The Most Reliable Rotary Engine, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the rotary engine you think is the most reliable!

Updated on May 10, 2024 06:57

When considering the purchase of a vehicle equipped with a rotary engine, potential buyers often find themselves sorting through a mix of facts, opinions, and anecdotes. A dependable engine not only provides peace of mind but also ensures fewer visits to the mechanic, which can save both time and money. Thus, having access to a well-curated list of reliable rotary engines can greatly assist in making an informed decision. This site offers a unique opportunity to contribute to and benefit from collective knowledge by allowing users to vote on the rotary engines they find most reliable. Each vote helps refine the accuracy of the rankings, making it easier for everyone to see which engines are performing best in the real world. So, whether you're an enthusiast or potential car buyer, your input is invaluable in shaping this important resource.

What Is the Most Reliable Rotary Engine?

1

31
votes
Mazda 13B-REW

Mazda

This engine is considered to be the most reliable rotary engine due to its simple design and sturdy construction. It was used in the Mazda RX-7, which was a highly popular sports car in the 1990s.
The Mazda 13B-REW is a rotary engine that was developed by Mazda for use in their high-performance vehicles. It is a twin-rotor engine with a capacity of 1.3 liters (1308 cc). The engine was first introduced in 1991 and remained in production until 2002.

Number of Rotors: 2

Capacity: 1.3 liters (1308 cc)

Configuration: Twin Rotary

Aspiration: Sequential Twin Turbocharged

Max Power: 276 horsepower
2

40
votes
Mazda 20B

Mazda

This engine was used in the Mazda Cosmo and produced up to 300 horsepower. It was known for its high-revving capabilities and smooth power delivery.
The Mazda 20B is a 3-rotor rotary engine that was developed by Mazda. It is known for its high-revving nature and smooth power delivery.

Displacement: 2.0 liters (1962 cc)

Configuration: 3-rotor

Fuel System: Sequential Twin Turbo

Power Output: Approximately 300 horsepower

Torque: Approximately 280 lb-ft
3

29
votes
Mazda 26B

Mazda

This engine was used in the Mazda 787B race car, which won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1991. It is considered to be one of the most successful rotary engines in history.
The Mazda 26B is a high-performance rotary engine known for its reliability and power. It is a four-rotor engine that was developed by Mazda for use in racing cars.

Engine Type: Rotary

Number of Rotors: 4

Displacement: 2.6L

Maximum Power: 900 horsepower

Maximum Torque: 650 lb-ft
4

13
votes
TTTNIS · CC0

Mazda 12A

Mazda Motor Corporation

This engine was used in the Mazda RX-7 from 1978 to 1985. It was known for its durability and reliability, and many enthusiasts still praise it today.
The Mazda 12A is a twin-rotor, Wankel rotary engine produced by Mazda Motor Corporation. It is one of the early rotary engines developed by Mazda and has gained a reputation for its reliability and smooth operation.

Engine Type: Wankel rotary engine

Number of Rotors: 2

Displacement: 1.2 liters

Power Output: 130 horsepower

Torque: 131 lb-ft
5

19
votes
Mazda Renesis

Mazda

This engine was used in the Mazda RX-8 and was an improvement over the previous RX-7 engines. It was more fuel-efficient and produced more power, while still retaining the rotary engine's unique characteristics.
The Mazda Renesis is a variant of the rotary engine developed by Mazda. It was introduced in 2003 and is notable for its improved reliability compared to previous rotary engines.

Engine Type: Rotary

Displacement: 1.3 liters

Number of Rotors: 2

Horsepower: 238 hp

Torque: 159 lb-ft
6

16
votes
TTTNIS · CC0

Mazda 10A

Mazda Motor Corporation

This engine was used in the Mazda Familia Rotary Coupe and was known for its smooth power delivery and reliability.
The Mazda 10A is a reliable rotary engine designed and produced by Mazda Motor Corporation. It is part of the Mazda Wankel engine series, renowned for its compact size, high power output, and smooth operation.

Engine Type: Rotary (Wankel)

Displacement: 1.0 liter

Number of Rotors: 2

Maximum Power: 130 horsepower

Maximum Torque: 107 lb-ft
7

6
votes
Mazda 13B-MSP

Mazda

This engine was used in the Mazda RX-8 R3 and was an upgraded version of the Renesis engine. It produced more power and had a higher redline, making it a favorite among enthusiasts.
The Mazda 13B-MSP is a rotary engine that was developed by Mazda. It is a high-performance rotary engine known for its reliability and power.

Engine Type: Rotary, twin-rotor

Displacement: 1.3 liters

Compression Ratio: 10.0:1

Valvetrain: DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft)

Power Output: 250 horsepower
8

12
votes
Mazda 13G

Mazda

This engine was used in the Mazda RX-3 and was known for its smooth power delivery and reliability. It was also used in racing applications with great success.
The Mazda 13G is a highly reliable rotary engine developed by Mazda. It is known for its smooth and efficient operation, making it popular among automotive enthusiasts. The engine's design and advanced technologies contribute to its high performance and durability.

Engine Type: 13G Rotary Engine

Displacement: 1308 cc

Power Output: 140-160 horsepower

Torque: 125-135 lb-ft

Compression Ratio: 9.7:1
9

12
votes
Mazda 13J-M

Mazda

This engine was used in the Mazda Cosmo and was an improved version of the 20B engine. It produced up to 350 horsepower and was known for its high-revving capabilities.
The Mazda 13J-M is a powerful and highly reliable rotary engine developed by Mazda. It was commonly used in various Mazda RX models and known for its exceptional performance.

Displacement: 1.3 liters

Number of Rotors: 2

Number of Apex Seals: 3 per rotor

Compression Ratio: 9.7:1

Maximum Horsepower: 350 hp
10

5
votes
Mazda 13B-REW-SP

Mazda

This engine was used in the Mazda RX-7 Spirit R and was the most powerful version of the 13B engine. It produced up to 276 horsepower and was known for its reliability and smooth power delivery.
The Mazda 13B-REW-SP is a high-performance rotary engine developed by Mazda. It is a sequential twin-turbocharged version of the 13B-REW engine, designed specifically for the Mazda RX-7 Spirit R Type-A sports car.

Engine type: Sequential twin-rotor rotary engine

Displacement: 1.3 liters

Compression ratio: 9:1

Max power: 280 horsepower

Max torque: 314 lb-ft

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Ranking factors for reliable rotary engine

Build quality

The quality of the engine's construction can play a significant role in its reliability, so it's important to consider the quality and precision of the materials and assembly.
Engine design

Rotary engines have a unique design that may impact their reliability. Consider factors like the number of rotors, apex seals, and other key components that may affect reliability.
Maintenance requirements

Like any engine, proper maintenance is essential for rotary engine reliability. Consider the frequency and complexity of maintenance tasks like oil changes, spark plug replacements, and engine rebuilds.
Driving habits

A driver's habits can also impact rotary engine reliability. Hard driving, racing, or frequent high-RPM use can put additional stress on the engine and shorten its lifespan.
Brand reputation

Finally, it can be helpful to consider the reputation of the brand and model of rotary engine you are considering. Research information on common issues, recalls, and general experiences of other owners to help inform your decision.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most reliable rotary engine. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Rotary is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

3065 views
183 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Rotary once every 24 hours. The rank of each Rotary is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most reliable rotary engine

Background Information: The Rotary Engine The rotary engine, also known as the Wankel engine, was invented by German engineer Felix Wankel in the 1920s. Unlike a traditional piston engine, which uses a reciprocating motion to drive the crankshaft, the rotary engine uses a spinning rotor that generates power through a continuous combustion process. Rotary engines are known for their high power-to-weight ratio, compact size, and smooth operation. They were popularized by Japanese car manufacturer Mazda, which used rotary engines in its RX-series sports cars from the 1960s to the 2010s. However, the reliability of rotary engines has been a topic of debate among car enthusiasts. While some claim that rotary engines are prone to mechanical problems and require frequent maintenance, others argue that they can be just as reliable as traditional piston engines if properly cared for. So, what is the most reliable rotary engine? That's up for debate, as there are many different factors that can affect the longevity and performance of a rotary engine. However, by looking at the track record of different models and taking into account factors such as maintenance requirements and common issues, it's possible to get a better idea of which rotary engines are the most reliable.