An engine like that takes come getting used to (hi-reving). The Honda S2000 has/had the world record for the most hp per liter, but it also had a 9000rpm redline so you had to know to keep it up in the rev range to get any power. I assume the RX8 is the same. Somebody coming from a V6 or V8 won't be used to that immediate torque and will think an engine like this is underpowered.

I know the same is true for a turbo engine. My WRX was my first turbo car and it took me a few months to really know where the power band was and how to keep the car up there. Sometimes when I have a buddy drive my car, he'll wonder why it's slower for him. I just tell him that he'll need more time behind the wheel.

I heard a turbo RX8 is on the way (perhaps as a Mazdaspeed Edition), so maybe they've worked out those issues too. All engines are more advanced compared to 30 years ago, so I assume the same is true for the rotary engines.