I think it's the higher pitch that makes a rotary hurt your ears more. I compare it to getting hit with a rock (open piped V8) or getting stabbed (open piped rotary). So even if the V8 is actually louder, the rotary hurts more.
__________________
-Ted
-1986 Mazda RX7 Sport [DD/beater]: engine finally let go at 205k. parts car status.
-1986 Mazda RX7 base [resto-mod project]: S5 n/a swap in progress.