If you’ve searched for cheap cars that can drift, you’re not alone. The good news? You don’t need a $100K FD car to get sideways. With the right chassis and smart upgrades, you can build a reliable, fun, and competitive drift car on a budget.
Here’s our list of the most affordable drift platforms—chosen for RWD layout, aftermarket support, and reliability under abuse.
1. Nissan 350Z (2003–2008)
Price Range: $4,000–$9,000
Why It’s Great: Rear-wheel drive, V6 torque, and simple suspension. Tons of angle kits available—including our SLR 350Z Ultra Angle Kit with over 70° of steering lock.
- Easy to work on
- Great stock LSD in early models
- Can take a beating without major failure
2. BMW E36 3 Series (1992–1999)
Price Range: $2,500–$7,500
Why It’s Great: Balanced chassis, good torque, huge mod support. Our SLR coilovers and angle kits are track-proven for E36s in ProAm and grassroots events worldwide.
- Rear-wheel drive, manual trans options
- Weld the diff and you’re ready
- Chromoly control arms and FCABs available
3. Infiniti G35 Coupe (2003–2007)
Price Range: $3,500–$8,000
Essentially a 350Z in a luxury skin. Most parts interchange. Just a bit heavier, but still very driftable. Reliable VQ35 engine, strong trans, and plentiful junkyard parts make it a smart pick.
4. BMW E46 3 Series (1999–2006)
Price Range: $3,000–$8,000
Like the E36, but stiffer and more refined. Still RWD with solid aftermarket support. We make E46 angle kits, coilovers, and chromoly arms—perfect for building a budget competition chassis.
5. Ford Mustang SN95 or New Edge (1994–2004)
Price Range: $2,000–$6,000
Often overlooked. But you can’t beat V8 torque and a solid axle for entry-level drifting. Tons of parts. Easy to weld the diff. Suspension takes work but it’s cheap fun.
6. Mazda Miata NA/NB (1990–2005)
Price Range: $2,000–$6,000
Lightweight, RWD, and predictable at the limit. Power is low, but it teaches control. Add coilovers, a welded diff, and seat time—you’ll be better than most.
7. Lexus IS300 (2001–2005)
Price Range: $3,000–$7,000
RWD with a Toyota inline-6. Auto-to-manual swaps are common. Still fairly cheap and sleeper looks. Underrated drift platform that takes mods well.
Cheap Drift Mods That Matter
If you’ve picked a car, here’s what you need to make it slide:
- Welded or LSD differential
- Angle kit or modified knuckles
- Drift-tuned coilovers
- Bucket seat & wheel spacer
- Tires (front grip, rear cheap)
How to Pick the Right Car
Stick to RWD. Manual is better. Make sure it runs. Get seat time before mods. Buy a common car so you can find spares at junkyards. And don’t dump all your money on power—drift is about control.
Need Real Parts for Drift?
SLRspeed builds proven parts for BMW, Nissan, and other chassis that dominate grassroots and ProAm drift. From coilovers to angle kits, our parts are battle-tested, track-driven, and made in the USA.
