In the world of drifting, every driver knows that the car you choose can make or break your performance on the track. While there are plenty of cars that can get sideways and hold a slide, a few models stand out as true kings of the drift scene. From nimble coupes to high-powered beasts, these cars have earned their place in drift history through a combination of performance, balance, and versatility.
But which car reigns supreme as the king of drift? There’s one that stands above the rest, and that’s the BMW E36. Let’s take a look at what makes this iconic car a top contender and explore other cars that challenge for the crown.
BMW E36 – The Drift Legend
Ask any seasoned drifter, and they'll likely tell you the BMW E36 is the ultimate drift machine. Produced from 1990 to 1999, the E36 offers everything a drifter could want: exceptional handling, rear-wheel drive, and an almost perfect weight distribution.
Here’s why the E36 has cemented its place as the king of drift:
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Rear-Wheel Drive and Balance: The E36’s chassis is known for its near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution, giving it incredible balance and control, especially when sliding through corners. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, the car’s stable handling makes it a joy to drift.
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Engine Versatility: The E36 comes with a range of inline-six engines, such as the M50, M52, and the more powerful S50 found in the M3 variant. These engines are known for their durability, tunability, and smooth power delivery, making it easy to maintain slides. Whether you keep it stock or go turbo, the E36 has the potential to be a powerhouse on the track.
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Aftermarket Support: The E36 has one of the largest aftermarket communities of any drift car. From suspension upgrades to steering angle kits, you’ll have no shortage of parts to tweak and improve your setup. At SLRspeed, we offer a range of parts designed specifically to help the E36 dominate the drift circuit, including E36 angle kits that provide unmatched steering angle and control.
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Affordable and Accessible: One of the major reasons the E36 stands out as the king is its availability. Compared to other drift legends like the Nissan Silvia or Toyota Supra, E36s are still relatively affordable and easy to find, making them a top choice for anyone looking to get serious about drifting without breaking the bank.
The E36 isn’t just a car—it’s a platform that can be built into a competitive drift machine, and that’s why it’s earned the title as the king of drift.
Nissan 350Z – The Modern Rival
While the BMW E36 may be the reigning king, the Nissan 350Z is a strong challenger. With its robust VQ35DE engine and rear-wheel drive setup, the 350Z has become increasingly popular in the drift scene. It’s known for its excellent handling and balanced chassis, making it a great car for both newcomers and seasoned drifters.
The 350Z's affordability and solid power make it easy to break traction, while the independent rear suspension keeps things controlled through transitions. Add an SLRspeed angle kit, and the 350Z can hold its own against the best, providing incredible steering angles for deep, controlled slides.
Toyota AE86 – The Classic Contender
The Toyota AE86 is a drifting icon and deserves a spot in any conversation about the best drift cars. Popularized by Initial D, the AE86 may not have the raw power of some of its rivals, but its lightweight chassis and rear-wheel-drive layout make it one of the most nimble drift cars ever built.
With its high-revving 4A-GE engine and razor-sharp handling, the AE86 is all about finesse and precision. Drifters who appreciate the technical side of drifting love this car, as it rewards skill and timing. While it may be getting harder to find, the AE86 remains a legend in the drift world.
Nissan 240SX (S13/S14) – The Drift Staple
The Nissan 240SX (both S13 and S14) has been one of the most beloved drift cars for decades. It’s one of the most commonly used cars in grassroots drifting and remains popular even with pro drifters. The 240SX’s rear-wheel-drive setup, lightweight chassis, and endless aftermarket parts support make it a fantastic car for drifting.
Its versatility is a major draw—you can drop in an SR20DET engine, modify the suspension, and go crazy with angle kits to build a track-ready drift car. With its relatively simple design and easy-to-tune nature, the 240SX will always be a favorite among drift enthusiasts.
Mazda RX-7 (FC/FD) – The Rotary Rebel
For drifters who like to stand out, the Mazda RX-7 is a fantastic choice. With its lightweight body and high-revving rotary engine, the RX-7 provides a different kind of drifting experience. The car’s unique powerband and balance make it a fun but challenging platform for drifting.
While rotary engines are known for being a bit more finicky and require special care, those willing to embrace the quirks of the RX-7 will find it’s one of the most agile and exciting drift cars around. With a bit of tuning and the right suspension upgrades, the RX-7 is a force to be reckoned with on the drift track.
Toyota Chaser JZX100 – The Big-Body Drifter
The Toyota Chaser JZX100 brings a bit of luxury to the drift scene with its larger frame and turbocharged 1JZ-GTE engine. Don’t let the size fool you—this big-body sedan has become a favorite among drifters for its surprising agility and smooth power delivery.
The Chaser’s long wheelbase helps with stability, and its robust engine can easily be tuned for more power. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a bit more comfort while still tearing up the track.
Conclusion: The E36 Is Still King
While there are plenty of incredible drift cars out there, the BMW E36 continues to hold its crown as the king of drift. Its perfect balance, rear-wheel-drive layout, strong engine options, and vast aftermarket support make it the ideal platform for both beginners and experienced drifters. Plus, its affordability means you can get started in drifting without draining your bank account.
Whether you're building a grassroots drift car or aiming for professional competitions, the E36 has proven time and time again that it’s capable of dominating the drift scene. And with SLRspeed’s performance parts—from angle kits to suspension upgrades—you can take your E36 to new heights, ensuring you stay ahead of the competition on any track.
