Last updated on October 10th, 2023 at 02:29 pm
Drifting is a motorsport that has taken the world by storm in recent years. It is not surprising as it consists of exceptional entertainment value. Cars used for drifting are usually custom race creations.
These race creations started their lives as regular road-going consumer cars and then went through major transformations to partake in the drift scene. This includes being stripped down and upgraded for maximum performance.
We discuss the top 10 best drift cars and explain why they are the best. You will get a short description of what unique attributes each car offers to drift.
Top 10 Best Cars For Drifting Reviews
Nissan 350Z
The Nissan 350Z was launched in 2003 and this car was the most recent release in the ‘Z’ car lineage and carried many traits which would make it an excellent vehicle for sports car fans of that period. The top speed of this car would go as high as 155 mph. It was built according to the classic sports car drivetrain configuration.
The maximum horsepower output you can achieve from the 350Z’s V6 engine is 287 bhp at 6200 RPM, and the total torque power is 274 lb-ft at 4,800 RPM. It is one of the best cars because going from 0 to 60 mph would take as much as only 5.5 seconds. All of these mechanical assets make it a perfect beginner’s drift car.
BMW M3 E36
The BMW M3 E36 was initially manufactured in Germany from 1994 to 1999. It is the mainstay drifting car for many countries, especially in Europe. High performance naturally aspirated from its engines with its solid German engineered every aspect of the vehicle. The top speed on the E36 would go up to 155 mph.
The E36 came with a 3.0-liter straight-six engine which produced a maximum horsepower of 243 bhp at 6000 RPM. The engine displacement was 2990 cc and ran through five-speed manual transmissions and limited-slip differentials. The E36 would be a low-cost and solid entry into the drifting world and also an excellent platform for a street sleeper.
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Mazda MX-5
The MX-5 also known as Miata, is a Japanese take on the concept of the iconic drop-top sports car. The car was initially launched in 1998 and continued in production till 2001. From 1998, it became one of the best-selling sports cars of the time. The second generation of the model received many improvements.
It is recommended the 1.8-liter option as the 4-cylinder engine offers 138 bhp on tap. The maximum horsepower provided by the MX-5’s motor is 138 bhp at 6500 RPM. The MX-5 takes about 8 seconds for the car to reach 60 mph from starting. This car provides solid and reliable mechanicals throughout.
Nissan Skyline R33 GTS-T
The Nissan Skyline R33 GTS-T was built between 1993 to 1998 and offered some excellent features for an aspiring drifter. This car provides plenty of power to sharpen your skills and potential if you want to increase its strength. Strong aftermarket support for the R33 exists for you to customize per your wish.
The original engine package from the factory produced horsepower of 280bhp, but the proven power potential is up to 400 bhp with just added modifications. The GTS-T uses a 2.5-liter straight six-engine turned into an efficient turbocharger. The maximum torque power achieved is 217 lb-ft at 4,800 RPM.
Toyota JZX-90
The Toyota cars were active in the drift scenes in Japan and Asia and not in the West for a long while. But now, these cars are more affordable and can often be seen across the ocean. This car packs a tunable straight-six 2.5-liter 1 JZ-GTE turbocharged engine; the JZX-90 does not lack power or tuning potentiality.
The transmission in this car offered a limited-slip differential as standard and had a five-speed manual system. Going from 0 to 60 mph takes only about 5.3 seconds; super-fast and a top speed of 145 mph could be achieved. The JZX-90 is a luxury four-door sedan that offers an easy road into drifting.
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Nissan 240sx S14
The 240sx S14 is the recognized face of drifting with many models worldwide, used at grassroots and pro-levels. The S14 variant is still available in plenty and offers a solid engine package and great looks. However, this car takes a bit more time than the other cars, 7.2 seconds, to reach 60 mph from the start.
The 240sx S14 comes with a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated engine, which produces 155 bhp, fed into a five-speed manual transmission, and then put into tarmac through a standard limited-slip differential. Aftermarket support for this car is vast, so this car can grow with you by following upgraded aftermarket parts.
BMW M3 E46
The BMW M3 E46 is the more powerful and better-looking sibling of the E36, and its engine performance was increased to 338 bhp at 7,900 RPM. Almost everything applied to the E36 is also applicable to the E46, except that the E46 has a higher price range. The M3 versions of E46 were produced in convertible and coupé body styles.
The E46 is a permanent part of the drifting side, with one Formula Drift win in recent years by Michael Essa. The E46 can achieve a top speed of 155 mph with ease. Only 4.5 seconds is needed for the E46 to reach a speed of 60 mph from 0. The older M3 model prices are increasing and it is better to go for a modern M3 or M4.
Mazda RX-7 FD3S
The third generation of Mazda’s RX-7 line is the FD3S, an excellent choice for any rising drifter. Eye-catching looks, potent powerplant, excellent aftermarket support, and a finely tuned chassis make the FD3S a fantastic option. 1992, since its debut, the car has had a long and successful career with numerous improvements and upgrades.
The RX-7 FD3S uses the 13B-REW twin-rotor engine, running on twin sequential turbochargers. The nature of the rotary engines means that RX-7 consumers enjoy a huge powerband, and the car pulls hard to the end-line. However, there are some downsides, such as heat generation, fuel economy, and potentially “apex seal” failure.
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Toyota Corolla AE86
The Toyota Corolla AE86 was launched in 1983 and lasted up to 1987. This bold little Toyota offers a well-balanced front engine and rear-wheel-drive platform. At the front, the easily aspirated 4A-GE inline four-cylinder DOHC powerplant rests, which can develop a horsepower of 128 bhp at 6,600 RPM. The rear wheels also got this power with an optional limited-slip differential.
Toyota managed to restrict the vehicle’s curb weight to just under a ton. Lightweight and solid power is the perfect recipe for a lively sports car. Going from 0 to 60 mph takes only 8.5 seconds for the AE86. Many tuning options, aero kits, engine swaps, and parts are available that can transform this car to your likelihood.
Infiniti G35 Coupe
The Infiniti G35 Coupe is an upmarket version of the 350Z models aimed at a more “premium” target audience. This car serves classy looks, better components, and a high-quality interior. A powerful and high revving V6 engine, front-engine and rear-wheel-drive layout, and manual transmission make the G35 a classic car perfect for drifting.
The G35 tipped the scales a bit more than the 350Z but stripping the interior of all the precious materials makes a significant difference and helps boost performance at zero cost. The maximum horsepower offered by this car is 280 bhp, and the maximum torque power is 270 lb-ft. A top speed of 151 mph can be attained from the G35 Coupe.
Price Range of the Mentioned Vehicle
Car Models | Price range |
| Nissan 350Z | Starts from $11,000 |
BMW M3 E36 | Starts from $20,000 |
| Mazda MX-5 | Starts from $26,830 |
Nissan Skyline R33 GTS-T | Starts from $63,538 |
| Toyota JZX-90 | Starts from $17,900 |
Nissan 240sx S14 | Starts from $14,062 |
| BMW M3 E46 | Starts from $27,738 |
Mazda RX-7 FD3S | Starts from $26,600 |
| Toyota Corolla AE86 | Starts from $20,000 |
Infiniti G35 Coupe | Starts from $24,495 |
We hope this article has given you enough knowledge about the top-class drifting cars available.
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