cars are put into a class is because of their similarities, so of course they will be similar.
7. Yes, it is impossible to find any good books or magazines on how to modify your engine. I have 15 college credit hours of engines, systems, and performance, and during that time my rotary engine education consisted of only 2 textbook pages. Even Corky Bell's books don't cover the rotary engine, and he used to make turbo kits for them!
8. The advantage of the rotary engine is Originality. The advantage of the RX-7 is Balance. The advantage of owning one is understanding the two previous statements.
9. General maintenance is about the same price. Although the rotary requires less maintenance, the parts and labor are more expensive.
10. No. I also like the NSX, Porsche 944, Corvettes, and some of the 60's muscle cars, but I still like my RX-7's better. BTW, I don't like the FD quite as much as the FC and FB.
Rotary Freak
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,500
Likes: 7
From: Lawrenceville, ga
1. Have you driven both rotary and piston powered cars?
YES
2. How do you feel about rotary powered cars in general?
They are rare, unique, and alot of fun to drive.
3. Are they any harder to work on than piston engines?
MUCH EASIER
4. Are there any more concerns about reliability and maintenance?
Marginally, oil metering pump, and detonation are things to watch carefully.
5. Does driving a rotary provide any feeling or sensation that you dont usually feel when driving a piston, or do you feel just about the same?
Feels ALOT smoother to drive, accellerates better
6. How does the performance of rotary compare to that of a piston engine in the same class?
It outperforms a peer vehicle with a piston engine.
just uses a tad bit more gas.
7. Have you had any difficulty with the rotary engine that you wouldnt generally have with a piston powered car?
err... OH YEA.
8. What are advantages does owning a rotary have (other than being able to spank cars that have 2-4x the displacement)?
To me, its important to keep them alive on the street.
I beleive we are the reason that the RX-8 was considered (and will be available next year).
The engines are easier to work on.
Becuase they are -odd- cars, people sell 'em for about 75% of what you would buy a comparable used piston vehicle of same condition.
9. Do you feel that it costs more to work on a rotary than a piston engine? ( yeah I know this depends more on how fast do you want to go but how do you feel about bang per buck for the rotary?)
MUCH cheaper.
10. If you could trade your car for another car that is of about the same(or atleast almost close to) class, would you? ( something like an RSX/Integra, Civic, Mustang, Camaro, Vette, MR2, Silvia, or 32)?
Honda S2000.
Subaru WRX.
YES
2. How do you feel about rotary powered cars in general?
They are rare, unique, and alot of fun to drive.
3. Are they any harder to work on than piston engines?
MUCH EASIER
4. Are there any more concerns about reliability and maintenance?
Marginally, oil metering pump, and detonation are things to watch carefully.
5. Does driving a rotary provide any feeling or sensation that you dont usually feel when driving a piston, or do you feel just about the same?
Feels ALOT smoother to drive, accellerates better
6. How does the performance of rotary compare to that of a piston engine in the same class?
It outperforms a peer vehicle with a piston engine.
just uses a tad bit more gas.
7. Have you had any difficulty with the rotary engine that you wouldnt generally have with a piston powered car?
err... OH YEA.
8. What are advantages does owning a rotary have (other than being able to spank cars that have 2-4x the displacement)?
To me, its important to keep them alive on the street.
I beleive we are the reason that the RX-8 was considered (and will be available next year).
The engines are easier to work on.
Becuase they are -odd- cars, people sell 'em for about 75% of what you would buy a comparable used piston vehicle of same condition.
9. Do you feel that it costs more to work on a rotary than a piston engine? ( yeah I know this depends more on how fast do you want to go but how do you feel about bang per buck for the rotary?)
MUCH cheaper.
10. If you could trade your car for another car that is of about the same(or atleast almost close to) class, would you? ( something like an RSX/Integra, Civic, Mustang, Camaro, Vette, MR2, Silvia, or 32)?
Honda S2000.
Subaru WRX.
Full Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, TX
1. Have you driven both rotary and piston powered cars?
yes
2. How do you feel about rotary powered cars in general?
It's a great feeling to drive somethin that's different than anything else on the road. Also, the power that comes out of such a small engine is amazing.
3. Are they any harder to work on than piston engines?
In my opinon, they are easier because they have very few moving parts. The problem comes from them being different, because few people know how to work on them.
4. Are there any more concerns about reliability and maintenance?
Keep the oil changed, don't let it overheat, and don't let it detonate. That's pretty much the same with a piston engine.
5. Does driving a rotary provide any feeling or sensation that you dont usually feel when driving a piston, or do you feel just about the same?
The sound is number 1, it's simply amazing. The way it just builds, and grows in intensity all the way to redline is indescribable. It's also such a smooth engine. Many piston engines feel like they will rattle themselves to death at higher rpm's, while the rotary just spins away.
6. How does the performance of rotary compare to that of a piston engine in the same class?
Well, a piston engine in the same class would likely be 2-4 times the displacement of a rotary.
7. Have you had any difficulty with the rotary engine that you wouldnt generally have with a piston powered car?
No, not with the engine, just with other parts Mazda could have designed a little better. Like the electronics, and plastic pieces in the interior.
8. What are advantages does owning a rotary have (other than being able to spank cars that have 2-4x the displacement)?
Power to displacement ratio, uniqueness, and reputation.
9. Do you feel that it costs more to work on a rotary than a piston engine? ( yeah I know this depends more on how fast do you want to go but how do you feel about bang per buck for the rotary?)
It costs more to pay someone to work on a rotary, but it doesn't cost more to actually work on a rotary.
10. If you could trade your car for another car that is of about the same(or atleast almost close to) class, would you? ( something like an RSX/Integra, Civic, Mustang, Camaro, Vette, MR2, Silvia, or 32)?
Since I have an N/A, I would think about trading for an MR2 Turbo, or a Silvia.
It's amazing the reputation that the RX-7 has. It's one of the few imports that will make everyone (even hardcore V-8 guys) go, "Wow, cool car." I own a 16 year old sports car that I paid $2000 for, and everyone thinks I have such a cool car. I'm not really sure why (nobody thought my CRX was cool, except me), but everyone seems to love them even after 16 years. That is a great reputation.
yes
2. How do you feel about rotary powered cars in general?
It's a great feeling to drive somethin that's different than anything else on the road. Also, the power that comes out of such a small engine is amazing.
3. Are they any harder to work on than piston engines?
In my opinon, they are easier because they have very few moving parts. The problem comes from them being different, because few people know how to work on them.
4. Are there any more concerns about reliability and maintenance?
Keep the oil changed, don't let it overheat, and don't let it detonate. That's pretty much the same with a piston engine.
5. Does driving a rotary provide any feeling or sensation that you dont usually feel when driving a piston, or do you feel just about the same?
The sound is number 1, it's simply amazing. The way it just builds, and grows in intensity all the way to redline is indescribable. It's also such a smooth engine. Many piston engines feel like they will rattle themselves to death at higher rpm's, while the rotary just spins away.
6. How does the performance of rotary compare to that of a piston engine in the same class?
Well, a piston engine in the same class would likely be 2-4 times the displacement of a rotary.
7. Have you had any difficulty with the rotary engine that you wouldnt generally have with a piston powered car?
No, not with the engine, just with other parts Mazda could have designed a little better. Like the electronics, and plastic pieces in the interior.
8. What are advantages does owning a rotary have (other than being able to spank cars that have 2-4x the displacement)?
Power to displacement ratio, uniqueness, and reputation.
9. Do you feel that it costs more to work on a rotary than a piston engine? ( yeah I know this depends more on how fast do you want to go but how do you feel about bang per buck for the rotary?)
It costs more to pay someone to work on a rotary, but it doesn't cost more to actually work on a rotary.
10. If you could trade your car for another car that is of about the same(or atleast almost close to) class, would you? ( something like an RSX/Integra, Civic, Mustang, Camaro, Vette, MR2, Silvia, or 32)?
Since I have an N/A, I would think about trading for an MR2 Turbo, or a Silvia.
It's amazing the reputation that the RX-7 has. It's one of the few imports that will make everyone (even hardcore V-8 guys) go, "Wow, cool car." I own a 16 year old sports car that I paid $2000 for, and everyone thinks I have such a cool car. I'm not really sure why (nobody thought my CRX was cool, except me), but everyone seems to love them even after 16 years. That is a great reputation.
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Former Moderator. RIP Icemark.
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 25,896
Likes: 24
From: Rohnert Park CA
Re: Interview Questions for Rotary Owners
Originally posted by rxzero
1. Have you driven both rotary and piston powered cars?
1. Have you driven both rotary and piston powered cars?
2. How do you feel about rotary powered cars in general?
3. Are they any harder to work on than piston engines?
4. Are there any more concerns about reliability and maintenance?
My only concern related to this is other peoples lack of maintenance, then bitching about the car needing fixing.
5. Does driving a rotary provide any feeling or sensation that you dont usually feel when driving a piston, or do you feel just about the same?
6. How does the performance of rotary compare to that of a piston engine in the same class?
7. Have you had any difficulty with the rotary engine that you wouldnt generally have with a piston powered car?
8. What are advantages does owning a rotary have (other than being able to spank cars that have 2-4x the displacement)?
9. Do you feel that it costs more to work on a rotary than a piston engine? ( yeah I know this depends more on how fast do you want to go but how do you feel about bang per buck for the rotary?)
Average rotary catback= $600
Average Piston cat back=$500
Average Rotary HP gains from cat back = 15-20%
Average Piston HP gains from cat back = 5%
10. If you could trade your car for another car that is of about the same(or at least almost close to) class, would you? (something like an RSX/Integra, Civic, Mustang, Camaro, Vette, MR2, Silvia, or 32)?
Last edited by Icemark; May 12, 2002 at 12:05 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 445
Likes: 0
From: Topeka, KS
Re: Interview Questions for Rotary Owners
Originally posted by rxzero
Im doing a research paper on rotary engines, and while I could find a lot of information from the net, I would like some actual user opinions as part of my source. My topic is on the efficiency and potential of a rotary engine as opposed to that of a conventional piston engine. I wanted to focus on F/C owners since the they have both N/A and single turbo and their cars are easier to compare with the other cars. It would be good also if they've owned and worked on both rotary and pistons engines. Anyway it would be really helpful if you can answer the following questions or come up with any other information that Ive not thought of, and maybe leave your name just for the record.
1. Have you driven both rotary and piston powered cars?
2. How do you feel about rotary powered cars in general?
3. Are they any harder to work on than piston engines?
4. Are there any more concerns about reliability and maintenance?
5. Does driving a rotary provide any feeling or sensation that you dont usually feel when driving a piston, or do you feel just about the same?
6. How does the performance of rotary compare to that of a piston engine in the same class?
7. Have you had any difficulty with the rotary engine that you wouldnt generally have with a piston powered car?
8. What are advantages does owning a rotary have (other than being able to spank cars that have 2-4x the displacement)?
9. Do you feel that it costs more to work on a rotary than a piston engine? ( yeah I know this depends more on how fast do you want to go but how do you feel about bang per buck for the rotary?)
10. If you could trade your car for another car that is of about the same(or atleast almost close to) class, would you? ( something like an RSX/Integra, Civic, Mustang, Camaro, Vette, MR2, Silvia, or 32)?
These are just sample questions and well you get the rest. I can answer a lot of these for myself, but the research is not about me, and I know I can find a lot of information around by just searching this forum, but I would just like a general idea of how people feel about their cars.
Im doing a research paper on rotary engines, and while I could find a lot of information from the net, I would like some actual user opinions as part of my source. My topic is on the efficiency and potential of a rotary engine as opposed to that of a conventional piston engine. I wanted to focus on F/C owners since the they have both N/A and single turbo and their cars are easier to compare with the other cars. It would be good also if they've owned and worked on both rotary and pistons engines. Anyway it would be really helpful if you can answer the following questions or come up with any other information that Ive not thought of, and maybe leave your name just for the record.
1. Have you driven both rotary and piston powered cars?
2. How do you feel about rotary powered cars in general?
3. Are they any harder to work on than piston engines?
4. Are there any more concerns about reliability and maintenance?
5. Does driving a rotary provide any feeling or sensation that you dont usually feel when driving a piston, or do you feel just about the same?
6. How does the performance of rotary compare to that of a piston engine in the same class?
7. Have you had any difficulty with the rotary engine that you wouldnt generally have with a piston powered car?
8. What are advantages does owning a rotary have (other than being able to spank cars that have 2-4x the displacement)?
9. Do you feel that it costs more to work on a rotary than a piston engine? ( yeah I know this depends more on how fast do you want to go but how do you feel about bang per buck for the rotary?)
10. If you could trade your car for another car that is of about the same(or atleast almost close to) class, would you? ( something like an RSX/Integra, Civic, Mustang, Camaro, Vette, MR2, Silvia, or 32)?
These are just sample questions and well you get the rest. I can answer a lot of these for myself, but the research is not about me, and I know I can find a lot of information around by just searching this forum, but I would just like a general idea of how people feel about their cars.
1. yes
2. rotary powered car's advantages overall add up to be better than piston
3. they are easier to work on
4. reliability is excellent
5. i feel it is more exciting knowing you are one of the only people on the road with one
6. a small rotary engine is 10X better than a small displacement piston engine
7. no
8. simplicity and reliability
9. speed seems to cost less for a rotary, unless compared to a honda
10. only for a 90-96 Z or porsche
Curry Power
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 417
Likes: 0
From: Brooklyn, NY
Re: Interview Questions for Rotary Owners
1. Have you driven both rotary and piston powered cars?
Yes, I have.
2. How do you feel about rotary powered cars in general?
I think that they're one of a kind & they're extraordinary!
3. Are they any harder to work on than piston engines?
I don't think so. I think they're easier because I haven't heard of any Rotary problems but replacing rotary seals.
4. Are there any more concerns about reliability and maintenance?
I think it's the same with a piston or rotary powered engine.
5. Does driving a rotary provide any feeling or sensation that you dont usually feel when driving a piston, or do you feel just about the same?
Yes, it makes you want to tell people that you're so cheap that you sold everything from under your hood and you're just stuck with two rotaries! LOL
6. How does the performance of rotary compare to that of a piston engine in the same class?
Yes it does.
7. Have you had any difficulty with the rotary engine that you wouldnt generally have with a piston powered car?
No not yet.
8. What are advantages does owning a rotary have (other than being able to spank cars that have 2-4x the displacement)?
Oh yes, most definitely!
9. Do you feel that it costs more to work on a rotary than a piston engine? ( yeah I know this depends more on how fast do you want to go but how do you feel about bang per buck for the rotary?)
I think it will cost more yes. It's like working on something as rare as a rotary engine.
10. If you could trade your car for another car that is of about the same(or atleast almost close to) class, would you? ( something like an RSX/Integra, Civic, Mustang, Camaro, Vette, MR2, Silvia, or 32)?
ONLY if I had to, it would be a Skyline or a Silvia, nothing else but another RX-7.
Yes, I have.
2. How do you feel about rotary powered cars in general?
I think that they're one of a kind & they're extraordinary!
3. Are they any harder to work on than piston engines?
I don't think so. I think they're easier because I haven't heard of any Rotary problems but replacing rotary seals.
4. Are there any more concerns about reliability and maintenance?
I think it's the same with a piston or rotary powered engine.
5. Does driving a rotary provide any feeling or sensation that you dont usually feel when driving a piston, or do you feel just about the same?
Yes, it makes you want to tell people that you're so cheap that you sold everything from under your hood and you're just stuck with two rotaries! LOL
6. How does the performance of rotary compare to that of a piston engine in the same class?
Yes it does.
7. Have you had any difficulty with the rotary engine that you wouldnt generally have with a piston powered car?
No not yet.
8. What are advantages does owning a rotary have (other than being able to spank cars that have 2-4x the displacement)?
Oh yes, most definitely!
9. Do you feel that it costs more to work on a rotary than a piston engine? ( yeah I know this depends more on how fast do you want to go but how do you feel about bang per buck for the rotary?)
I think it will cost more yes. It's like working on something as rare as a rotary engine.
10. If you could trade your car for another car that is of about the same(or atleast almost close to) class, would you? ( something like an RSX/Integra, Civic, Mustang, Camaro, Vette, MR2, Silvia, or 32)?
ONLY if I had to, it would be a Skyline or a Silvia, nothing else but another RX-7.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: NW
Ah, thanks for the input everyone. Heh, its good to know that people are really bonding well with their cars, and that the rotary is not outdated as some people think they are. Ill make use of this information in my paper.
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