In the wonderful world of automotive engineering, a mid-engine layout refers to cars where the engine is mounted between the front and rear axles. Placing the engine in the middle of the car improves weight distribution and handling, which is why it’s common on high-end supercars.
Some cars, like the Miata, have the engine in front of the driver but behind the front axle, so they are technically mid-engined. However, most people use the term “mid-engined” when talking about cars with the engine behind the driver, so in this article we’ll focus on affordable rear-mid-engined cars.
Alfa Romeo 4C
If you want a practical sports car, the Alfa Romeo 4C is not for you. However, if you’re an Italophile but can’t afford a Ferrari or Lambo, the 4C is most likely your best bet of owning a mid-engined Italian car.
While it’s far cheaper than an actual supercar, the 4C is still among the most expensive on this list, as KBB states that prices start just under $40,000. It’s certainly not the most reliable car here either, but thanks to its low weight and 240-horsepower 1.8-liter turbo engine, it’s still a fun option to consider.
Factory Five 818
Factory Five allows car enthusiasts to assemble their own mid-engined sports car. That’s right, the FF 818 is a kit car, and assuming you can build it yourself, you don’t need a large budget — typically around the $20,000 mark.
The kit is designed to use a Subaru boxer engine, and with a massive selection of performance parts available, the lightweight FF 818 can be turned into a proper supercar.
Lotus Elise
Prices for the Lotus Elise always seem to hover around the $30,000+ mark, so if you decide to buy one, chances are it won’t lose much, if any, value when it’s time to sell.
Lotus has installed Toyota engines in the Elise since the Series 2 cars from 2001, so reliability-wise, it’s one of the most solid options here. We should warn you that the Elise is a no-frills sports car. It’s not for those who want to show off — this is a proper British driver’s car that offers excellent handling, and not much else.
Audi R8
If the Lotus Elise is a bit too basic, and you want something more user-friendly and flashy, check out the early V8-powered Audi R8. Even if it doesn’t have the screaming V10 engine, this is still very much a proper supercar.
It’s possible to buy a high-mileage R8 for the same price as a new hot hatch, and there’s no doubt which one will turn more heads. As Audi is now moving towards a fully electric future, we think R8 prices will soon increase as collectors want a piece of automotive history.
Porsche Cayman
It’s possible to find first-generation Porsche Caymans for under $20,000 on Cars.com right now, making it a genuine bargain of a sports car. According to J.D. Power, Porsche is consistently ranked among the best when it comes to build quality, and they also know a thing or two about making fun cars.
The first-gen Porsche Cayman had two engine options, both flat-six units. The base model had a 2.7-liter with 245 horsepower, and the S trim got a 3.4-liter with 295 horses. The Cayman will even out-handle its more famous 911 sibling thanks to its mid-engine layout.
Toyota MR2
The second-generation Toyota MR2 is the best-looking one. In fact, it’s one of the best-looking Japanese sports cars ever made. Performance-wise, it also packs a decent punch, especially if you get the Turbo model.
Unfortunately, MR2 Turbos are getting expensive, but those who have around $10,000-15,000, can get their hands on a solid, naturally aspirated model with the 160-hp 2.0-liter engine. The MR2 also enjoys a decent selection of aftermarket parts, so it’s relatively easy to make it even better.
Lotus Esprit
When new, the late-model Lotus Esprits were a bit dated compared to most of the competition. We’re not complaining, though, as they cost much less than Italian exotica while offering similar performance.
The versions with the turbocharged 2.0-liter and 2.2-liter four-cylinder engines are the most affordable, but those wanting maximum performance can opt for the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V8. With 350 horsepower, it could sprint to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds and marched on to a top speed of 175 mph.
In the mid-2000s, Lotus decided they had to offer potential customers something a bit more comfortable car than the uncompromising Elise and Exige. That resulted in the slightly more luxurious Europa.
As you can probably see, the Lotus Europa S and SE were based on the Elise platform. It has more soundproofing, a more spacious trunk, and easier access to the cabin. However, since it wasn’t as performance-oriented as other Lotus models, neither automotive journalists nor Lotus enthusiasts liked it very much. That’s actually good news to us, as they’re bargains on the used market nowadays.
Porsche 986 Boxster
Back in the late 1990s, a struggling Porsche launched the Boxster, and it became one of the models that saved the German carmaker, yet haters don’t like it just because it’s not a 911. Those people don’t matter, because Porsche sold a bunch of Boxsters, and because of that, prices remain relatively low compared to other Porsches.
There’s a lot to like about the first-gen Boxster. This open-top sports car offers excellent driving dynamics, near-perfect weight distribution, and decent power. Just get it checked by a Porsche specialist before buying so you won’t be left with expensive repair bills.
Porsche 914
Long before purists hated the 986 Boxster, the 914 was their favorite target. Not long ago, practically nobody wanted a 914, and you could buy one for the coins you found behind the sofa. These days, prices have skyrocketed, but it’s still possible to pick up an affordable Porsche 914 if you’re willing to spend some time searching.
This little targa-top sports car was built in collaboration with Volkswagen, and while it’s not particularly fast in a straight line, it’s plenty of fun on a twisty road.
Pontiac Fiero
The Pontiac Fiero is another mid-engined sports car people love to hate. However, in recent year, this American sports car has actually seen a surge in popularity, so prices have increased substantially.
Finding a bargain-basement Fiero can be difficult now, but it may still be worth considering. Early models were underpowered and plagued by reliability issues, but GM ironed out most to that towards the end. If you get one with the 2.8-liter V6, the humble Fiero even has acceptable performance.
Honda Beat
If you’re into JDM cars, the tiny Honda Beat is an excellent mid-engined option. Honda built it between 1991 to 1996, so even the latest models of this little kei car are now eligible for US import.
It may only have a 656cc three-cylinder engine churning out 65 hp, but since it only weighs 1,680lbs, it’s a fun sports car to dart around the city.
Toyota MR2 Spyder
The Toyota MR2 Spyder is arguably the biggest bargain available on the mid-engined sports car market right now. There’s no denying that it’s the least practical of the three MR2 generations, but it’s also the cheapest.
If you really want a Lotus Elise but struggle to justify the price, the MR2 offers the same 140-horsepower 1.8-liter 1ZZ engine and similar cargo space, but for a quarter of the cost of a Lotus. Many aftermarket parts are also available, so you can modify the MR2 Spyder to your heart’s content.
