Engineering the World’s Fastest Cars with Jason Fenske & Neil deGrasse Tyson

Motor Differences

Electric motors and internal combustion engines have distinct differences that affect their performance. Jason Fenske explains that electric motors deliver immediate torque, allowing for rapid acceleration, while combustion engines require time to reach peak torque due to their mechanical processes 1. This immediate response in electric motors is due to their ability to quickly move electrons, unlike the complex sequence of events in combustion engines 1. Neil deGrasse Tyson adds that electric motors excel at rotating things, making them inherently more efficient in converting energy to motion 1.

One thing electricity is really good at is rotating things. So that's, you know, that's what turbines are. That's what just rotate. That's all it wants to do, and that's what it does best.

--- Neil deGrasse Tyson

Additionally, the power output of electric motors can be increased by using larger battery packs, unlike fuel tanks in combustion engines, which do not affect power output 2.

   

Rotary Engine

The rotary engine, also known as the Wankel engine, offers a unique approach to engine design. Jason Fenske describes it as having fewer moving parts than traditional engines, which historically made it appealing due to its reliability 3. Unlike piston engines, the rotary engine uses a spinning rotor to perform the four strokes of intake, compression, power, and exhaust, resulting in a compact and efficient design 3. However, it has drawbacks, such as burning oil by design, which affects emissions 3.

The rotary engine does exist. And Mazda didn't just bring it with... Commercial, which, by the way, no one bought into, like, not. They were like, it's a rotary engine. And America was like, so what?

--- Chuck Nice

Despite its challenges, the rotary engine remains a favorite among enthusiasts for its compact size and power density 4.