So, you’ve decided that you want to dedicate time, money, and rubber to learning how to drift your car. Excellent! Now, in addition to learning the best drifting techniques, you’ll want to explore the different kinds of cars and tyres that experienced drifters use most frequently, whether they’re operating on pavement or going off-road.
Finding your best drift car will depend on a number of features. Some of those features will be limited to the build of the car itself while others will involve your own comfort in a vehicle, not to mention your willingness to learn how to try driving styles that you’ve never given a thought to before.
So long as you’re open to new experiences and willing to spend a bit of money, though, learning how to drift will be no trouble at all.
Exploring different types of drifting cars
The best place to start on your drifting quest is the Internet, followed shortly by a car dealership. Before you step foot on a lot, though, you’ll want to know what kind of characteristics you’re looking for in your ideal drifting car. Some car makes drift more readily than others, just like how some tyre brands hold up to the wear and tear of drifting more effectively than their peers.
So before you start spending money, ask yourself:
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Are you looking for a car that’s easy to drive on-road and off, or do you want to specialise?
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How much torque do you want to work with?
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How many doors are you comfortable working with?
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Do you want a car that’s RWD or not?
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Are you expecting your car to drift and take you to work every day? (if so, this may not be the hobby for you)
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What’s your drifting budget?
Once you have the questions to these answers sorted out, you’ll be able to make your way more comfortably around a dealership’s lot.
A line-up of rides
What kinds of cars make sturdy drift cars? Take a look below and see if you can’t find a brand of car that appeals to your sensibilities.
The BMW M3
As one of the most popular drifting cars in the world, the BMW M3 brings a lot of power and versatility to the table. Its German engineering allows the chassis the room you need to manoeuvre, and its powerful engine will keep you on the road without compromising your ability to chase an adrenaline high.
The Nissan 350z
Though it’s an older model of car, the Nissan 350z – and Nissan cars, in general – are widely respected as drifting cars. Based on classic sports cars, the build of the Nissan 350z operated around its powerful engine. With a six-speed transmission and 3.5 litre V6 engine, this car makes an almost perfect drifting car for beginners.
It’s not the most aggressive car on the market, but it’ll guide you through your initial drifts and give you the confidence you need to increase your power level in the future. If you find that you’re content with the drift that the Nissan 350z merits you, then it’s a car that’ll last you a long time out on the road.
The MX-5
The MX-5 may be another older car on this list, but its combination of Japanese strength and Italian luxury is difficult to beat. The 1.8 litre variation of the car is most effective for beginning drifters, as the four-cylinder engine can provider you with at least 140 bhp to work with.
Unlike the Nissan 350z, the MX-5 is a little more difficult to work with, given that the car is naturally aspirated. That said, if you’re looking for a little bit of resistance as you get going, this is the car for you.
The Toyota Mark II
Another Japanese car, the Toyota Mark II has served as a drift car for several decades now. The price of these cars is nothing to scoff at, but they’re excellent for delivering a smooth ride on a beginner budget. Partner this with their five-speed manual transmission and the luxury chassis and you have a bulkier, but still beginner-friendly, drifting car that’ll get you from point A to point B with little to no problem.
The Question of Drift Tyres
The primary causality of drifting, though, will be your car tyres. No matter how good your car or how broad your budget, you’re going to have to relegate a significant amount of time to finding the best brand of drift tyres for your type of ride.
Ideally, you’ll want front axle tyres that are flexible and that have deep treads that can give your car the traction it needs to drift properly. Your back axle tyres – the ones that do the actual drifting for you – need to be significantly harder than those you have in the front. You also want them to have little to no tread on them when you fit them to your car.
While brand preference and cost-effectiveness will vary, do your best to keep your back tyres over-inflated – just a bit – and you should be able to drift with ease no matter what kind of tyre you use.
Drifting isn’t always the most cost-effective hobby, but there’s nothing quite like the thrill of going horizontal on the road. So take your time and find the best drifting car and tyres for you. It’s your own thrill you’re chasing, no one else’s, which is all the more reason to customise your experience.