2006 Mazda RX8 review from North America

My 2006 RX8 is the fourth Mazda I've owned. I previously owned an 808, RX2, a 626 GT Turbo, and now this RX8. Many people complain about no low end torque on rotary engines. It's true that some rotary models have low torque, and the newer model RX8s are lower than the RX7. These cars are not built to be drag cars. They are sport cars.

One thing that people should be aware of. If you need maximum torque, rev the engine over 4000 RPM and take off. Under 4000 RPM, the engines are somewhat anemic at low speeds. No, they won't take off like a hemi powered Barracuda or an old Pontiac Judge. However, I will take a rotary powered Mazda on any road with a lot of curves versus a V8 powered behemoth and I'll win.

If you really need more torque, you might want to look for an older model RX7. Some are still in decent shape and have more horsepower and significantly more torque, and several engine models are turbocharged. The trade off is poor emissions and lower gas mileage.

I'm hoping that someday Mazda will come out with a four rotor engine like Curtiss. They built a 2.6 liter engine for a speed boat in the early nineties that developed over 500 horsepower and over 300 ft lbs of torque. The only thing keeping me from buying a hemi powered Charger or Magnum is gas at $2.50 a gallon. I'll stick with my RX8 as it gives me a decent everyday touring car for the freeways and a fun weekend sports car on mountain roads. Remember to keep your RPMs up at low speeds.