5 Most Popular Drift Cars for a Thrilling Ride [2024]

Last Updated on July 8, 2024 by inaz Ameera

Drifting, the art of controlled oversteer, has captivated the hearts of automotive enthusiasts around the world with its adrenaline-pumping action and precision driving. Whether you’re a seasoned drifter or just starting to explore this exhilarating sport, choosing the right car is essential for the best experience. As 2024 approaches, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 most popular drift cars of all time that combine affordability, performance, and modification potential to provide the ultimate thrilling ride. These vehicles have not only dominated tracks and urban legends but also come highly recommended for anyone looking to enter the world of drifting.

1. Nissan Silvia

One of the most critical features for a good drift car is rear-wheel drive (RWD), which allows for better control and easier initiation of drifts. The Silvia’s RWD setup is ideal for achieving the desired oversteer necessary for drifting.

The Silvia is renowned for its lightweight and well-balanced chassis. This balance helps in maintaining control during a drift, providing a predictable and manageable driving experience which is crucial for performing consistent and extended drifts.

Equipped with robust and highly tunable engines such as the SR20DET, the Silvia can easily be modified to increase power output significantly. These engines are known for their durability and responsiveness to upgrades like turbochargers, exhaust systems, and ECU tuning, making them perfect for drifting where power and torque management are vital.

Although prices have risen due to its cult status among drift and car enthusiasts, the Nissan Silvia remains relatively affordable compared to other vehicles with similar drifting capabilities. Additionally, its popularity ensures a good supply of both cars and spare parts.

These factors combine to make the Nissan Silvia not just a viable option, but a preferred choice for both amateur and professional drifters seeking an exciting, reliable, and highly capable vehicle for their drifting endeavors.

2. Mazda RX7

The RX-7 is powered by Mazda’s famous rotary engine, particularly the 13B-REW engine in the FD3S model. This engine is compact and lightweight, helping to maintain a low center of gravity and excellent weight distribution. Its smooth power delivery and high-revving characteristics make it ideal for maintaining controlled drifts at high speeds.

The RX-7 features a lightweight and aerodynamic design, which enhances its agility and responsiveness—two critical attributes for effective drifting. This lightness allows it to glide through corners with minimal force, making it easier to handle while drifting.

The RX-7 is known for its near-perfect weight distribution and rear-wheel drive setup. This balance provides exceptional handling characteristics and makes it easier for drivers to control the car at the limit of traction, a fundamental aspect of drifting.

Iconic Styling: Beyond its mechanical prowess, the RX-7 is also celebrated for its sleek, stylish design. Its aesthetic appeal adds an extra layer of enjoyment and pride for many owners, making it a standout at car shows and drift events.

These characteristics make the Mazda RX-7 particularly suited to drifting. Its powerful and reliable performance, combined with its handling dynamics and robust community support, ensure that it remains a favorite among drifting enthusiasts worldwide.

3. Nissan Skyline R32

One of the defining features of the R32 GT-R is its advanced ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system, which can send up to 50% of the power to the front wheels. While AWD isn’t typically preferred for traditional drifting, the R32’s system is capable of being modified to favor rear-wheel drive, providing the necessary dynamics for drifting.

The R32 GT-R comes equipped with the robust RB26DETT engine, a 2.6-liter inline-six twin-turbocharged powerhouse. This engine is highly revered for its tuning potential and ability to produce substantial horsepower, which is essential for competitive drifting.

The R32 features a sophisticated chassis that is well-balanced and engineered for high performance. Its chassis rigidity and layout contribute to excellent handling characteristics, making it a stable platform for drifting when set up correctly.

While originally designed as a high-performance all-wheel-drive sports car, the R32 Skyline GT-R can be transformed into a formidable drift car with the right modifications. Its powerful engine, potential for customization, and dynamic handling make it a sought-after choice for those looking to engage in drifting with a car that also has a rich history in motorsport.

4. Chevrolet Camaro

The Chevrolet Camaro is an iconic American muscle car that also serves as an excellent platform for drifting, especially the models from recent generations. Here’s why the Chevrolet Camaro is a good choice for a drift car:

Essential for effective drifting, the Camaro’s rear-wheel drive setup allows for easier control over the car’s rear end during drifts, making it possible to slide the car around corners with more predictability and flair.

The Camaro offers a range of powerful engine options, from robust V6 engines to the potent V8s found in the SS and ZL1 models. These engines deliver substantial horsepower and torque, providing the necessary power to break traction and maintain drifts.

The high torque output from its engines, particularly the V8s, is beneficial for drifting as it helps the driver initiate and sustain drifts with more ease and control. Modern Camaros have decent weight distribution and are engineered with performance-oriented handling dynamics. This makes them capable of precise and controlled handling, which is crucial for the finesse required in drifting.

Camaros are known for their solid build quality and durability. This robustness is essential in drifting, which can put a lot of stress on a car’s mechanical and structural components.

Overall, the Chevrolet Camaro combines power, performance, and rear-wheel drive dynamics, making it a popular choice for those looking to get into drifting or seeking a powerful car that can be easily modified for drifting competitions. Its blend of American muscle aesthetics and modern engineering also makes it a standout choice on and off the track.

5. Ford Mustang

Like any good drift car, the Mustang features a rear-wheel-drive layout. This is crucial for drifting as it allows drivers to effectively control the car’s rear slide during maneuvers.

It comes with a variety of engine choices, ranging from the more economical EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder to the high-performance V8s found in the GT and Shelby models. These powerful engines provide the necessary horsepower and torque to initiate and sustain drifts.

Recent Mustang models boast improved weight distribution and chassis engineering, which enhance their handling capabilities. While they are heavier than some dedicated drift cars, their solid construction and balanced handling make them capable performers on the drift circuit.

The Mustang can be used for more than just drifting. It’s also suitable for daily driving, track days, drag racing, and more, making it a versatile choice for car enthusiasts who enjoy multiple aspects of car culture.

Overall, the Ford Mustang’s blend of power, performance, and accessibility makes it a popular choice among drift enthusiasts. Whether you’re just starting out in the world of drifting or looking to hone your skills with a competitive vehicle, the Mustang offers a solid foundation that can be tailored to meet a wide range of drifting needs.

Choosing the right drift car is about more than just raw power and a rear-wheel drive layout; it’s about finding a vehicle that resonates with your style and is capable of executing high-precision maneuvers on the track. The five cars we’ve highlighted offer a blend of performance, reliability, and aftermarket support, making them top picks for anyone looking to dive into or excel in the world of drifting in 2024. Each provides a unique set of features to suit different levels of expertise and budget constraints. Remember, the best drift car will not only comply with your technical expectations but also connect with you on a personal level, turning every corner into a pulse-racing experience. Whether you’re just spinning up your first donut or already mastering complex drift sequences, these cars are designed to keep your adrenaline levels high and your driving skills sharp. Get ready to slide into the driver’s seat and unleash the thrill-seeker within you this coming year!