Is this the worst engine swap of all time?

Tom White

Deputy News Editor

1 min read

So this made me spit out my coffee this morning, someone has swapped an RX-8’s rotary with a 1.4 litre carburetted engine out of a Renault Twingo.

You heard right, not a rotary into a Twingo (oddly cool), but a Twingo into a rotary (seriously disturbing). And before you ask, this was done in Italy, not Cuba.

Of all obscure engine swaps, this has to be the most confusing we’ve seen, even next to the HSV GTS with a diesel engine out of a Hilux. We just can’t imagine why anyone could go to that much effort just to make their car worse in every way. 

Props to reddit user /u/VonZigmas for sharing the story in the first place.

What's the worst engine swap you've ever seen? Let us know in the comments

Tom White

Deputy News Editor

Tom’s way into motoring journalism was anything but straightforward despite annoying his parents to no end as a child by identifying makes and models with ease, and acquiring a large collection of Matchbox models. Other interests took over in the intervening years, including tinkering with electronics and computers, and an interest in the past, which eventually culminated in a Bachelor of Arts and Science from the University Of Sydney with a major in Ancient History. During this time, Tom was exposed to all sorts of cars by working as a valet and eventually the Bell Captain at The Star casino in Sydney. He then went on another side-quest, studying law at Macquarie University before applying for a job at CarsGuide. After being hired Tom worked his way up the ranks in a variety of roles and refined his craft, now serving as CarsGuide's Deputy News Editor, with special interests in new technologies and electric vehicles, as well as emerging trends from China. Tom has been recognised by his peers as the EV Journalist of the Year at the 2026 Newspress Australia Awards. He’s personally owned a selection of wheels from a 1981 Holden Gemini to a 2009 Ford Falcon, through to his current 2011 Subaru Forester and many others in between. You can find Tom on LinkedIn and Instagram. Education Bachelor of Arts and Sciences | The University of Sydney | 2010 - 2014 Graduate Certificate of Laws | Macquarie University | 2015 - 2016 Awards 2026 Newspress Australia EV Journalist of the Year Featured Publications CarsGuide | 2016 - present
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