Drifting has exploded in popularity as a motorsport, and its accessibility is a significant part of its appeal. Unlike drag racing, where horsepower often reigns supreme, drifting success hinges more on driver skill and car balance than brute force or budget-busting modifications. The amount of time spent behind the wheel is the ultimate teacher, regardless of your chosen motorsport.
However, starting with the right vehicle is still crucial. Remarkably, a Toyota Corolla AE86 from the 1980s can be just as competitive in the drift scene as a brand-new 2024 Ford Mustang GT, provided the Corolla is equipped with the essential drift modifications.
So, what exactly should you look for when choosing a drift car?
The Key Ingredients of an Excellent Drift Car
For sustained, controlled drifts, certain characteristics are non-negotiable. You’ll need a car with a well-balanced chassis, a low center of gravity for stability, and most importantly, a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout to break traction at the rear wheels. A manual handbrake (e-brake) is essential for initiating and controlling drifts, and a manual transmission gives you maximum control over gear selection and clutch kicks. Lastly, a limited-slip differential (LSD) is vital to ensure power is distributed evenly to both rear wheels, maximizing traction when needed and allowing for predictable slides. While an LSD can be added aftermarket, the other features should ideally be inherent to your chosen base car.
Beyond these basics, consider upgrading to a supportive racing seat to keep you firmly in place during aggressive maneuvers. Choosing a popular and common car model is also a smart move, ensuring readily available aftermarket parts and support for modifications and repairs. Attempting to convert a front-wheel-drive car to RWD, for example, like a SAAB 9-3, is generally more trouble and expense than it’s worth.
Remember, as three-time Formula Drift champion Chris Forsberg emphasizes, seat time is the ultimate instructor. Don’t get bogged down in chasing advanced modifications like extreme steering angle kits, high-performance tires, or massive horsepower right away.
Focus on mastering the fundamentals with your current setup first. Build a car that is capable of going sideways reliably, and then dedicate your time to practicing control, precision, and style. Only after you’ve truly mastered your initial setup should you start exploring more advanced upgrades and power increases.
Prioritizing immense power and top speed should be the last items on your list. There’s little advantage to a 1,000-horsepower engine, the sharpest steering angle, and a hydraulic e-brake if you can’t even confidently control a 112-hp Toyota Corolla AE86 in a controlled drift.
Top 10 Best Drift Cars: Rear-Wheel Drive Legends
Keeping the essential drift car characteristics in mind, let’s explore ten excellent drift car options. Our selection prioritizes cars with decent factory power and speed, while also considering their upgrade potential. We’re focusing on the top drift cars that are fun to drift right away, but also offer a broad range of modifications for enhanced performance as your skills improve. We’ll also highlight key factors to consider when evaluating each vehicle for drifting.
All the cars listed below are rear-wheel drive, but we will touch upon all-wheel-drive (AWD) systems with drift modes later in this guide.
1. Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang is an incredibly popular choice in the drifting world, from older Fox-body Mustangs to the latest models, including the purpose-built Ford Mustang RTR Formula Drift cars campaigned by professional drifters like Vaughn Gittin Jr. and Adam LZ. While these factory-modified drift machines are incredibly capable, they are also expensive. For beginners, a more affordable, older Mustang from the used market is a more sensible starting point. A car that can withstand minor body damage without causing financial heartbreak is ideal for learning.
A Fox-body Mustang equipped with the 5.0-liter V8 engine provides ample power in its stock form. As your drifting skills progress, the Mustang offers a vast array of tuning options and engine swap possibilities, even on a limited budget. Many experienced drifters began with a basic Mustang and progressively upgraded components as their skill level advanced. This demonstrates that a solid base vehicle like the Mustang can potentially serve you for years in the drift scene.
2. Nissan 350Z
Any Nissan Z chassis car is inherently fun to drift, but newer models are pricey, and older ones can be challenging to maintain. The Nissan 350Z and 370Z strike a great balance. The 350Z gained fame as the drift car of choice in Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift, solidifying its reputation. The Nissan 350Z is remarkably drift-ready straight from the factory, especially models equipped with the optional limited-slip differential. Early models featured the 3.5-liter VQ35DE engine, while later versions boasted the more reliable HR variant of the V6, producing up to 300 horsepower. Similar to the Ford Mustang, the 350Z benefits from extensive aftermarket support, offering everything from twin-turbo kits to complete engine swaps, ensuring long-term drift potential.
With a balanced 53:47 front-to-rear weight distribution, the Nissan 350Z was designed for spirited cornering, a characteristic that translates exceptionally well to drifting. While weight distribution is a factor, remember that driver skill is paramount. With practice, nearly any drift car can become manageable. Weight reduction is a common modification in drifting, and as your skills evolve, you might even add ballast to fine-tune the weight distribution for optimal balance.
3. Lexus IS300
The Lexus IS300, also known as the Toyota Altezza in Japan, is another excellent platform for engine swaps and drift modifications. Introduced to North America in 2000, the first-generation model is particularly appealing for drifting. While second-generation models offered an optional V8, the first-gen IS300 is more budget-friendly and offers suitable engine options with adequate power for learning to drift.
The IS300’s appeal lies in its lightweight chassis, rear-wheel-drive configuration, and balanced handling, making it forgiving for novice drifters. Its slightly longer wheelbase compared to many coupes also contributes to stability and control at the limit.
This car is a fantastic base, and with just a set of wheels and lowering springs, it achieves a great aesthetic. Its popularity in the drift scene means you might even find used examples already prepped for sideways action.
4. BMW 3 Series
Almost any BMW 3 Series from the past few decades is a strong foundation for various motorsports, including drifting and hill climbs like Pikes Peak. Its widespread availability in sedan, coupe, and convertible forms makes it one of the most accessible performance car platforms. The BMW M3 E36 is particularly desirable, offering rear-wheel drive, a manual transmission, and a responsive engine with decent power. However, even a standard 3 Series with an automatic transmission can be converted to manual relatively easily and affordably. While the latest BMW M3 and M4 models boast immense power and drift modes that disengage the front axle in AWD versions, their high price tags make them less accessible for beginners.
The growing desirability of the E36 and E46 BMW M3s has unfortunately driven up their prices. However, you don’t necessarily need an M3 to start drifting. A regular 3 Series, equipped with an LSD, is a perfect starting point to learn how to initiate and control slides.
5. Nissan Silvia
The Nissan Silvia name encompasses a range of sporty coupes, but the later S13, S14, and S15 chassis are particularly renowned in drifting. In the US, the S13 was sold as the 240SX, famous for its pop-up headlights, potent and tunable four-cylinder engines, and its presence in video games like Midnight Club.
The Nissan Silvia’s near-perfect drift car characteristics have ironically made them harder to find and more expensive. The S13, S14, and S15 were originally affordable yet incredibly capable cars. Once their drift potential was widely recognized, many were modified and used extensively in drifting, leading to a decrease in the number of clean, unmolested examples.
Original, unmodified Silvias are now often priced at a premium due to their rarity, while modified versions are also valuable due to their proven drift capabilities. Despite the increased prices, a Nissan S-chassis car remains one of the easiest platforms to get into drifting, second only perhaps to an E46 BMW 3 Series.
6. Toyota GR86, Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S
Whether you consider the first-generation Subaru BRZ (also sold as the Scion FR-S and Toyota 86) or the current second generation, the formula remains the same: a low-center-of-gravity Boxer engine, rear-wheel drive, a manual transmission, and a lightweight chassis. This combination creates an exceptional drift car, even before any performance modifications.
The first-generation Toyota 86 and its siblings were intentionally designed with modest power and equipped with skinny tires borrowed from the Toyota Prius. This deliberate choice made the car easy to slide with minimal effort, focusing on steering angle and throttle control.
The current GR86 model offers a slight power increase and wider tires, but it remains an excellent drift platform. If you’re seeking a reliable Japanese car that can be driven to and from the track, this is it. Its manageable power encourages you to focus on refining your drifting technique. When you’re ready for more power, the engine bay readily accepts swaps like the legendary 2JZ, with minimal modifications. Both experienced drifters and beginners agree that, in its factory form, this is one of the Best Drift Cars available.
7. Mazda MX-5 Miata
“Miata Is Always The Answer” is a popular saying among car enthusiasts, and it holds true for drift cars as well. This small sports car is lightweight, responsive, well-balanced, and full of character. Across all generations – NA, NB, NC, and ND – the Mazda MX-5 excels as an all-around performer. Whether it’s circuit racing, hill climbs, autocross, or drifting, the Miata is capable. Like many other cars on our list, the MX-5 has a range of engine swap options, including powerful LS V8s.
Best of all, Miata prices remain relatively reasonable, likely because Miata owners are often enthusiasts who appreciate driving enjoyment over outright power or speed. Miatas are incredibly fun to drive, and if you want to quickly learn how to control spinning rear wheels, the Mazda MX-5 is highly recommended.
8. Toyota Supra
This list isn’t exclusively about cheap drift cars; it’s about popular drift cars, and the A80 Toyota Supra is undoubtedly a drift icon. Its rear wheels are driven by the legendary 2JZ-GTE engine, known for its exceptional reliability and high performance ceiling.
The Supra’s wide track provides excellent grip, which is a desirable attribute in drifting. Drifting isn’t just about losing rear traction; it’s about controlling that slide. More grip translates to higher speeds and more tire smoke. However, like the Nissan Silvias, the used market for Toyota Supras is expensive. It might even be more practical to consider a new GR Supra than trying to acquire a well-maintained A80 or even A70 from a dedicated owner.
Regardless, the Supra is another car that is practically drift-ready from the factory. If finding a Supra proves difficult, consider importing a Toyota Chaser, particularly a Tourer V model equipped with the factory 1JZ-GTE engine. It offers ample power and significant JDM style points.
9. Nissan Skyline
Another highly sought-after and expensive Japanese car with a cult following is the Nissan Skyline. While the GT-R versions are largely unattainable and all-wheel drive, the GTS-T variant offers a more accessible rear-wheel-drive option. The GTS-T uses the same RB engine family as the GT-R but sends power exclusively to the rear wheels. While you could consider a BNR32, BNR33, or BNR34 Skyline, the R33 is often overlooked, potentially making it slightly more affordable.
The R32 is historically significant as the first of its kind (ignoring earlier models with different powertrains), making it highly collectible. The R34 is arguably the most visually striking and popular, as well as the last of its generation. The R33, with its less appreciated styling, might offer a slight price advantage. The Nissan Skyline range boasts numerous brilliant rear-wheel-drive machines, any of which could be excellent drift cars. Unlike the Toyota Supra, you might even find a four-door Skyline, offering practicality for carrying spare tires.
10. Mazda RX-7
The Mazda RX-7 is famous for its unique Wankel rotary engine, which, in stock form, can be somewhat fragile under sustained stress. However, the rest of the RX-7 package is ideal for drifting. The FD3S (the last RX-7 generation), like the Supra and Skyline, is highly popular across various car enthusiast circles, making it challenging to find a good example for drifting.
You might encounter pristine examples that are too valuable to risk damaging or rough examples that require extensive engine work. A common solution is to buy a rough RX-7 and perform a V8 engine swap. Alternatively, you could look for an FC3S model, the wedge-shaped and slightly less appreciated predecessor to the FD. If even the FC is too expensive, the Mazda RX-8 is a decent, more affordable alternative, especially if you plan to replace the rotary engine anyway.
While the rotary engine’s distinctive “brap-brap” sound is part of the RX-7’s appeal, maintaining a rotary for drifting can be costly, making engine swaps a practical consideration for many drifters.
Offbeat Drift Cars: Thinking Outside the Box
The list above primarily focuses on the most common and reliable drift car choices. However, drifting also incorporates speed, precision, and style. Style is subjective, but a Dodge Viper drifting would undoubtedly earn bonus style points. A V10 engine, rear-wheel drive, and early Vipers lacking traction control make for a potentially challenging but undeniably entertaining drift car. Watching a 1500-hp Dodge Viper drift and pull a wheelie is a spectacle.
The Honda S2000 (AP1 or AP2) is another car that could be a fantastic drift weapon, but it’s more often seen on time attack circuits. It would be exciting to see more S2000s drifting. Unfortunately, both the Viper and S2000 have become highly valued icons, making them less frequently seen in drifting due to their higher prices.
For German car enthusiasts, a Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG W211 or a BMW M5 E39, both equipped with V8 engines, could be compelling drift options. Looking for something silent? Vaughn Gittin Jr. has demonstrated that a Mustang Mach-E can be modified for drifting, and even Teslas can be drifted.
Beyond these suggestions, we’ve witnessed Lamborghini Murcielagos, Mazda BT-50 pickup trucks, Ford F-150s (thanks to Hoonigan), Volvo 240 station wagons, and even a Ford Transit van embracing drifting.
Ultimately, the best car for drifting is often the one you enjoy the most and that fits your budget and goals.
Understanding Drift Mode in Modern Cars
Modern cars increasingly offer all-wheel drive (AWD) for enhanced safety and all-weather capability. However, many drivers also desire the thrill of drifting. Drift mode is the solution, designed to either disengage the front axle or prioritize power delivery to the rear wheels.
The Ford Focus RS was among the first AWD cars to feature a drift mode. Its twin-clutch AWD system can send up to 70% of the engine’s power to the rear axle, and up to 100% of that rear power to a single rear wheel. The Volkswagen Golf R and Audi RS3 employ similar systems, although they typically send a maximum of 50% of power to the rear. It’s important to note that these systems, including those in cars like the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45S, don’t fully disconnect the front wheels. Technically, these are more accurately described as powerslide modes rather than true drift modes.
In contrast, cars like the Mercedes-AMG C63, BMW M8, and Kia Stinger GTS can send 100% of their power exclusively to the rear wheels. Because the front wheels are completely disengaged from power, the driver must control these vehicles as if they were purely RWD, enabling true drifting. This constitutes a genuine drift mode for serious drifting enthusiasts. Even the mighty Bugatti Chiron Sport, despite its impressive sliding abilities as seen in videos, doesn’t offer a dedicated drift mode in this true RWD sense.
Regardless of the specific definition of drift mode, the increasing availability of factory drift modes in various cars is a positive trend, boosting interest in drifting and potentially contributing to the growth of Formula Drift and the sport as a whole.
