Top 7 Cars to Turn Into Drifters

Do you possess mechanical aptitude? If so, you might enjoy transforming some high-powered sports cars into drifters. Today, the Japanese racing sport of “drifting” has gained popularity around the world. This daring, high- adrenaline activity delights racing fans. In order to entertain crowds, daredevils drive modified sports cars designed to lose traction in the rear wheels when the driver swerves. Mechanics transformed these ordinary, yet powerful, vehicles into supercharged drifting beasts, with their rear slip angle exceeding their front slip angle by a significant margin.

Of course, not just anyone possesses the remarkable hand-eye coordination required to successfully steer a drifter. You’ll require precision driving skills. In addition, you’ll want to begin developing driving maneuvers for this sport with a fairly well-padded wallet to insulate you against life’s occasional hard knocks. Knowing the best base cars for your new sport gives you a strong early advantage. This article identifies the best base models for this sport.

Key Attributes of a Drifter

Experts maintain that the best qualities to render a base vehicle suitable for drifter consideration include.

• A Lightweight Body

• Rear Wheel Drive

• A Manual Gearbox

• An Engine Packing a Lot of Horsepower

• Limited Slip Differential (LSD)

• A Reliable Clutch

• Modified Suspension and Struts

Since you will want to modify a base vehicle’s original design in order to create your drifter, experts advise paying close attention to issues of weight distribution. A 50:50 ratio between front and rear axles produces superior drifting. You’ll change the car to create your overcharged drifting car, so you’ll need to know the original design thoroughly in order to achieve your desired modifications.

Seven Star Performers

Consider this list of the seven best sports cars to alter into drifters. Each model possesses unique features:

1. Nissan Silvia (240SX, 200SX)

Nissan in the past has manufactured some award-winning vehicles, and the auto maker continues its fine tradition of quality today. The automotive manufacturer builds high-end sports cars such as the 200SX for high performance driving. Many drifting experts regard this model as one of the very best to modify for use in the sport. The S13’s sleek, sexy lines and bold, aerodynamic exterior offer exciting visual properties. Dedicated enthusiasts won’t mind paying a little extra for this sporty sensation.

2. Ford Mustang

The most recent version of the highly popular Ford Mustang has captured the attention of drifting enthusiasts. Although the dated suspension system challenges innovators, a well-modified Mustang will provide an entertaining sideways slip motion on a drifting track. With its alluring V8 engine, this sedan has even persuaded some American fans to purchase brand new Mustangs and then modify the vehicle extensively so it can become a drifting beast. If you enjoy working on cars and sacrificing a new one doesn’t dampen your enthusiasm, this brand new performance car from Ford might provide the perfect addition to your drifting stable. With skillful driving, you’ll enjoy some quality time behind the wheel.

3. Pontiac Solstice

Pontiac’s pricey Solstice ranks highly as a base vehicle for use in drifting. Fans love the Solstice due to its superb ability to address tight angles. This sleek drifter performs well.

4.Toyota Supra

Updated emissions regulations compelled Toyota to cease manufacturing the sporty Supra in 2002. However, alert buyers still sometimes locate these vehicles for drifting rehabilitation. The Mark IV version when still equipped with its original V6 engine will command 320 horsepower, not bad for a discontinued model. If you stumble across one of these hard-to-find sedans, don’t overlook its high drifting potential.

5. Mazda RX7

Enthusiasts with mechanical talent have successfully modified the legendary Mazda RX7 to give them a place in the hierarchy of the most revered drifting cars. A very lightweight engine in the front requires careful tuning, however. Don’t undertake this challenging transformation without mechanical expertise!

6. Nissan 350Z

Nissan enjoys a great reputation for designing quality vehicles. Between 2007 and 2009, Formula D driving champions steered racing Nissans. The 350Z furnishes a V6 engine that roars with 276 horsepower. This mighty vehicle makes an impressive, vivid display as drifters slide the Nissan 350Z over the course.

7. BMW M3 E36

Luxurious and expensive, the BMW brand carries the luster of precision German engineering. Experts in drifting recommend searching for older models of these vehicles as a result, (preferably not the ones that have begun appreciating as vintage collector’s cars). The M3s attract drifting enthusiasts because they don’t require extensive tuning. They boast high torque and an impressive 280 horsepower. 

Beyond Compare

Do you agree with this list of the best base cars for the racing sport of drifting? Pinpointing your ideal drifting beast vehicle remains a fun activity.

• Author bio:
  Matthew Young is a freelance automotive journalist and blogger hailing from Boston. He is passionate about everything on 4 wheels and new, emerging tech in the industry. When Matthew is not busy writing about cars or awesome new technology, he usually spends time fiddling with his camera and learning a thing or two about photography. You can reach Matthew @mattbeardyoung.