The most popular cars for drift - top 10 models

Although the culture of street racing and drift is no longer as promoted as it was during the first installments of the Fast and the Furious series, drifting is still a popular motorsport discipline. Fans love her for her showiness and excitement, and drivers need to showcase a high level of skill, especially when driving in pairs. However, in addition to good driving technique, the right car is also important. That's why we're going to introduce you to the best cars for controlled skidding.

What is drifting?

Drift is a sport that was born in Japan in the 60s and 70s as an element of illegal mountain racing. It involves keeping the car in a controlled slip when cornering while maintaining the highest possible speed. Therefore, it is referred to as sideways driving. Initially, it was grown on public roads, but over time it became professionalized and found its way onto racetracks around the world. In Poland, drifting is also very popular, and competitions are organized even at the National Stadium in Warsaw!

In professional sports, judges evaluate aspects such as the angle of inclination of the car relative to the driving axis, the smoothness and stability of the slip, the speed in the turn, the precision of driving along the designated line and the overall style and aggression of the ride. Ultimately, ratings are a mix of subjective and objective factors.

What should be the car for drift?

Building a drift car is done according to a similar recipe, regardless of whether it is supposed to be your first car to drive sideways or the next - the components remain the same. The basis is a rear-axle drive and a manual transmission. As a rule, rear-wheel drive coupes or sedans are chosen, less often these are station wagons. Simply put, preparing a car for drift involves increasing engine power, installing the appropriate suspension with advanced adjustment and reducing the weight of the car.

The car should have a limited-slip differential (LSD) that evenly transfers power and torque to the rear wheels. Balanced weight distribution and engine tuning to provide linear acceleration are also important. What power car for drift will be the best? There is no definite answer here, because not always the best drift cars are the most powerful.

In preparing a car for drift, the right suspension is important. It is best to choose branded products that offer a wide range of adjustments. It is not enough just to lower the suspension on the springs, you also need to properly adjust, for example, the angles of inclination of the wheels. You should also take care of steering modifications that will increase the steering angle.

The interior is worth completely stripped of the equipment associated with comfort and tranquility. Removing the passenger seat, rear sofa, sides, soundproofing, audio system, air conditioning (if any) and the like will greatly reduce the weight of the car. More advanced modifications include the replacement of sheet metal elements with those made of laminate or carbon fiber, and glass panes with plexiglass.

Why is only rear-wheel drive suitable for drift?

Each type of drive has different characteristics. With rear-axle drive, it is possible to bring the car into controlled skidding. Front-wheel drive, for obvious reasons, causes understeer instead of oversteer. Four-wheel drive, on the other hand, provides great stability, which does not work in the middle of a drift. However, there are cases of cars that, despite all-wheel drive, are used for drift. However, the tuners undergo the appropriate modifications to change the AWD drive to the RWD.

How to start learning to drift?

If you have bought and prepared your first car for drift, then now it is worth starting to learn. It should take place under controlled conditions. In Poland we have only one professional racetrack and quite a lot of karting tracks and centers for improving driving technique. Trainings and competitions are often held at this type of facility. We strongly advise against sideways driving on public roads and shopping mall parking lots, as you can put yourself and others at risk, receive a severe fine, or even lose your driver's license. Training under the supervision of professionals in controlled conditions is the best solution.

The best cars for drifting

If you want to start your drift adventure, the best idea is to bring a car from Japan. It can be a ready-made, already properly prepared copy, although such rarely appear in the offers of auction houses, or a completely serial car, which is the starting point for further modifications. Here are the best japanese drift carsthat have gained fame all over the world. You can import any of them from Japan and stunt easily thanks to the large availability of suitable parts from Japan and the USA.

Nissan Silvia

This is a true legend of drift. The car was produced for three generations with the designations S13, S14 and S15. Its production began in the late 80s of the last century and lasted until 2002. The last generation is quite rare, since its production began in 1999. The Nissan Silvia is a classic rear-wheel drive mid-class coupe that was designed for dynamic cornering, resulting in a car that is an excellent base for drift. Nissan Silvia is a lightweight design, as serial cars weighed about 1200-1300 kg, and the weight distribution is 55:45. At the same time, it is quite durable, since it is based on a steel floor slab. The suspension is fully independent.

The key advantages of the car are a multi-link rear suspension, a long front and a short rear, and a longitudinally located engine. The most demanded power unit is the motor with the designation SR20DET. In the basic version, it provided power from 200 to 250 hp, and the maximum torque was about 275 Nm. The final specifications depend on the generation. The engine turned out to be so good that it was produced from 1989 to 2002. In the S14 and S15 generations, Nissan used a larger turbocharger. The SR20DET can be overclocked to 300 hp without the need to boost the main engine components. More serious modifications will already require proper preparation for driving at high revs. Nissan from Japan will rather have the steering wheel on the right, but it is not worth making a spacer for track driving.

Mazda RX-7 FD3S

Mazda RX-7 is an interesting car because the RX series is equipped with a Wankla engine, which has a rotary piston. This is quite a demanding unit, so it requires a professional with the appropriate knowledge. The car was produced from 1991 to 2002, and its silhouette has not aged a bit. The motor has the designation 13B-REW. Its capacity is only 1308 cm3, and for this it has two turbochargers. The maximum power is from 239 to 265 hp depending on the vintage. The car had two updates in 1996 and 1998, which increased engine power. The car was designed to be light and well balanced, so drift fans reached for it pretty quickly. Mazda from Japan may appear under the Efini brand, which is positioned as Mazda's luxury brand, but has not penetrated into the European consciousness.

What does the question of modifying the Mazda RX-7 FD3S look like? Due to the fact that the Wankl engine is quite fragile, specialists advise to first carry out such changes that will strengthen its design. For this, you need to remember about proper servicing. Regular oil changes and checking for leaks is a must. As for the modifications of the car, then with the plug and play parts themselves, you can get power from 350 to 400 hp. It is enough to replace the exhaust and intake systems, the control computer (ECU), install a larger intercooler and a more efficient fuel pump. More advanced modifications allow you to get power of up to 900 hp. There are also cases where the Wankla engine is replaced with Nissan engines from the Silvia and Skyline models.

Toyota AE86

The Toyota AE86, also known as the Corolla Levin and the Sprinter Tueno, is one of the most iconic drifting cars. Although since the 90s of the last century, Corolla has been associated primarily with a durable and practical hatchback, it is worth knowing that earlier it appeared in a coupe body and a three-door liftback and with rear-wheel drive. The car was produced from 1983 to 1987. The key to the success of the Toyota AE86 was its indecently low weight. With liquids and fuel, the car weighed from 900 to 1065 kg, depending on the version. At the same time, the 1.6 liter engines were not among the power demons, although they were quite enough to have fun already in the serial version. The power of 130 hp at a weight of approx. 1000 kg sounds promising.

In the matter of engine modification, you can choose one of three directions. The first is the preservation of a free-spirited character. It will require a little more work with details, and the assembly of the turbocharger will certainly tempt. However, simply replacing the intake, exhaust and engine control system is enough to feel the difference. Further modifications may include, among others, the installation of a thinner gasket under the head, as well as work related to the head itself. The purpose of these treatments is to increase compression and improve air flow in the cylinders. You can also replace the engine bottom, pistons, etc.

Such modifications, of course, will not replace the assembly of the turbocharger. In Japan and the United States, you can order ready-made tuning kits with the elements needed to assemble the turbocharger. For example, the kit from CX Racing costs the equivalent of about 7 thousand PLN and allows you to increase the power up to 350 hp. The most extreme way out is, of course, the engine swap.

Toyota Supra MKIV

Another iconic Japanese drift car is the Toyota Supra MKIV. It is one of the most tuned and at the same time the most versatile cars. It is also used to build cars that start in 1/4 mile races. Production of the car began in 1993 and ended only in 2002. The Supra MK IV was also available in Europe for a while, but, of course, the best option is to buy Cars from Japan. Two engines were installed on the car - a naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE with a capacity of 220 hp and a turbocharged 2JZ-GTE with a capacity of 276 hp. The latter gained the status of a legend.

Although the large starting weight (1410-1570 kg depending on the version), the long wheelbase (2550 mm) and the massive rear do not portend the Supra MKIV as a good drift car, with proper preparation it can be used in corners. The 2JZ-GTE engine calmly withstands a power boost of up to 500 hp without the need to strengthen the block and head. The most daring designs allow you to squeeze out up to 1000 hp from it. It is the high power that compensates for the problems associated with the mass of the car. At the same time, the car requires attention not only to the benefits associated with the assembly of the given parts, but also to how much they weigh, because every kilogram counts. It is also worth mentioning that buying a car in a targa body does not mean at all that it will be lighter - on the contrary, it is better to buy a coupe version, since the targa has additional roof reinforcements.

Honda S2000

Another proposal is one of the most interesting models in the history of the Honda brand. The S2000 is a roadster with a mass distribution close to 50:50 and designed for precise cornering. At the same time, it is very demanding at the same time, which is why many copies ended their lives as total damage. Under the hood, the F20C engine works, from which, without recharging, 240 hp is squeezed out, which is only available at a very high speed range. The car has a rigid body and multi-link suspension.

Preparation for drift primarily involves replacing the suspension and steering elements to increase the angle of rotation of the wheels. In addition, the engine is often turbocharged to increase its power to around 400 hp. Although the car has a compact body, it initially weighs from 1220 to 1380 kg, therefore it requires a weight loss treatment.

Toyota Chaser X100

If the name Toyota Chaser doesn't tell you anything, then you don't need to worry, because this car has never been sold outside of Japan. It was created exclusively for the local market, so it is a real JDM. It is unique in that it has a sedan-type body, which, despite everything, is quite rare when we talk about ideal cars for drift. Under the hood, a 2.5 turbocharged engine with the designation 1JZ-GTE works, which generates a maximum power of 280 hp. The generation with the designation X100 was produced from 1996 to 2001.

The car has a wheelbase of 2730 mm and weighs 1450 kg in ready-to-drive condition. This makes it very demanding in handling and in terms of adapting it to drift. As a rule, a suspension with hard springs, thick stabilizers and a hydraulic handbrake are used here. With appropriate modifications, the engine can reach a power of the order of 500 hp. You should also not forget to treat yourself to a solid weight loss treatment.

Nissan Skyline R32

Although the Nissan Skyline is mainly associated with the GTR model and the R34 and R35 generations, which had four-wheel drive, if you are looking for a drift car, it is worth paying attention to the model R32 in the GTS-t variant. The car has rear-wheel drive and engines RB20DET or RB25DET, so turbocharged in-line sixes. Their power is dependent on the version and vintage, but exceeds 200 hp. The R32 generation was the big comeback of the Skyline, which was completely redesigned for precise handling and the best possible driving experience.

RB series engines like to be given a booster treatment, as they have a cast iron block and a durable crank-piston system. This makes it possible to increase power up to 400 hp without having to modify the bottom of the engine. Exceeding this ceiling already requires more advanced work to achieve better durability. For this, standard suspension modifications are required, which are designed to harden them and increase the turning angle. Also, you will not do without installing a limited-slip differential, since the factory differential is tuned for a comfortable ride.

Nissan 350Z

The next car on the list is the Nissan 350Z, which was created at a time when the Japanese manufacturer collaborated with Renault. Under the hood of the car was an engine with the designation VQ35DE, which was shared with Renault Espace and the eccentric model Vel Satis. The 3.5 V6 unit is considered a durable and solid base for further modifications. After 2002, the engine was changed to the VQ35HR. The maximum power of these units is 280 and 313 hp, respectively. On the way there was also a VQ35DE engine in the Rev Up version with a capacity of 300 hp. It was installed in 2006 and 2007. The Polish aftermarket is dominated by copies from the USA, which were imported as damaged, so Nissan from Japan will be better suited, which will have low mileage and excellent technical condition.

The engine of the car is very amenable to modifications, and a power of about 600 hp can be squeezed out of it. Despite the large mass, which reaches 1.5 tons, the car is often chosen as a drift car. When making modifications, care must be taken in particular to ensure adequate cooling of the engine, since it is sensitive to prolonged exposure to high oil temperatures. Therefore, additional oil coolers and modified oil pans are often installed.

Toyota GT86

In our review, more contemporary constructions cannot be missing either. One of them is the Toyota GT86, which shares the platform with the Subaru BRZ. However, cars are somewhat different in character. Subaru is geared more towards precision handling, while the Toyota GT86 is all about pure fun and likes to be introduced to controlled skidding. The Subaru features a stiffer suspension that provides greater traction and stability. That is why Toyota is more suitable for drift.

The car debuted in 2012 and has a 2.0 boxer engine under the hood. The unit with the designation FA20 generates a maximum power of 200 hp and is paired with a manual or automatic transmission. For drift purposes, the best, of course, will be the first option. The car is quite light, as it weighs only about 1230 kg. In addition, it already has a mechanical limited-slip differential from the factory. However, its presence depends on the version of the equipment.

How to modify the Toyota GT86 for an increase in power and a change in the nature of driving? The FA20 engine can be boosted to approx. 230 hp, and to further increase its potential already requires the installation of a turbocharger. There are also cases that the owners decide to swap the engine. It is worth replacing the factory differential with a more aggressive one, and the suspension with a stiffer one and with greater configuration possibilities. The Toyota GT86 is considered a car that is easy to handle even after thorough modifications. The model was replaced by the GR86, which has a 2.4 naturally aspirated engine, but many consider the GT86 to be a better choice.

Lexus IS200

The Lexus IS200 is a rear-wheel drive car that offers an adequate supply of power and is suitable for drift, especially in sports versions with a manual transmission. It was created as a competition for the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes C-Class. It was sold in sedan and station wagon bodies, and the former enjoyed the greatest popularity. The car was not only a good base for drift, but also made it possible to enter the world of the Lexus brand for reasonable money. Although you can currently buy Lexus IS on the Polish secondary market at low prices, a well-groomed Lexus from Japan will work better, which may be more expensive, but it is a healthy and solid base for further modifications. Cars from the country of cherry blossom have lower mileage and are not as tired as cars from the European secondary market. Remember that after about 10 years, the IS200 model was already easily accessible to amateurs of dubious tuning quality.

Under the hood of the car were 2.0 engines with 155 and 210 hp (depending on the market) and 3.0 engines with 214 hp, as well as a 2.0 engine with a compressor, which generated 186 hp. The base unit 2.0 does not sin with power, but for this the torque is available in a low range of revolutions, which allows the car to slip even without proper preparation of the suspension and other elements. However, if you are serious about drifting, it is worth replacing the engine with the 1JZ-GTE or 2JZ-GTE, which is a good base for further modifications. You can also buy a version with a 3.0 2JZ-GE engine and continue to work on it.

The engine, of course, is not everything. Most IS200 models were sold with an open differential, so you should invest in a limited-slip differential. It is also important to increase the angle of rotation of the wheels, which in the serial version is too small to be able to perform long and spectacular drifts. It is also worth working on its weight, because the IS200 can weigh about 1400 kg - this is quite a lot.

How to bring a car from Japan?

You already know what drift cars are worth bringing from Japan, but you are certainly wondering what the import issue looks like. Used cars from the country of cherry blossom are purchased at auctions, access to which licensed brokers and intermediaries have access. Therefore, you need to establish cooperation with one of them. At Sakura Motors, we have been importing cars from Japan for years, so you can count on our support at every stage of the process.

We provide comprehensive services, so first you will tell us about your expectations and present a budget, and we will find the right car, present it to you and verify the offer. We also participate in the auction, although we encourage our customers to join us because it allows us to change the budget... or the car. After that, all that remains is freight to Europe, transport from the port to Poland and registration of the car. Along the way, we will help you with all the formalities and with customs and stamp duties.

summary

Whether it's your first car and you're a beginner drifter, or you already have experience, Japan is the best destination to buy an iconic car that will work for drifting. After all, this is the homeland of this motorsport discipline! All you have to do is choose a good broker, specify your requirements, and your dreams of a rear-wheel drive car from Japan for track madness will come true easier and faster than you think.

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