When it comes to drifting, the car you choose makes all the difference. The best drifting cars of 2025 are more than just powerful — they combine balance, steering angle, weight distribution, and aftermarket support to create machines designed for sideways action. In this article, we break down the most popular drift cars for beginners, grassroots competitors, and professional drifters.
🔥 What Makes a Great Drift Car?
Not every car is born to drift. The best drift cars share a few key traits:
- Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): Essential for controlled oversteer.
- Aftermarket Support: Availability of coilovers, angle kits, and drift-specific upgrades.
- Balanced Chassis: A predictable, tunable platform that handles extreme angles.
- Affordability: Grassroots drifting is expensive — parts availability and cost matter.
- Durability: Drifting is tough on cars. Strong drivetrains and reliable platforms make a difference.
With these in mind, let’s look at the cars dominating the drift scene in 2025.
🚗 Nissan 350Z – The Grassroots King
The Nissan 350Z has cemented itself as one of the most popular drift cars worldwide. With its affordable price, plentiful aftermarket support, and strong VQ35DE/VQ35HR engine, the 350Z strikes a balance between power and control. Its long wheelbase offers stability, while angle kits transform it into a competition-ready drift machine.
- Power: 280–300 hp stock
- Aftermarket: Huge support for coilovers, angle kits, and differentials
- Best For: Beginners and grassroots drifters
🚙 BMW E36 – The Affordable Drift Weapon
The BMW E36 remains a top choice for drifters on a budget. Its RWD layout, straight-six engines, and balanced chassis make it a natural drift platform. With coilovers and a welded or 2-way diff, the E36 becomes a drift monster. The affordability of used parts and global support ensures it remains one of the best cars to drift.
- Power: 170–240 hp stock depending on model
- Chassis Balance: Excellent weight distribution
- Best For: Budget-friendly builds and grassroots competitions
🏎️ Toyota GT86 / Subaru BRZ – Modern Drift Heroes
The Toyota GT86 and Subaru BRZ are modern entries into the drift world. Lightweight, responsive, and with an excellent suspension layout, these cars are designed for handling — and with angle kits and coilovers, they transform into serious drift weapons. Their popularity in grassroots and pro-am competitions continues to climb in 2025.
- Power: 200–230 hp stock
- Handling: Extremely nimble and predictable
- Best For: Enthusiasts who want a modern, reliable drift platform
🚗 Mazda RX-7 – The Legend
The Mazda RX-7 remains one of the most iconic drift cars of all time. Lightweight, perfectly balanced, and equipped with a rotary engine, the RX-7 dominates tandem competitions when built properly. Its rarity and cost, however, make it less beginner-friendly — but for professionals, it’s a dream drift machine.
- Power: 250–300 hp stock
- Best For: Pro-level drifting and enthusiasts with budget for maintenance
🏁 Honorable Mentions
- Nissan Silvia S13/S14: Lightweight, iconic drift cars still dominating in 2025.
- Ford Mustang: Newer models have surprising drift potential with RWD and big power.
- Chevy Corvette C5: Affordable V8 power makes it a strong grassroots and pro platform.
🔧 Engineering the Perfect Drift Car
Regardless of which car you choose, upgrading suspension and steering is critical. SLR Drift Kits, coilovers, adjustable control arms, and steering stops transform ordinary RWD cars into drift-ready machines. Investing in the right parts ensures your drift car is competitive, controllable, and reliable on track.
✅ Conclusion: The Best Drift Cars of 2025
The best drifting cars aren’t just about horsepower — they’re about balance, reliability, and aftermarket support. The Nissan 350Z, BMW E36, Toyota GT86, and Mazda RX-7 each represent different ends of the drift spectrum, from beginner to professional. With the right setup, nearly any RWD platform can become a drift car — but choosing one of these proven platforms ensures you’re starting on the right foot.
Explore SLR’s full range of drift parts and coilovers to take your car to the next level: SLR Best Drift Cars Guide.
