Drifting is a relative newcomer to the motorsports scene, with competitions originating in Japan in the 1970s, though Japanese drivers had reportedly started to display their talents many years before. It’s no surprise then, that the majority of competition models are Japanese cars, though European and American cars have made some inroads into the sport over the past couple decades, particular models from the performance-car consumer segments.
As with many other forms of sport, the right equipment goes a long way toward achieving success, so we present a preemptive list of the 20 best cars for drifting, both in relation to power and the required purchase investment.
How we got our model selections: we factored in three categories such as sales and availability (according to Classic.com), engine power output, and desirability. We used a combined average from each of the categories to determine our HotCars Rating and sort these cars in order from least to highest rated model. Additional information, such as available tuners and high-performance parts were taken into consideration but not factored into the final results.
We spoke to our own racing expert, Cameron Parsons, and shared his thoughts on our selections throughout the post. Cameron is heavily embedded in the motorsports scene as a racing driver, coach, and team owner.
20 Volvo 260
Specs
| Model Year(s) | 1977 – 1981 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.8-Liter V6 |
| Horsepower | 130 |
| Torque | 153 Pounds-Feet |
| Average Used Car Price | $8,910 |
A boxy two-door family sedan may not make the sexiest of race cars in which to drift around a course, but the Volvo 200 Series of the early 1980s enjoyed some success in the European Touring Car Championships, and its rear-wheel drive platform, malleable V6, and cheap purchase price makes it a relatively inexpensive investment. Also, its simple chassis should make it easy and accessible to enhance for the sport.
19 Mazda RX-8
Specs
| Model Year(s) | 2003 – 2008 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.3-Liter 2-Chamber Rotary |
| Horsepower | 232 |
| Torque | 159 Pounds-Feet |
| Average Used Car Price | $13,862 |
It’s one of the most direct handling and balanced chassis out there.
The Mazda RX-8 was the successor to one of the most desirable sports cars in history, and carried on the reputation of the RX-7 while pushing the brand and engine into an uncertain future for sporty coupes. The RX-8 is most desirable for its low center of gravity, long wheelbase and near-ideal weight distribution, all of which combine to make a good base for a drifting model.
18 Kia Stinger GTS
Specs
| Model Year(s) | 2020 – 2023 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.3-Liter Turbo V6 |
| Horsepower | 368 |
| Torque | 376 Pounds-Feet |
| Average Used Car Price | $35,806 |
Drifting series require entries with rear-wheel drive, but some exceptions are made for front-wheel drive cars that are modified to rear drive, as well as all-wheel drive vehicles biased toward the rear. In the case of the Stinger, the GTS AWD sedan has a factory setting to completely bypass front wheel propulsion. Combine that with a smooth and powerful V6, and you’re good to drift right out of the box.
17 Toyota Corolla GT-S
Specs
| Model Year(s) | 1984 – 1987 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.6-Liter 4-Cylinder |
| Horsepower | 112 |
| Torque | 97 Pounds-Feet |
| Average Used Car Price | $22,173 |
The AE86 Toyota Corolla is not the biggest nor the most powerful rear-wheel drive car in drifting, but it is a pioneer regarded by many as the originator of the sport on the twisty mountain passes of Japan. The two-door fastback also has a storied motorsport history that stretches beyond the production of the car, and it continues to be a desirable conveyance (which inflates its used market value) for its RWD layout, nicely balanced light weight, and the ability to put far more powerful engines under its hood.
16 BMW E30 M3
Specs
| Model Year(s) | 1986 – 1991 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.3-Liter 4-Cylinder |
| Horsepower | 192 |
| Torque | 170 Pounds-Feet |
| Average Used Car Price | $78,054 |
Another performance car that is not overly powerful is the first BMW M3 (modified from the second generation 3 Series). It’s sure to bring a smile to the face of any driver with its precise handling and compact packaging. As with all BMW M3s, the E30 is developed to perform well on track, and its precise balance makes it one of the most desirable drift-able cars on the planet, as evidenced from an inflated used average price that is almost on par with the current-generation M3.
15 Lexus IS F
Specs
| Model Year(s) | 2007 – 2014 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 5.0-Liter V8 |
| Horsepower | 417 |
| Torque | 371 Pounds-Feet |
| Average Used Car Price | $27,787 |
The Lexus IS was heralded as a future contender for the sport luxury sedan throne, thanks to its light weight, compact dimensions, taut suspension, and powerful V8 with a delectable exhaust note. Developed at the fabled Fuji Speedway, which reportedly inspired its stylized F badge, it was a comfortable small luxury sedan made for the racetrack, and is one of the gems of the used car market, if you can find one of these rare sports sedans for sale.
10 American Cars That Are Surprisingly Good At Drifting
While most associate drifting with Japanese cars and the occasional European coupe, there are actually some very capable American drift cars.
14 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Specs
| Model Year(s) | 2017 – 2024 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 6.2-Liter Supercharged V8 |
| Horsepower | 650 |
| Torque | 650 |
| Average Used Car Price | $94,959 |
While the American V8s drive a little heavier and clunkier, they don’t suffer the power-lacking problem that many of the Japanese platforms do.
One of the newcomers to the scene, the Chevy Camaro ZL1 is also probably out of most buyer’s reach, at nearly $95,000 on average. The Camaro combines unbridled horsepower with a healthy dose of handling upgrades that, if nothing else, makes it a worthy alternative to the industry-favorite Ford Mustang. What’s more, it’s a cool alternative to the typically Japanese choices when it comes to drifting.
13 Mazda RX-7
Specs
| Model Year(s) | 1992 – 1995 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.3-Liter Twin-Turbo Rotary |
| Horsepower | 252 |
| Torque | 217 Pounds-Feet |
| Average Used Car Price | $43,311 |
The Mazda RX-7 isn’t one of the most powerful cars on the list, but it uses a rev-happy engine and a light weight construction to prioritize handling over raw power. A wide footprint works hard to keep it stable and sure-footed through the corners, although with extra power under the hood, the RX-7 can easier be tempted sideways. It’s light and has a remarkably low center of gravity, making it one of the most desirable cars for drifting around a course.
12 Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ/Toyota GR86
Specs
| Model Year(s) | 2013 – Present |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0-Liter (2.4-Liter) Boxer 4-Cylinder |
| Horsepower | 200-228 |
| Torque | 151-184 Pounds-Feet |
| Average Used Car Price | $19,892 – $23,138 |
It is so good for handling and control, but you have to be careful about tire size, so as not to over-grip the car for that little four-cylinder.
Although there are differences between the three models, the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 (marketed in its early years as the Scion FR-S) are mechanically badge-engineered versions of the same car – a rear-drive compact sporty coupe powered by a horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine – Toyota chassis using a Subaru engine. The attractiveness for drifting lies in its low center of gravity, sporty looks and a roomy engine bay that will house the turbocharged version of the Boxer engine and boost the stock docile power considerably. Furthermore, with prices creeping below $20,000 now, it’s an affordable entry-point to the sport, and especially ideal for those who would rather have a modern car to begin with.
11 Pontiac Fiero GT
Specs
| Model Year(s) | 1984 – 1988 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.8-Liter V6 |
| Horsepower | 140 |
| Torque | 170 Pounds-Feet |
| Average Used Car Price | $11,918 |
The Pontiac Fiero was one of those cars that had a lot of potential but never quite seized it. It was only around for four years and by the time Pontiac seemed to get the package right, with a faux fastback design and V6 power, they pulled the plug on it. However, it is a nicely balanced little two-seater, which could be modified quite extensively from the Pontiac parts bin. Its engine bay can also be further filled with a range of exciting engine swaps, such as supercharged V8s.
10 Ford Focus RS
Specs
| Model Year(s) | 2015 – 2018 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.3-Liter Turbo 4-Cylinder |
| Horsepower | 350 |
| Torque | 350 Pounds-Feet |
| Average Used Car Price | $35,192 |
The Ford Focus RS is one of those cars that bypass the RWD-only regulations for drifting series. The high-performance AWD hatchback had already proven itself time and again on the world rally stage, and then Ford introduced a Drift Mode, which can divert up to 70% of the available 350 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels, and then 100% of that to each rear wheel. Keen drifters can then go a step further with the introduction of a Drift Stick – an aluminum handbrake to instantaneously halt the rear wheels – an easy-to-fit company aftermarket part.
9 Nissan 240SX
Specs
| Model Year(s) | 1991 – 1998 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4-Liter 4-Cylinder |
| Horsepower | 155 |
| Torque | 160 Pounds-Feet |
| Average Used Car Price | $16,987 |
The Japanese-Domestic-Market (JDM) Nissan Silvia and its American derivative, the 240SX, have been staples in the drifting community for decades, due to their lightweight RWD chassis’, and near-perfect weight distribution and sexy looks. The good news is that they remain somewhat affordable on the used-car market; the bad news is that parts have escalated in cost due to the tuning-potential (and no doubt scarcity as the model ages) – a phenomenon that has come to be known as “Drift Tax.”
8 Lexus SC 430
Specs
| Model Year(s) | 2002 – 2005 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.3-Liter V8 |
| Horsepower | 300 |
| Torque | 325 Pounds-Feet |
| Average Used Car Price | $23,101 |
The Lexus SC garnered quite a number of accolades, and also generated some derision in its 20-year history, but the second generation became desirable for downsizing its overall dimensions, tightening its footprint and losing a decent amount of weight, without giving up its V8 power. The looks were polarizing, but not its manners, thanks to tweaked handling characteristics, courtesy of the full double-wishbone suspension.
7 BMW E46 M3
Specs
| Model Year(s) | 1999 – 2005 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.2-Liter 6-Cylinder |
| Horsepower | 338 |
| Torque | 269 Pounds-Feet |
| Average Used Car Price | $25,352 |
The BMW 3 Series is one of the most popular nameplates in the automotive marketplace, and the M3 has been thrilling enthusiasts for nearly 40 years. Its combination of compact dimensions, balance and power have made it a desirable vehicle for drifting. The third generation (E46) was the latest in the M3 series that had improved output over previous generations. A CSL version of the base M3 chipped nearly 250 pounds off the E46 base and improved engine outputs, while a GTR variant swapped in a 382-hp 4.0-liter V8.
6 Pontiac GTO
Specs
| Model Year(s) | 2005 – 2006 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 6.0-Liter V8 |
| Horsepower | 400 |
| Torque | 400 Pounds-Feet |
| Average Used Car Price | $21,696 |
The Pontiac GTO nameplate was resurrected in 2004 with a BMW-like coupe silhouette, courtesy of the Australian market Holden Monaro. It launched with the Corvette 5.7-liter V8, and when the Corvette was redesigned with the larger 6.0 V8, it was fitted into the GTO. Two years later, imports of the GTO stopped, but not its legacy as a fun-to-drive RWD performance coupe, which makes it so desirable to the drifting community. There are plenty of cheap used Pontiacs for sale, so snagging a bargain should be easy enough for keen drifting enthusiasts.
5 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
Specs
| Model Year(s) | 2010 – 2014 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 5.4-Liter Supercharged V8 |
| Horsepower | 550 |
| Torque | 510 Pounds-Feet |
| Average Used Car Price | $51,883 |
If you want the quickest path to the fun of drifting without having to fine-tune your technique for style points, a V8 will do whatever your right foot asks of it.
The Ford Mustang is one of the most desirable drift cars around, due to its purebred rear-drive platform and the potential to fit just about any powerful engine under its hood. There are already some very prominent tuned Mustangs in the various drifting series and all of them have met with some form of success. If you really want a powerful set-up, you probably will look at the Shelby versions, which take “ordinary” Ford V8s and charge them up to get those rear wheels spinning more easily,
4 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo
Specs
| Model Year(s) | 1989 – 1996 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0-Liter Twin-Turbo V6 |
| Horsepower | 300 |
| Torque | 283 Pounds-Feet |
| Average Used Car Price | $29,794 |
The Fairlady Z has as storied a history as the Mustang, with much the same results over its 50+ years. The fourth generation (Z32) is regarded by many as the best 300ZX ever, with a smooth and powerful 3.0-liter V6 under the hood of the base car, and a smoother and Herculean twin-turbo version in the 300ZX Twin-Turbo. The latter also featured adjustable suspension and four-wheel steering. It was the basis for championship race cars in series around the world, including a five-year domination in the IMSA GT series.
3 BMW E36 M3
Specs
| Model Year(s) | 1995-1999 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.2-Liter 6-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 240 |
| Torque | 236 Pounds-Feet |
| Average Used Car Price | $25,980 |
BMW M3s are notoriously good performance coupes (and convertibles and sedans, and even a couple of M3 wagons). They always manage to stay ahead of the sporty coupe curve with a combination of luxury, performance and handling, and it’s no surprise three of the M3’s six generations made this list. The third-generation M3 was the first to use a six-cylinder engine, and while many were sold with automatic transmissions (which are not favored for drifting, due to the lack of rev-control), swapping over to a manual transmission is perfectly achievable.
Mazda Offering 1,100 New Restoration Parts For First-Generation Miatas
The company has announced its new Restoration Parts Program for the first-generation Miata, which will include 1,100 hard-to-find parts.
2 Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata
Specs
| Model Year(s) | 2004 – 2005 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.8-Liter Turbo 4-Cylinder |
| Horsepower | 178 |
| Torque | 167 Pounds-Feet |
| Average Used Car Price | $14,895 |
If there ever was a definitive car custom-made for drifting, it would probably look a lot like the Miata – short, squat, rear-wheel drive and perfectly balanced. Mazda always said it wouldn’t overburden the diminutive sports car with an abundance of power, so every bit of boost was carefully thought out, including the turbocharging of the 1.8 “four” for the Mazdaspeed edition. 178 hp may not be a lot in comparison to other performance turbos, but when the vessel weighs little more than a ton, it gives it the extra energy to help it two-step around a circuit.
1 Nissan Skyline 25GT
Specs
| Model Year(s) | 1998 – 1999 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5-Liter 6-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 197 |
| Torque | 188 Pounds-Feet |
| Average Used Car Price | $19,847 |
Nissan Skyline coupes have remained a desirable drifting car over the decades because of their rear-wheel drivetrain and potent engines. The good news is that you can now legally import the 10th-generation (R34) Nissan Skyline 25GT, which comes with a 2.5-liter inline-six that supplies at least 197 hp, and as much as you like when turbocharged. There is no denying that the R34 is an awesome drift classic, and as such, it deserves the top spot on our list of best drift cars ever conceived.
Sources: Classic, Volvo Cars, YouTube – Zooming Past, YouTube – AutoTopNL, Lexus, Carfolio, Nissan Global, TopSpeed, CarBuzz
