For car enthusiasts in Canada, the allure of a mid-engine sports car—where the engine sits between the driver and rear axle for superior balance and handling—is often tempered by the perception of sky-high prices. However, 2025 brings exciting options that prove you don’t need a six-figure budget to own a thrilling mid-engine machine. Leading the pack is the Chevrolet Corvette C8, a game-changer in affordability, starting at around $82,600 CAD, followed by the Porsche 718 Cayman and Boxster, which begin at approximately $84,600 CAD. These vehicles deliver exhilarating performance, sleek designs, and cutting-edge technology without breaking the bank. This article dives into the cheapest mid-engine sports cars available in Canada for 2025, detailing their pricing, features, performance, and value, while providing a clear comparison to help buyers make informed decisions.
Understanding Mid-Engine Sports Cars
Mid-engine sports cars are prized for their near-perfect weight distribution, which enhances cornering agility and stability at high speeds. Historically, brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche dominated this segment, but recent years have seen more accessible options emerge. In Canada, where winter driving and diverse road conditions demand versatility, the Corvette C8 and Porsche 718 stand out as the most affordable new mid-engine sports cars for 2025. Their combination of performance, practicality, and relative affordability makes them ideal for enthusiasts seeking a thrilling drive without compromising on daily usability.
Below, we explore the two primary contenders, their trims, specifications, and how they stack up in the Canadian market. A comparison table is included to highlight key differences.
1. Chevrolet Corvette C8 (Stingray)
Overview
The Chevrolet Corvette C8, introduced in 2020, revolutionized the mid-engine segment by offering supercar performance at a fraction of the cost of European rivals. For 2025, the Corvette C8 Stingray remains the cheapest mid-engine sports car in Canada, with a starting MSRP of approximately $82,600 CAD for the 1LT coupe (including freight and PDI). Available as a coupe with a removable targa top or a convertible, the C8 delivers breathtaking performance and modern amenities, earning accolades from outlets like TopSpeed as “the most affordable mid-engine sports car you can buy new in 2025.”
Pricing and Trims
The C8 Stingray offers three trims: 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT, with the convertible adding roughly $8,500 to each. Estimated 2025 pricing in Canada (based on 2024 figures adjusted for inflation and currency conversion) is as follows:
|
Trim |
Starting MSRP (CAD) |
Key Features |
|---|---|---|
|
1LT Coupe |
$82,600 |
6.2L V8 (490 hp), 8-speed DCT, 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto |
|
2LT Coupe |
$90,100 |
Adds head-up display, heated/cooled seats, 14-speaker Bose audio, blind-spot monitoring |
|
3LT Coupe |
$97,600 |
Premium leather, suede interior, GT2 bucket seats, wireless charging |
|
1LT Convertible |
$91,100 |
Same as 1LT coupe, with power-folding hardtop |
Note: Prices include freight/PDI but exclude taxes and fees, which vary by province. The optional Z51 Performance Package ($7,500) adds sport suspension, performance exhaust, and upgraded brakes.
Performance
The C8’s 6.2L LT2 V8 engine produces 490 horsepower (495 with Z51) and 465 lb-ft of torque, paired exclusively with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). It achieves 0-100 km/h in 3.0 seconds and a top speed of 312 km/h, outperforming many pricier rivals. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) and a mid-engine layout ensure exceptional handling, though winter driving requires snow tires. Fuel economy is respectable at 14.6 L/100 km city and 9.4 L/100 km highway, per NRCan.
Features
The C8 blends performance with practicality. Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen, 12-inch digital gauge cluster, and keyless entry. Higher trims add luxury touches like heated/cooled seats and advanced safety features (e.g., rear cross-traffic alert). The coupe’s removable roof panel fits in the trunk, and dual trunks (front and rear) offer 357 liters of cargo space, making it surprisingly practical for a sports car.
Pros and Cons
-
Pros: Unbeatable value, supercar performance, practical cargo space, modern interior.
-
Cons: No manual transmission, firm ride on rough roads, high insurance costs for young drivers.
2. Porsche 718 Cayman and Boxster
Overview
The Porsche 718 Cayman (coupe) and Boxster (convertible) are iconic mid-engine sports cars known for sublime handling and timeless design. For 2025, the base 718 Cayman starts at approximately $84,600 CAD, while the Boxster begins at $92,700 CAD, positioning them as the next-cheapest mid-engine options in Canada. While pricier than the C8, the 718 offers a manual transmission and Porsche’s legendary driving dynamics, appealing to purists.
Pricing and Trims
The 718 lineup includes base, T, S, and GTS 4.0 models, with the base and T trims being the most affordable. Estimated 2025 Canadian pricing is:
|
Trim |
Starting MSRP (CAD) |
Key Features |
|---|---|---|
|
718 Cayman |
$84,600 |
2.0L turbo-4 (300 hp), 6-speed manual, 7-inch touchscreen, sport seats |
|
718 Cayman T |
$89,900 |
Adds sport suspension, Sport Chrono, 20-inch wheels, cloth sport seats |
|
718 Boxster |
$92,700 |
Same as Cayman, with power soft top |
|
718 Boxster T |
$98,000 |
Same as Cayman T, with convertible top |
Performance
The base 718’s 2.0L turbocharged flat-four engine delivers 300 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed PDK automatic. It hits 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds (manual) or 4.7 seconds (PDK) and tops out at 275 km/h. The Cayman T’s sport-tuned suspension enhances agility, making it a favorite on twisty roads. Fuel economy is 11.7 L/100 km city and 8.4 L/100 km highway, slightly better than the C8.
Features
The 718 prioritizes driving purity over luxury. Standard features include a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and sport seats. Higher trims add navigation, Bose audio, and adaptive dampers. Cargo space is modest (150L front, 120L rear), but sufficient for weekend getaways. The Boxster’s soft top folds in 12 seconds, enhancing open-air thrills.
Pros and Cons
-
Pros: Exceptional handling, manual transmission option, premium brand cachet.
-
Cons: Expensive options, limited cargo space, less power than C8 for the price.
Comparison Table
|
Feature |
Chevrolet Corvette C8 (1LT Coupe) |
Porsche 718 Cayman (Base) |
|---|---|---|
|
Starting MSRP (CAD) |
$82,600 | $84,600 |
|
Engine |
6.2L V8 (490 hp, 465 lb-ft) |
2.0L Turbo-4 (300 hp, 280 lb-ft) |
|
Transmission |
8-speed DCT |
6-speed manual or 7-speed PDK |
|
0-100 km/h |
3.0 seconds |
4.9 seconds (manual) |
|
Fuel Economy (L/100 km) |
14.6 city / 9.4 hwy |
11.7 city / 8.4 hwy |
|
Cargo Space |
357 liters |
270 liters |
|
Key Advantage |
Supercar performance, value |
Handling precision, manual option |
Why These Are the Cheapest Options
In 2025, the Corvette C8 and Porsche 718 are the only new mid-engine sports cars in Canada under $100,000 CAD. Other mid-engine models, like the Lotus Emira ($110,000+ CAD) or McLaren Artura ($250,000+ CAD), are significantly pricier. The C8’s sub-$83,000 starting price undercuts the 718 by about $2,000, offering more power and practicality. The 718, however, appeals to drivers prioritizing brand prestige and a manual gearbox. Both benefit from Canada’s robust sports car market, with dealers in major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal offering competitive financing and leasing options.
Market Context and Alternatives
Canada’s sports car market is competitive, with affordable rear-engine (e.g., Porsche 911) and front-engine options (e.g., Ford Mustang, Mazda MX-5) often stealing the spotlight. For 2025, the average new vehicle price in Canada hovers around $50,000 CAD, making mid-engine sports cars a premium choice. However, the C8’s value proposition—supercar performance for under $90,000—challenges pricier exotics. The 718, while costlier, benefits from Porsche’s reputation and resale value, appealing to buyers willing to stretch their budget.
For those considering alternatives, the Toyota GR86 ($34,900 CAD) and Subaru BRZ ($34,970 CAD) offer rear-wheel-drive thrills at half the price, though they lack mid-engine dynamics. Used mid-engine cars, like the 2005-2012 Porsche Cayman or 1997-2004 Boxster, can be found under $30,000 CAD, but maintenance costs and reliability concerns may offset savings.
Ownership Considerations
Owning a mid-engine sports car in Canada requires planning. Insurance costs for the C8 and 718 are high, especially for drivers under 25, with annual premiums averaging $3,000-$5,000 CAD in Ontario. Winter driving demands snow tires and cautious handling, as RWD and mid-engine layouts can be challenging in snow. Maintenance for the C8 is reasonable, with Chevrolet’s widespread dealer network keeping costs lower than Porsche’s specialized service. The 718’s options can inflate repair bills, but Porsche’s reliability is strong. Both cars hold good resale value, with the C8 retaining about 60% after three years and the 718 slightly higher due to brand prestige.
Looking Forward
The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette C8 and Porsche 718 Cayman/Boxster are Canada’s cheapest mid-engine sports cars, offering thrilling performance and distinct personalities. The C8, starting at $82,600 CAD, delivers unmatched value with its 490-hp V8, spacious cargo, and modern tech, making it ideal for buyers seeking supercar thrills on a budget. The 718, from $84,600 CAD, prioritizes driving purity with its manual option and razor-sharp handling, appealing to Porsche enthusiasts. Whether you crave raw power or refined dynamics, these cars prove that mid-engine excitement is within reach in Canada. Visit Chevrolet or Porsche dealers for test drives and check canadadrives.ca or cargurus.ca for financing options.