It is common to overhear debates about which engine configuration is the best; front, mid, or rear engines? Whichever side of the argument you back, things aren't so clear-cut, and each layout has qualities that make it good or bad for various applications. The mid-engine configuration is perfect for handling, with rear and front weight distribution well-balanced compared to the front or rear layout. Mid-engined sports cars are often pricey, especially with the departure of affordable options like the Pontiac Fiero and Toyota MR2. But if you are looking for a bargain in the used market, you can check out our article on some mid-engined cars that are surprisingly affordable.

The mid-engine car layout is usually reserved for supercars, meaning daily usability is often sacrificed for outright performance and handling. Also, the engine layout uses up central space, making it impractical to support a back seat. However, some mid-engined cars make surprisingly good daily drivers, the most popular and obvious models being Porsche's Boxster and Cayman - which is why we didn't include them on this list. Read on to find out which mid-engined car you can happily use for your daily commute.

9 Toyota MR2

Silver 1999-2007 Toyota MR2 W30 (Third Generation)
via Bring a Trailer

The Toyota MR2 was notorious for its tendency to snap oversteer, and it takes lots of practice and behind-the-wheel time to learn how to control the car when exceeding the limits in a turn. Still, this car remains one of the finest and most durable Japanese automotive products, while being a very capable daily driver.

Silver 1999-2007 Toyota MR2 W30 (Third Generation)
via Bring a Trailer

The MR2 is reliable with proper maintenance, and as long as you buy one in decent shape that previous owners haven't abused. Also, it has a comfortable seating position and is relatively safe for its age. You will also spend much less to keep it on the road than modern cars.

RELATED: 1989-1999 Toyota MR2 W20: Costs, Facts, And Figures

8 McLaren MP4-12C

McLaren MP4-12C - Front Quarter
McLaren

McLarens are not a poor man's car. However, a certain supercar in their lineup has seen its prices drop to an attainable range. That is the MP4-12C, a car that helped get McLaren where they are, and is currently more of an entry-level McLaren, and it is an all-around excellent car, from its beautiful looks to its surprisingly daily drivability.

mclaren mp4 12c
Via: Mecum Auctions

The MP4-12C is as good as any other car while sitting in traffic or enjoying a longer commute in its standard comfort mode. And a simple switch of a button will unleash the full performance potential of the supercar. Also, its maintenance costs, while not the lowest around since it's an exotic car, aren't as steep as those of a Bugatti. As an added bonus, it is surprisingly spacious and doesn't feel cramped or claustrophobic.

7 Ferrari Mondial

1982 Ferrari Mondial 3 Cropped
Via mecum.com

The Mondial is one of the most affordable entries into owning a Ferrari. Although this came at a performance cost, it doesn't take away the Mondial's great qualities like a great sound note, the Pininfarina styling, and beautiful bodywork by the legendary Carrozzeria Scaglietti. Even with a mid-mounted engine, the Mondial offered high comfort and plenty of room for the kids in the back seat.

1984 Ferrari Mondial Quattrovalvole Sports Car
Via: Mecum

This is one of the few mid-engined cars to feature back-row seats. It is also very easy around town with good handling, and the switchable suspensions on the T trim make it a sports car when you want.

RELATED: McLaren GT Vs McLaren 570S: How The Two Supercars Stack Up

6 McLaren GT

McLaren GT - Front Quarter
Via McLaren

With a monstrous 600hp and a 0 to 60mph time of 3.1 seconds, the McLaren GT can easily scare off many buyers looking for a dependable daily driver. Turns out, the GT makes for a very great $250,000 supercar you can actually use for your daily commutes. This car was built on the same philosophy that made the MP4-12C a great driver's car. The mid-engined GT uses a detuned version of the 720S engine.

Everything you need to know about the McLaren GT
via McLaren

The GT is the most comfortable McLaren money can buy. A brilliantly tuned suspension, along with changing throttle response driving modes to soften or stiffen the suspension on demand, make for a great ride quality for a car that is significantly more comfortable than other supercars.

5 Chevrolet Corvette C8

Chevrolet Corvette C8
Via Chevrolet

The steady evolution of the Chevrolet Corvette has seen it grow into a more civilized and tamer car suitable for daily driving. The latest and eighth-generation is the first one to feature a mid-mounted engine. The naturally aspirated V8 produces 490hp, but besides the impressive performance, the car is even better thanks to its practicality.

Chevrolet Corvette C8
Via chevrolet

Directly behind the engine is 12.6-cubic-feet of storage space, which isn't bad for its class. However, it comes in a two-seater format, which means you won't be ferrying your kids around in it. Also, its price is just right for an everyday drive compared to other popular sports cars like the Porsche 911.

RELATED: This Custom Alpine A110 Hybrid Gets AWD With 400 HP

4 Alpine A110

The front of the A110
Via Alpine

Thanks to its relatively rare status, the Alpine A110 is arguably one of the best driver's cars that many drivers will never get to lay their hands on. The French import comes with a lovely exhaust note, eager handling, forgiving ride comfort, and a surprisingly roomy interior. The super-light mid-engined car has every creature comfort you need to make for a pleasing daily driver.

Alpine-A110
via alpine cars

The Alpine A110 is a non-threatening sports car that proves you can lean towards bigger wheels, more power, and bigger brakes while remaining tame, capable and exciting. This makes it usable for daily driving, touring, and for the occasional track days, whichever road your vibe takes you.

3 Audi R8

Audi R8 2022 parking lot
Via Audi

The Audi R8 may share the same monster V10 engine with the Lamborghini Huracan, but the Audi edges over the Lamborghini for daily usability. While exotic cars aren't really meant for the daily commute, the R8 came to change the narrative. It offers a surprisingly good option for a commuter's car and can be a great choice for someone seeking something more exciting than a Toyota Camry.

Audi R8 2022 yellow
Via: Audi

Of course, it doesn't come with the Camry's cabin space to fit a family, but its two seats have sufficient room and comfort to make short or long commutes tolerable, which can't be said of many exotic supercars.

2 Lotus Evora GT

Lotus Evora GT - Rear Qurter
Via Lotus Media

Without a doubt, the Evora GT is one of Lotus's most fascinating sports cars. It keeps the Lotus tradition of providing raw and deep-rooted driving experiences with a lightweight and powerful package that can speed up and corner with immaculate ease. Yet, the Evora GT packs enough creature comforts suitable for a daily driver without additional cost in weight.

2021 Lotus Evora GT
Via: Lotus Cars

The Toyota-powered Evora GT makes a great option for a Lotus you can drive every day of the week. It comes standard as a two-seater, but there is an option for a 2+2 configuration, enough to squeeze children.

RELATED: 2021 Lotus Evora GT Review: A Driving Enthusiast's Dream

1 Acura NSX

Acura NSX - Front Quarter
Via Mecum Auctions

The mid-engined and pretty fast Acura NSX is a legitimate supercar whose low production numbers make sure few of them are running on our roads. Besides holding its own against other supercars on the track, it makes an excellent choice for a daily driver, something most of its competitors cannot claim. Despite a high performance that enables it to launch to 60mph in 2.7 seconds, the NSX betters the Mustang GT mileage by 2mpg, making it quite acceptable as a daily driver.

Acura NSX Long Beach Record Around The Fountain Front View
via Acura

Few supercars can boast the high levels of comfort found inside the NSX, which is no harder on its occupants than the Honda Accord, a popular commuting option. This car will also come with Acura's reliability, meaning it is less expensive to keep on the road than its supercar competitors.