[josh18_2k]

hp/l is a ludicrous argument. it seriously belongs with the honda fanbois, and i would expect better from a website 'above the standards of rx7club.' people often whine when v8 defenders bring gas mileage into the mix, but at least thats a useful measurement. sure gas mileage is back burner in a sports car, but hp/l affects absolutely nothing in the real world.
if anything, power/weight (of the engine) would be a much more appropriate scale.
as for actual power output, the perspective thing goes both ways. if you're talking big numbers (600+), it may very well be cheaper/easier with a rotary. in a daily driven street car, anything over ~350 in a car this light is pretty much useless considering wheelspin does not accelerate a car. while LS1's make an advertised 305-340 fwhp, the fact is they all put down over 300whp through stock manifolds/cats (custom exhaust/intake obviously- its a swap). a mild cam with headers can make 400whp and pass smog. stock LS1's can take a 150 shot without drama, if you're into that sorta thing. more power than anyone needs in a DD, however fun it may be. and who can argue with torque?
for a sports car that sees mainly street use, i see zero downside to an LS1 vs a rotary, other than initial cost, and rotary pride (not saying thats a bad thing!). the fact is, you gain an extra gear (gas mileage- sorry i went there), dont gain any weight (some lose weight), and have a car that will really move at any rpm in any gear.
if you're going big, rotary is prolly where its at. there are def some 13b's making huge power out there, relatively reliable, thanks to quality parts and a knowledgable tuner.

(i happen to be a v8 owner, but have zero disrespect towards rotaries. they definately have the potential, but just arent for everyone.)