25 Best Car for Drifting

From the Ford Focus RS to the mighty Dodge Viper SRT-10, these cars go sideways more readily than a hungry crab

As any racing driver will tell you, sliding sideways with your rear tyres spewing smoke isn’t the way to go fast. However, we reckon it’s how to have the most fun. The 25 cars featured here are all great for drifting. Just don’t forget to budget for a spare pair of rear tyres…

What exactly is drifting?

Let’s be clear: we’re talking about automobiles with rear-wheel drive (but not exclusively) and enough power to slide on demand. That’s not the same as lift-off oversteer, which is a common occurrence among drivers of classic hot hatches like the Peugeot 205.

It’s also important to keep in mind that drifting should only be done on a track, not on the street. It’s not only dangerous, but it’s also unlikely to impress anyone on social media if you drift on public roadways. Especially when things go awry.

1. Mk3 Ford Focus RS

What better way to learn to drift than in a car with a built-in Drift Mode? It won’t turn you into Ken Block overnight, but it will make getting sideways a little simpler. Drift Mode sends 70 percent of the torque from the Ford’s 2.3-litre turbo engine to the rear axle, and initially transfers the torque to the outer rear wheel to get things moving. Once sliding, it then splits torque equally between each rear wheel to keep the drift going. The end result is gruesome slides that are presented in a controlled manner.

2. Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4Matic

Imagine a 604hp twin-turbo V8 super saloon with a comparable ‘drift mode’ as the Focus RS. While the E63 S is four-wheel drive most of the time, you can detach driving to the front wheels via a sophisticated set of menu choices. Because the ESP system is turned off, 627lb ft of torque is sent to the back wheels uncontrolled. If you get carried away, you’ll need a lot of space and access to plenty of new tyres.

3. BMW M2

Rear-wheel drive, a small wheelbase, and a powerful 3.0-litre twin-turbo engine sound like the ultimate drift car components. The BMW M2 can easily drift sideways, which means it spends the majority of its time boxed in by the ESP system. Select M Dynamic Mode, though, and the stability control will allow you some on-demand oversteer before shutting down the fun. There’s also a ‘Smoky Burnout’ launch control mode if you need to burn off some rear rubber.

4. Ford Mustang GT V8

Professional drift racer Vaughn Gittin Jr’s weapon of choice is a Ford Mustang, and it might be yours as well, even if your name isn’t quite as awesome. With the installation of independent rear suspension for the sixth-generation Mustang, Ford was able to address a lot of the criticism that drift aficionados had previously levelled at the car. There’s no reason why you can’t make this muscle car dance with a 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 435 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque.

5. Jaguar F-Type R

Is it possible to drift a Jaguar? This Jaguar, in particular, enjoys sliding. It’s a lot, to be sure, but with a 542hp V8 powering the rear wheels, it’s hardly surprising. At the very least, an electronically controlled limited-slip differential is standard, allowing the tail-out action to be controlled. For those who want to keep things in a straight line, Jaguar later released the AWD version of the F-Type R.

6. Toyota GT86

When it comes to drifting, how far can a Toyota GT86 go? Based on the efforts of one South African car journalist, the distance is 102.5 miles. It’s not surprising, though, because the GT86 – like its Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S siblings – is built to slide. When you combine rear-wheel drive with rather narrow tyres, even the 2.0-litre ‘boxer’ engine’s often-criticized power output of only 200hp is enough to move the back axle. Choose the six-speed manual transmission instead of the automatic.

7. Mk1 Mazda MX-5

The original MX-5 is often hailed as the answer to many driving concerns because it is inexpensive, plentiful, and has a booming aftermarket parts industry. The MX-5 will be more than glad to start sliding at a low speed with the optional limited-slip differential and some inexpensive and skinny tyres on the back. With any luck, you’ll be able to improve your drifting abilities enough to upgrade to something more powerful before it succumbs to rust.

8. Nissan S13 Silvia / 240SX / 200SX

The S13 is another contender for the ideal entry-level drift machine. It goes by a variety of names around the world, but its popularity remains consistent. The 2.0-litre turbo engine, known as the ‘SR20DET,’ adds to the car’s drift credentials, with output ranging from 200 to 500 horsepower depending on tweaking. Pop-up headlights add to the cool factor, and a plethora of bodykits and upgrade choices make it very desirable to drifters.

9. E36 BMW M3

The E36 may not be the most revered car to carry the M3 badge, but that works to its advantage. Because of the lower demand, prices have remained stable, making drifting more accessible. It makes sense for a variety of reasons, including the standard limited-slip differential and the 286hp 3.0-litre straight-six engine. Used E36 M3s are now available for less than the cost of a nearly-new supermini, but they are unquestionably more joy to drive. Get one while they’re still cheap.

10. E46 BMW M3

If you have a little more money to spend on a drift car, the later E46 M3 gives the same sideways thrills as the E36, but with a more modern design. With 338 horsepower from a bigger 3.2-litre engine, it also delivers more horsepower to the drift arena. However, for dedicated drifters, this is frequently insufficient, thus adding a supercharger is a typical approach to increase power. The 500hp 5.0-litre V10 from the current BMW M5 has been known to be installed by the bravest.

11. Nissan 350Z

The 350Z has the capacity to get as sideways as its appearance suggests, thanks to rear-wheel drive and a powerful 3.5-liter V6 under the hood. The 350Z’s potential should be undeniable, having been used in top-level Formula D and D1 Grand Prix drift competitions. Early automobiles had 287 horsepower, which increased to 306 horsepower in later models, which is plenty of power for sideways manoeuvring.

12. Lexus IS200

Not every drift car has to be a coupe; a practical saloon can also participate. The Lexus IS200, also known as the Toyota Altezza in Japan, still has some rudimentary drifting capabilities. Because the engine’s lack of power restricts its potential in ordinary form, people who wish to drift competitively should switch it out for a Toyota Supra’s turbocharged unit.

13. Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Hyundai may be associated with superminis and SUVs in the United Kingdom, but the brand also makes a V6 rear-wheel-drive coupe in the United States and Korea. The Genesis 3.8-litre Track has 348 horsepower, a Torsen limited-slip differential, and a stronger sports suspension. Drifters especially appreciate the considerable amount of steering lock offered, which enables for enough counter steering to deal with very large slides. It’s not something you’d do in a Hyundai i10 hatchback.

14. Mazda RX-8

The Mazda RX-8 is another practical car with sideways agility if we ignore its rotary engine’s troublesome reputation (known for failing at low mileage). The RX-8 is nimbler than many of the cars on our list, with a virtually perfect 50:50 weight distribution and a standard limited-slip differential. The sole disadvantage is the engine’s poor torque output, which may be remedied by replacing it with a 5.7-litre Chevrolet V8. It would also be more dependable if you did so.

15. Toyota Supra

The fourth-generation Toyota Supra is synonymous with Japanese tuning culture for anyone familiar with the Gran Turismo video game series or the never-ending Fast & Furious movie genre. However, being a large grand tourer, the Supra will need to lose weight before it can truly begin to slide around. Fortunately, the legendary ‘2JZ-GTE’ engine can be tweaked to produce over 1,000 horsepower. That is, assuming it hasn’t previously been converted to fit inside a Lexus IS200.

16. Saturn Sky Red Line

This tiny two-door roadster with rear-wheel drive and up to 290 horsepower was created just before General Motors dropped the Saturn moniker. The Sky received a torque-sensing limited-slip differential and upgraded Bilstein suspension in performance Red Line trim, making it far more capable than its charming appearance might suggest. It also had a brief run in the Formula D drift championship, where it competed against the Pontiac Solstice, which shared the same platform.

17. Toyota AE86 Corolla 

In the hands of Japanese driver Keiichi Tsuchiya, this is the renowned ‘Hachi-Roku’ Toyota, which is credited by many with helping to start the modern drift scene. Because of the car’s tiny weight and short wheelbase, even the four-cylinder engine’s 130 horsepower was enough to allow for uncontrolled slides. The AE86 was also immortalised in the Initial D manga series, which gave the small hatchback a cult following and kept its value high.

18. Nissan ER34 Skyline 25GT-T

While the AWD Skyline GT-R may attract the most attention, its gripping drivetrain is unsuitable for drifting. Instead, go for the GT-T, which has a 2.5-liter turbocharged straight-six engine but only drives the rear wheels. While you can have your GT-T in a two-door coupe form, the four-door saloon is considerably cooler. You might even persuade yourself that it’s a good family automobile.

19. Lexus SC300

The Lexus SC, also known as the Toyota Soarer, was marketed as a rear-wheel-drive luxury grand tourer to compete with Mercedes-Benz and Infiniti. Originally available with a 4.0-litre V8, the SC300 was introduced in 1992 with a 3.0-litre straight-six engine, which was primed for the addition of a powerful turbocharger. This has made it popular among drifters upgrading to more powerful machines, but the SC300 does necessitate a drastic diet to shed the extra weight of leather seats and wood interior trim.

20. Mazda FD RX-7

The RX-7 features a characterful yet fragile rotary engine, similar to the RX-8, but with the extra benefit of twin turbochargers. This translates to up to 276 horsepower, with lots more potential with modifications. The Madbul is the automobile that belongs to ‘Mad Mike’ Whiddett, a professional drift racer from New Zealand. It depicts what an RX-7 can achieve with up to 537hp at the rear wheels.

21. Nissan S15 Silvia

Unlike earlier Nissan Silvia models, the S15 was designed to go fast on track rather than just drift. The old viscous limited-slip differential had to go, and a new helical one had to take its place. It also received a new six-speed transmission and a 250-hp turbocharged engine, as well as upgraded brakes and suspension. Drifting joy is still available; you’ll just have to put forth a little more effort to get it.

22. Caterham Seven

Look no further than the Caterham Seven if you value hard work in your drift. With ultra-lightweight design and power to the rear wheels, it appears simple on paper. At UK circuits like Brands Hatch, Caterham even offers drifting experiences. However, because it is so sensitive to throttle and steering reactions, keeping it sideways through longer turns is difficult. If you’re too harsh, you’ll most likely wind up facing the wrong way.

23. Vauxhall VXR8 GTS

Are you feeling brave? Then welcome to the world of drifting a 6.2-liter V8 muscle automobile built in Australia. The VXR8 delivers 585hp from an engine shared with the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 as a thinly disguised Holden HSV GTS. The VXR can pull gruesome slides for as long as you dare thanks to its powerful engine.

24. Volvo 360 GLT

Stop laughing; we’re taking this very seriously. This Volvo, while it may appear to be something your grandma would (and probably did) drive, has serious drift potential. This is due to not only the normal rear-wheel drive, but also the fact that the gearbox is a rear-mounted transaxle, which helps with weight distribution. The 360 GLT is the best of the bunch, with the 2.0-liter engine being the only one capable of drifting. When you buy one, just attempt to come up with a reasonable excuse for your friends and family.

25. Dodge Viper SRT-10

Finally, we’ll look at a car designed solely for expert-level drifting. The Viper’s 8.4-liter V10 engine produces 600 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque, which can quickly overpower the car’s rear tyres. To drift one, you’d have to be insane, yet that’s exactly what Samuel Hübinette of Sweden did. His competition-spec Viper has 825 horsepower. Venomous.