When it comes to building a competitive drift car, the chassis, suspension geometry, and steering angle all play a critical role in how well the car performs on track. Some platforms have become legendary in drifting due to their predictable handling, aftermarket support, and ease of modification. This guide will break down the best drift cars, explain why they are so effective for drifting, and highlight SLR’s industry-leading angle kits and drift-spec coilovers to optimize their performance.
Whether you're looking to get into grassroots drifting or build a pro-spec drift car, these are the top 10 best drift cars you should consider.
1. BMW E36 – The Ultimate Driver’s Drift Car
The BMW E36 is widely regarded as one of the best drift cars of all time, thanks to its balanced chassis, rear-wheel-drive platform, and easy modifiability. With a near 50/50 weight distribution, independent rear suspension, and bulletproof inline-six engines, the E36 is the perfect beginner-to-pro drift car.
Why the E36 is Great for Drifting:
✔ Affordable and widely available
✔ Well-balanced chassis and strong rear suspension
✔ M50/M52/S52 engines provide plenty of power potential
✔ Massive aftermarket support
SLR Upgrades for the E36 Drift Build:
🔥 SLR Ultra Angle Kit – Unlocks 74+ degrees of steering angle, providing unmatched countersteering control and reducing spin-outs.
🔥 SLR Drift Coilovers – Optimized for weight transfer and chassis stability, crucial for drifting.
🔥 SLR Rear Control Arms & Subframe Reinforcements – Strengthen the rear suspension and improve alignment adjustability.
2. BMW E46 – Modern Refinement with Proven Drift Pedigree
The BMW E46 builds on the strengths of the E36 but with a more refined chassis, wider track, and stronger subframe mounts. It retains the perfect front-to-rear balance that makes BMWs ideal for drifting while introducing modern improvements in suspension design.
Why the E46 is a Top Drift Car:
✔ Factory-equipped with more powerful engines (M54, S54 in the M3)
✔ More steering angle than the E36 from the factory
✔ Wider track for improved high-speed stability
✔ Incredible aftermarket support for drift modifications
SLR Upgrades for the E46 Drift Build:
🔥 SLR Ultra Angle Kit – Eliminates factory steering limitations and allows for huge countersteer angles.
🔥 SLR Drift Coilovers – Custom valving designed for drifting, improving front-end grip and rear-end stability.
3. Chevrolet Corvette C6 – The V8 Drift Monster
The C6 Corvette is one of the most competitive drift platforms in the world, thanks to its lightweight chassis, rear-mounted transaxle for balance, and powerful LS V8 engine. The combination of instant torque, long wheelbase, and a rigid aluminum frame makes the C6 an absolute weapon in drifting.
Why the C6 is a Drift Favorite:
✔ 400+ HP stock with the LS2 or LS3 engine
✔ 50/50 weight distribution with rear transaxle
✔ Extremely strong chassis with excellent aftermarket support
✔ Minimal weight for a V8-powered car
SLR Upgrades for the C6 Corvette Drift Build:
🔥 SLR C6 Angle Kit – Provides the most steering angle available for a C6, eliminating factory steering limitations.
🔥 SLR Drift Coilovers – Helps fine-tune weight transfer, improving both grip and predictability in transitions.
4. Nissan 350Z – The Best Value Drift Car
The Nissan 350Z is one of the best bang-for-the-buck drift cars on the market. Equipped with the VQ35DE/VHR engine, a stiff chassis, and a factory limited-slip differential, it’s one of the easiest cars to drift right out of the box.
Why the 350Z is a Great Drift Car:
✔ Factory LSD and RWD platform
✔ VQ engine provides ample power and torque
✔ Affordable and widely available
✔ Strong aftermarket support
SLR Upgrades for the 350Z Drift Build:
🔥 SLR 350Z Angle Kit – Increases steering angle and reduces Ackermann, making the 350Z incredibly easy to control mid-drift.
🔥 SLR Drift Coilovers – Designed specifically for the weight and balance of the 350Z.
5. Nissan 370Z – A More Refined Version of the 350Z
The Nissan 370Z improves upon the 350Z’s chassis, adding better steering geometry, a stiffer body, and a more powerful VQ37VHR engine. This car has become a favorite among pro drifters thanks to its high-revving powerband and predictable handling.
SLR Upgrades for the 370Z Drift Build:
🔥 SLR 370Z Angle Kit – More steering angle, less understeer, better control at full lock.
🔥 SLR Drift Coilovers – Track-proven damping and spring rates for optimal weight transfer.
6-10: Other Legendary Drift Platforms
6. Mazda FC RX-7
✔ Lightweight rotary platform with an amazing weight balance
🔥 SLR FC RX7 Angle Kit – Maximizes countersteering angle.
🔥 SLR Drift Coilovers – Keeps the FC predictable at speed.
7. Nissan S13 240SX
✔ One of the most popular drift cars of all time
🔥 SLR Drift Coilovers – Controls weight transfer better than any off-the-shelf option.
8. Ford Mustang SN95
✔ Affordable V8 drift car with tons of torque
🔥 SLR Drift Coilovers – Controls the weight of the Mustang chassis, making it more predictable in transitions.
9. BMW E90
✔ Modern BMW chassis with improved electronics and suspension
🔥 SLR Drift Coilovers – Helps refine the E90’s aggressive drift handling.
10. Mazda Miata (NA/NB)
✔ Small, nimble, and incredibly fun to drift
🔥 SLR Drift Coilovers – Enhances chassis balance and steering control.
Final Thoughts – SLR Builds the Best Drift Cars
Drifting is about more than just power—it’s about chassis control, steering precision, and proper suspension setup. Whether you're building a BMW E36, an LS-powered Corvette, or a Nissan 350Z, SLR has the best angle kits and drift coilovers to maximize performance.
🚀 Want to build the best drift car possible? Check out SLRspeed.com for the most advanced angle kits, suspension, and drift-spec components in the industry! 🚀
