Can You Drift an Automatic? The Ultimate Guide to Drifting with an Aut

Introduction: Can You Drift an Automatic?

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Can you drift an automatic?”, you’re not alone. The short answer? Yes, you can drift an automatic car—but it comes with unique challenges and requires different techniques compared to manual transmission drifting.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about drifting an automatic car, including the best techniques, car setup tips, and how automatic transmissions affect drifting dynamics. Whether you’re new to drifting or looking to refine your skills, this is the ultimate resource for mastering the art of drifting with an automatic transmission.

1. Understanding Drifting in an Automatic Car

1.1 How Drifting Works

Drifting is the controlled oversteer of a car through a corner, maintaining a high slip angle while balancing throttle, steering, and weight transfer. Traditionally, manual cars are favored for drifting due to their clutch control and gear selection, but automatics can still be drifted with proper technique and setup.

1.2 Challenges of Drifting an Automatic

Drifting an automatic presents a few challenges:

Lack of Clutch Control – No clutch means no clutch-kick initiations.
Slower Gear Changes – Some automatics have slow shifting, reducing drift control.
Torque Converter Limitations – A torque converter absorbs some power, making throttle response less immediate.

1.3 Advantages of Drifting an Automatic

Easier for Beginners – No need to worry about clutch timing.
Consistent Power Delivery – No risk of stalling mid-drift.
Less Wear on Drivetrain – Clutchless operation means fewer clutch replacements.

2. Best Automatic Cars for Drifting

2.1 What Makes a Good Automatic Drift Car?

For an automatic car to drift well, it should have:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) – Essential for breaking traction in the rear.
A Strong Transmission – Must handle high power and aggressive shifts.
Manual Shift Mode or Sequential Gearbox – Allows better control over gear selection.
Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) – Ensures both rear wheels spin together for consistent slides.

2.2 Best Automatic Cars for Drifting

BMW E46 330i (Automatic) – Great chassis balance, solid automatic transmission.
Nissan 350Z (Auto) – Strong aftermarket support, responsive VQ engine.
Ford Mustang GT (Auto) – Good power, capable automatic gearbox.
Infiniti G35 (Auto) – RWD platform, shares components with Nissan 350Z.
Chevrolet Corvette C5/C6 (Auto) – High power, capable automatic transmission.

3. Drifting Techniques for an Automatic Car

3.1 Power Oversteer Drift

Best suited for high-power automatic cars.

Enter a corner at moderate speed.
Apply heavy throttle to break rear traction.
Countersteer to control the slide.
Modulate throttle to maintain the drift.

3.2 Handbrake (E-Brake) Drift

Useful for initiating a drift in tight corners.

Approach the turn and slightly lift off the throttle.
Pull the handbrake to lock the rear wheels.
Countersteer while feathering the throttle.
Release the handbrake and power through the drift.

3.3 Feint Drift (Scandinavian Flick)

Leverages weight transfer to break traction.

Steer momentarily in the opposite direction before the turn.
Quickly steer into the corner to shift weight to the rear wheels.
Apply throttle to maintain the drift.

3.4 Brake Drifting

Utilizes weight transfer from braking.

Enter the corner at speed and tap the brakes.
Weight shifts forward, reducing rear grip.
Steer into the drift and modulate throttle.

4. Automatic Transmission Settings for Drifting

4.1 Manual Mode vs. Drive Mode

Manual Mode: Allows for better gear selection and control.
Drive Mode: Can work but may shift gears unpredictably, disrupting the drift.

4.2 Best Gear Selection for Drifting

Second Gear: Ideal for low-speed drift initiations.
Third Gear: Better for higher-speed drifting.
Avoid First Gear: Can cause excessive wheel spin and instability.

4.3 Upgrading an Automatic Transmission for Drifting

Transmission Cooler – Prevents overheating during aggressive driving.
Shift Kit or Tune – Improves shift response and reduces delay.
Aftermarket Torque Converter – Enhances throttle response and power delivery.

5. Drifting Setup for an Automatic Car

5.1 Suspension and Steering Angle

Coilovers: Lowering the center of gravity improves weight transfer.
Steering Angle Kit: Increases maximum countersteer angle for smoother drifts.
Stiffer Front Sway Bar: Improves turn-in response.

5.2 Tire Pressure and Selection

Front Tires: Lower pressure (25-30 psi) for better grip.
Rear Tires: Higher pressure (35-45 psi) for easier initiation.
Tire Compound: Medium-hard for durability, soft for extra grip.

5.3 Differential Upgrade

Limited-Slip Differential (LSD): Ensures both rear wheels spin together.
Welded Differential: Locks the rear wheels permanently, making drifting easier.

6. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

6.1 Letting the Transmission Upshift Mid-Drift

Solution: Use manual mode and lock into a single gear.

6.2 Not Using Enough Throttle

Solution: Automatic cars require more throttle input than manuals to maintain a drift.

6.3 Ignoring Suspension Setup

Solution: Proper suspension tuning is critical for drift control.

7. Final Thoughts: Can You Drift an Automatic?

Yes, you can drift an automatic! While manuals offer more direct control, automatic cars can still drift effectively with the right techniques and modifications. By understanding weight transfer, throttle control, and suspension setup, you can achieve smooth, controlled drifts in an automatic car.

Now that you know how to drift an automatic, get out there and start practicing in a safe, controlled environment!