Drifting has grown from a Japanese street phenomenon to one of the fastest-growing motorsport cultures worldwide. A drifting car is more than just a vehicle – it’s a purpose-built machine that emphasizes control at the limit of traction. In this guide, we’ll explore everything from the history of drifting to the best drifting cars, as well as tips on how to build, tune, and drive your own drift machine.
What Is a Drifting Car?
A drifting car is designed to slide sideways through corners while maintaining speed, angle, and control. Unlike traditional racing, where traction is maximized, drifting emphasizes oversteer and throttle steering. While almost any car can be drifted, the best drifting cars are rear-wheel drive with balanced chassis dynamics, predictable handling, and enough power to break traction at will.
The History of Drifting Cars
Drifting originated in Japan in the 1970s and 1980s, where drivers like Keiichi Tsuchiya (the “Drift King”) pioneered the technique on mountain passes. From grassroots touge drifting to the rise of D1 Grand Prix and Formula Drift, the drifting car has become a global icon of motorsport and car culture. Today, cars like the Nissan Silvia, Toyota AE86, and Mazda RX-7 are legendary for their roles in shaping the drifting world.
Best Drifting Cars for Beginners
- Nissan 350Z: Affordable, reliable, and with strong aftermarket support.
- BMW E36 & E46: Excellent chassis balance and low entry cost.
- Mazda Miata (NA/NB): Lightweight and fun, though underpowered for pro-level drifting.
- Infiniti G35: A sleeper option with solid power and rear-wheel drive platform.
- Toyota GT86 / Subaru BRZ: Modern lightweight cars with precision handling.
Professional Drifting Cars
At the professional level, drifting cars feature extensive modifications. Popular pro drift cars include the Toyota Supra, Nissan GT-R conversions, Chevrolet Corvette, and even Dodge Challengers with supercharged V8s. Pro builds often exceed 800–1200 horsepower, with wide-body kits, angle kits, hydraulic handbrakes, and advanced suspension setups.
Essential Drift Car Modifications
To transform a stock car into a drifting machine, key modifications include:
- Coilovers: Adjustable suspension improves handling and drift control.
- Angle Kit: Expands steering angle for more dramatic drift entries and control.
- Limited-Slip Differential (LSD): Ensures both rear wheels spin together for consistent slides.
- Hydraulic Handbrake: Allows precise drift initiation and corrections mid-drift.
- Lightweight Wheels & Tires: Affordable spares are key since drifting wears tires quickly.
- Cooling & Brakes: High temperatures demand upgraded cooling and brake systems.
Drifting Techniques Every Driver Should Know
Learning how to drift a car involves mastering several techniques:
- Clutch Kick: Quickly releasing the clutch while applying throttle to break traction.
- Handbrake Initiation: Pulling the e-brake to start a drift, especially useful on tight turns.
- Power Oversteer: Using raw power to spin the rear tires into oversteer.
- Feint Drift: Steering away from the corner briefly, then snapping back to unsettle the car.
- Shift Lock: Downshifting aggressively to cause rear wheel slip.
Street Legal vs. Track Drift Cars
A common question is whether a drifting car can be street legal. Many grassroots builds double as daily drivers, but extensive modifications often push cars into track-only territory. For street-legal drift cars, focus on suspension, wheels, and LSD upgrades rather than full cage or stripped interiors.
Safety Considerations for Drifting Cars
Safety should never be overlooked. Essential gear includes a roll cage, fire extinguisher, racing harness, and helmet. Drifting pushes cars and drivers to their limits, so preparation and proper equipment are non-negotiable. Always practice drifting in a controlled environment, never on public roads.
Drift Competitions and Events
From Formula Drift USA to Drift Masters Europe and grassroots events at local tracks, drifting competitions have become global spectacles. These events showcase the wildest drifting cars in action, from 1200hp Supras to custom-built V8 Silvias. Attending a drift event is the best way to experience the culture, meet fellow enthusiasts, and get inspired to build your own drift car.
How to Build Your First Drift Car
Building your first drifting car doesn’t have to break the bank. Start with a budget-friendly RWD platform like an E36 BMW or Nissan 350Z. Upgrade suspension, LSD, and brakes first, before chasing horsepower. Focus on learning drifting techniques – driver skill matters more than raw power.
Final Thoughts
A drifting car represents freedom, control, and passion on four wheels. Whether you’re starting with a daily driver, attending your first drift event, or aiming for professional competition, the journey of building and mastering a drift car is one of the most rewarding paths in motorsport. Explore the best platforms, make smart upgrades, and most importantly – practice in safe, controlled environments.
Ready to take your drifting car to the next level? Visit SLR Speed for the best drift suspension upgrades, angle kits, and coilovers designed for serious drivers.
