"Michael R. Clements" wrote:
> outlawed. Honda brags about the fact that the new S2000 generates
> 120 hp per liter; this is impressive, but Mazda gets 211 hp per
> liter with the new 13B. Both engines are normally aspirated.
> Wankel rules!
Actually, since the Wankel has 3 "combustion chambers" per rotor [one
per each side of the rotor], you should multiply the actual displacement
by about 3... so the 1.3 x 3 = 3.9 or 70.3 hp/liter.
The great thing about the rotary is that it's overall packaging is very
small, a 13B is about the size of a beer keg! It's overlapping power
pulses make for a very smooth and high RPM engine. They are inherently
more efficient, as well, as they don't have to change linear motion into
rotational motion... no valves, cams, etc to wear out... The problem is
that they have lots of emissions issues, have incredibly hot exhaust
gases, are very prone to damage by detonation, and typically have poor
low end torque.
-Kit, VTEC rules!, Wetzler
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