You are talking about the Wankel used is Mazdas. The seals on the corners of the rotors were ceramic. When they wore out there was no compression and they simply would not start. I vividly recall it, as I owned one. Just like EV batteries today, the Mazda was totally worthless once the engine was hailed out.
If properly serviced, a piston engine will last 200 to 300 thousand miles easy. An EV will never come close to probably that Mazda 50,000 mark.
Yes, but the Wankel did not have anyway to get to improve. Mazda did race cars and blew pistons away. So they regulated how many rotors. Competition and technology didn’t have a chance to meet and improve the newer type of engine. Back to pistons, and blown engines. A brand new rotary can run at a high speed for 500 track miles without breaking a sweat. Less heat, less weight. It was better, that is why it wasn’t allowed to be improved.
Mazda reintroduces the rotary engine
https://topcarnews.net/mazda-reintroduces-a-rotary-engine-on-its-mx-30-plug-in-suv-s193264.html