Mid-engine sports cars offer a thrilling blend of balance, agility, and performance, often reserved for high-end exotics. However, there are still plenty of affordable options for enthusiasts who crave that perfect weight distribution and razor-sharp handling without breaking the bank. Here are 14 mid-engine sports cars that remain within reach in 2025.
Toyota MR2 Spyder
The Toyota MR2 Spyder is a lightweight, nimble roadster powered by a 1.8L naturally aspirated engine producing 138 horsepower. While not the fastest, its mid-engine layout and low curb weight make it an absolute joy on twisty roads. Prices remain affordable, with well-maintained examples available for under $15,000, making it a budget-friendly sports car for enthusiasts.
Porsche Boxster 986
The first-generation Porsche Boxster brings German engineering and a mid-engine layout at a reasonable price. Equipped with a flat-six engine, it delivers a thrilling driving experience with excellent balance and impressive handling. Early models can be found for under $20,000, making them a budget-friendly entry into Porsche ownership and a great weekend car.
Chevrolet Corvette C8
The C8 Corvette revolutionized American performance cars by adopting a mid-engine design. With a 6.2L V8 producing 490 horsepower, it offers supercar-level performance at a fraction of the cost of its European rivals. While new models can be pricey, used examples from earlier years are dipping below $60,000, providing an accessible way to own a modern high-performance machine.
Honda Beat
This Japanese kei car might not be the fastest, but it’s an incredibly fun and unique mid-engine option. The 660cc engine revs to 8,500 RPM, and its lightweight construction ensures an engaging driving experience that rewards precision. Import-friendly and priced around $10,000, it’s a great budget buy for those who appreciate quirky, high-revving small sports cars.
Related: 14 Fancy European Cars That Bombed Hard In The US (What Went Wrong?)
Mazda Autozam AZ-1
A quirky yet highly sought-after JDM gem, the Autozam AZ-1 features gullwing doors and a 657cc turbocharged engine. Despite its small size, it offers an exhilarating driving experience with its razor-sharp handling and low weight. Prices have risen over the years, but well-kept imports can still be found for around $20,000, making it an affordable collectible.
Related: 13 Cars That Were So Ahead Of Their Time They Still Feel Modern Today
Pontiac Fiero GT
The only mass-produced mid-engine American car before the C8 Corvette, the Pontiac Fiero GT comes with a 2.8L V6 producing 140 horsepower. While early models suffered from reliability issues, later versions were much improved in build quality and safety. You can still find decent examples for under $15,000, and with aftermarket support, they can be upgraded for better performance.
Related: 13 Mini Cars That Look Fake Until You See Them Drive
Fiat X1/9
A classic Italian mid-engine sports car, the Fiat X1/9 is a small, wedge-shaped roadster with a 1.3L or 1.5L four-cylinder engine. Despite its modest power output, its lightweight design and sharp handling make for a fun drive, especially on winding roads. Affordable examples are available for under $15,000, though rust-free models are becoming rarer over time.
Tesla Roadster
Based on the Lotus Elise, the original Tesla Roadster offers all-electric mid-engine performance with impressive acceleration and instant torque. It was Tesla’s first production car and helped pave the way for modern EVs. Early models are appreciating in value, but high-mileage versions still sell for around $40,000, making it a unique and eco-friendly option.
Related: 15 Groundbreaking F1 Innovations That Redefined Speed and Safety
Renault Alpine A110
The modern Alpine A110 is a lightweight, driver-focused mid-engine coupe with a turbocharged 1.8L engine producing up to 300 horsepower. With a near-perfect weight balance and a focus on agility, it’s one of the best-handling sports cars on the market. While new models are expensive, used ones are becoming more attainable in the $50,000 range.
Related: 13 Turbocharged Cars So Powerful They Should Be Illegal
Toyota Sera
Although originally front-engined, some enthusiasts have modified the Toyota Sera into a mid-engine layout using MR2 powertrains. This unique butterfly-door coupe offers a futuristic aesthetic combined with classic Toyota reliability. It’s a great platform for creative builds, and modified versions can sometimes be found for under $20,000.
Volkswagen-Porsche 914
A collaboration between VW and Porsche, the 914 features a mid-mounted flat-four or flat-six engine, depending on the variant. While Porsche-badged models command a premium, VW-powered variants remain affordable and are surprisingly fun to drive. Decent examples are available for under $20,000, though restoration costs should be considered.
Related: 12 Exclusive Cars So Rare You’ll Never See One in Person
Lancia Montecarlo / Scorpion
This mid-engine Italian sports car was designed by Pininfarina and features a 2.0L four-cylinder engine delivering modest power. While not the fastest, its classic styling, mid-engine balance, and engaging handling make it a worthy collector’s car under $25,000. Finding one in good condition may take time, but restoration-friendly examples are available.
Related: 12 Shocking Facts About How Robots Are Changing Car Manufacturing Forever
BMW i8
Though futuristic, the BMW i8 features a mid-engine plug-in hybrid setup with a three-cylinder turbocharged engine and electric motors. It offers impressive acceleration and unique styling that still looks ahead of its time. While expensive when new, used models have dropped below $50,000, making them a more attainable option for hybrid sports car enthusiasts.
Related: These 15 Cars Ruled Their Time and Became Cultural Phenomena
Peugeot RCZ R
While the factory Peugeot RCZ R is front-engined, some custom builds have transformed it into a mid-engine layout using Peugeot Sport components. These rare conversions offer an exotic experience at a relatively low price. If you can find one, expect a unique driving experience with a mix of French flair and high-performance engineering.
Related: 12 Legendary Video Game Cars That Are Shockingly Real
Mid-engine sports cars don’t have to cost a fortune. Whether you’re looking for a classic project, a JDM gem, or a modern performance machine, there are plenty of affordable options in 2025. While some may require patience to find or a bit of restoration work, they all deliver the unique driving dynamics that only a mid-engine layout can provide.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
13 Monster Engines That Push The Limits Of What’s Even Possible
Some engines redefine performance, pushing the boundaries of power, speed, and engineering brilliance. These powerplants deliver mind blowing horsepower, cutting edge technology, and durability that defies logic. Here are 13 monster engines that prove there are no limits to what’s possible.
Read it here: 13 Monster Engines That Push The Limits Of What’s Even Possible
15 Insanely Huge Engines That Shouldn’t Even Exist
Some engines are so massive, so ridiculously over the top, that they seem like something out of science fiction. These mechanical beasts push the limits of engineering, cramming insane amounts of power into vehicles, ships, and even motorcycles. Here are 15 of the most absurdly gigantic engines that defy logic and reason.
Read it here: 15 Insanely Huge Engines That Shouldn’t Even Exist
13 Car Models That Secretly Share Parts With Cheaper Vehicles
Ever wondered why some high end cars feel eerily familiar to budget-friendly models? It’s not a coincidence many luxury and performance vehicles share parts with their more affordable cousins. From engines to infotainment systems, manufacturers often cut costs by borrowing components across different price ranges. Here are 13 car models that secretly share parts with cheaper vehicles, proving that sometimes, luxury is just a well-dressed economy car.
Read it here: 13 Car Models That Secretly Share Parts with Cheaper Vehicles
You’ll love these related posts:
- 13 SUVs Known for Holding Their Value and Staying on the Road for Over 200,000 Mile
- The Secret History of Car Brand Logos: Hidden Meanings and Design Evolution
- 13 Self-Healing Car Paint That it Finally Becoming a Reality?
- Luxury Electric Sedans: Which One Reigns Supreme?
- The Future of Electric Pickup Trucks: What’s Coming Next
