Cheapest Mid Engine Car
Introduction
Mid engine cars are known for their handling and performance, but they can also be expensive. If you’re looking for a mid engine car that won’t break the bank, here are a few of the most affordable options on the market.
Lotus Elise
The Lotus Elise is a lightweight, agile sports car that has been in production since 1996. It’s powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 217 horsepower. The Elise has a curb weight of just 2,035 pounds, which gives it a power-to-weight ratio of 270 horsepower per ton. This makes the Elise one of the most powerful cars on the market for its price.
The Elise is available in two trim levels: the Sport and the Touring. The Sport trim level comes with a more aggressive suspension and a limited-slip differential, while the Touring trim level comes with a more comfortable interior and a softer suspension. Both trim levels come with a six-speed manual transmission.
The Lotus Elise starts at $54,900.
Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
The Mazda MX-5 Miata RF is a retractable hardtop convertible that’s powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower. The Miata RF has a curb weight of 2,332 pounds, which gives it a power-to-weight ratio of 155 horsepower per ton.
The Miata RF is available in four trim levels: the Sport, the Club, the Grand Touring, and the Grand Touring Reserve. The Sport trim level comes with a six-speed manual transmission, while the Club, Grand Touring, and Grand Touring Reserve trim levels come with a six-speed automatic transmission. All trim levels come with a limited-slip differential.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata RF starts at $32,450.
Toyota MR2 Spyder
The Toyota MR2 Spyder is a two-seater sports car that was produced from 1990 to 2005. It’s powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower. The MR2 Spyder has a curb weight of 2,155 pounds, which gives it a power-to-weight ratio of 129 horsepower per ton.
The MR2 Spyder is available in two trim levels: the S and the T. The S trim level comes with a five-speed manual transmission, while the T trim level comes with a four-speed automatic transmission. Both trim levels come with a limited-slip differential.
The Toyota MR2 Spyder starts at $25,000.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a mid engine car that won’t break the bank, the Lotus Elise, the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF, and the Toyota MR2 Spyder are all great options. These cars offer performance and handling that rival more expensive models, but they do so at a much lower price.