One fun things that we can do with a car is drifting. We can use any car to implement a drift, but professionals will either use a local model that they can understand and are comfortable with.
Most prefer to use vehicles with a history of good drifting attributes (with 4-wheel or rear-wheel drive).
Almost all drifting cars have a low centre of gravity so that they can pull off their drifts at higher speeds and with more velocity around the turn.
Here is a list of cars that we can use for drifting:
1. Nissan 240SX
The 240SX is a good drift car, and it has become the hallmark for many good drift event.
If we go to any Club loose weekend, we will run into tons of them, all modified differently for drifting.
A long wheelbase, balanced chassis, and massive aftermarket are big reasons this car is a good option.
2. Toyota Corolla (AE86)
The AE86-generation Corolla was made well-known by the drift-centred Initial D anime.
The AE86-generation Corolla has solidified itself as a legitimate collector’s car, but that has not stopped owners from having fun with it.
3. BMW M5
The BMW M5 is an all-time full-blown drift weapon, no matter the generation. It has big power going to the rear wheels combined with a long wheelbase.
Although the new one is an all-wheel drive, it has a rear-wheel-drive mode to ensure we can still get sideways on demand.
4. Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Miata can be the right drift car if it is set up correctly. This is because it has a short wheelbase, and it is more prone to snap into oversteer, making it hard to hold a slide.
Also, it doesn’t have much power. However, if we set up the Mazda MX-5 Miata correctly, you will be sideways for days.
5. Toyota / 86 Subaru BRZ / Scion FR-S
The GT86 broke the record for the longest continuous drift in 2018, spanning five hours and over 100 consecutive miles.
The 2018 BMW M5 broke the record, and that should tell us all we need to know about the BRZ-86 twins’ drifting capacities.
6. BMW 3-Series (E36)
While the BMW 3 Series (E30) has become a sort of collectable, the BMW E36 sits in a nice middle ground of being cheap enough to take for drifting and simple enough to be easily upgraded or repaired.
7. BMW 3-Series (E46)
The BMW 3 Series (E46) has become cheap enough where drifters are starting to embrace the platform. It is a bit heavier but just as balanced.
8. Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S
Like the Ford Focus RS, lots of new Mercedes AMG cars have a dedicated drift mode built.
The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S is one of the AMG cars with the dedicated drift mode built in it. Since most of the lineup has be switched to an all-wheel drive, the drift mode became a welcome feature.
9. Mazda RX-7
The Mazda RX7 is like many other cars on this list: manual, front-engined, and rear-wheel drive.
Where it differs from others on the list is the power source. Because rotaries aren’t popular for their reliability, many drifters tend to do some sort of engine swap (2JZ, V-8, SR20, etc.) to keep it moving on the track.
10. Pontiac GTO
Like the Ford Mustang, the Pontiac GTO has the perfect formula for spinning tires; a big V-8 with a manual transmission that is sending power to the rear wheels.
11. Ford Mustang
Depending on how we feel about a live axle, the Mustang can be an excellent car for drifting. The V-8 has enough power from the factory to keep you sliding, and the aftermarket support is plentiful.
12. Nissan 200SX
Of course, if we want to drive something vintage, Nissan has a good selection of rear-wheel drive, front-engine compacts that we can choose from. The Nissan 200SX is a good drift car.
13. Nissan 350Z
The Nissan 350Z might not be the best option for a driver, but it is pretty great for drifting. Although the price is low, it checks all the boxes needed to have fun on a twisty course.
14. Ford Focus RS
The Focus RS is a good drift car. It is one of the first mass-produced cars to offer a standalone “drift mode” for drivers who want to go sideways. That should tell us all we need to know.
15. Honda S2000
The Honda S2000 was well-known for its versatility. It has the ability to adapt to any kind of driving. No matter the kind of driving it is, whether it is drifting, autocross, canyon carving, track days, the Honda S2000 can do it all.
16. Lexus IS300
The Lexus IS300 comes with the Toyota’s indestructible 2JZ straight-six and could be optioned with a manual transmission and a limited-slip differential.
When we pair those things with the solid Japanese build quality and a nice long wheelbase, we have a great base for sideways action. The Lexus IS300 is a great drift car.
The are many drift cars out there just waiting for the right driver to take them for a ride. While it is fun to have your adrenaline coursing through your system, it is important to consider not only your safety but the safety of others on the road.
