Sports cars like Porsche have always symbolized speed, agility, and power, but their high prices have often made them unattainable for many enthusiasts. However, the recent trend of mid-engine sports cars has brought a new era of affordability and excitement to the market. With summer 2023 around the corner, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 cheap mid-engine sports cars that will satisfy your need for speed without breaking the bank. So buckle up and get ready to discover the most exciting and affordable mid-engine sports cars of 2023.

Toyota MR2

The Toyota MR2 is often the cheapest mid-engine sports car available. It was first introduced in 1999 and was produced until 2007. The car uses a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that generates ~138 horsepower. It may not seem like much, but its lightweight design allows for an exciting and nimble driving experience. The MR2 is also praised for its excellent handling and balance, making it fun and engaging to drive on twisty roads. An MR2 can be found for as low as $3,000 in running condition.

Honda Beat

The Honda Beat is a small, lightweight mid-engine sports car manufactured in Japan from 1991 to 1996. It is one of the cheapest import mid-engine cars available, making it a popular choice for car enthusiasts on a budget. The car has a 656cc three-cylinder engine that produces 63 horsepower. The Honda Beat’s compact size makes it a joy to drive, while its unique design turns heads wherever it goes. Importing a Beat can cost as low as $6,000 all-in.

Pontiac Fiero

The Pontiac Fiero is a mid-engine sports car produced by General Motors from 1984 to 1988. It is an affordable sports car with a unique mid-engine layout. The vehicle has several engine options, including a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a 2.8-liter V6. While the Fiero had some initial reliability issues, it has gained a cult following among car enthusiasts. While they can be found non-running for nearly nothing, a running car will cost around $4,000.

Porsche Boxster

The 986 Porsche Boxster is a mid-engine sports car made between 1996 to 2004. It is the most popular cheapest mid-engine sports car with the Porsche badge, making it an attractive option for car enthusiasts on a budget. The Boxster has a range of flat-six engines that produce between 201 and 252 horsepower, offering an exhilarating driving experience. While the 986 Boxster may not have the same prestige as some of its Porsche counterparts, it provides a high-performance driving experience for roughly $10,000.

Porsche 914

The Porsche 914 is a mid-engine sports car produced from 1969 to 1976. It was a joint project between Porsche and Volkswagen, featuring a Volkswagen engine and Porsche styling. The 914 is not as popular due to its age, but it is still a great car. The car has various engines, including a 1.7-liter flat-four and a 2.0-liter flat-six, offering a decent amount of power for its time. While it may not have the same prestige as some of Porsche’s other models, the 914’s unique design makes it a popular choice for classic car enthusiasts. According to Classic, the average cost of a 914 is $40,000, making it one of the most expensive on this list.

What is the best cheap mid-engine sports car?

In conclusion, the mid-engine sports car market has opened new opportunities for car enthusiasts looking for affordable speed, agility, and power. The Toyota MR2 Spyder is one of the best examples of what this market offers. Each car on this list provides its unique driving experience and style, making it challenging to choose the best one. However, all these cars offer the same thing: a thrilling driving experience at an affordable price. The mid-engine sports car market continues growing, and we expect to see more affordable options in the coming years.