Ready to slide into the world of drifting? Let me help you find your perfect starter car. Picking the best drifting cars doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
Many beginners think they need a high-powered machine for drifting, but that’s not true. The beginner car teaches you control and balance without breaking the bank.
Even if you’re shopping for used or new cars, these cars offer the perfect mix of affordability and fun.
Each vehicle on this list has proven itself on tracks and in parking lots worldwide. Let’s find your drift machine.
What is Drifting?
Drifting is a driving technique in which you intentionally oversteer your car, allowing the rear wheels to lose traction while maintaining control through a turn.
The driver controls the slide using the throttle, steering, and sometimes the brake. It started on Japanese roads during the 1970s and became a worldwide motorsport.
Unlike regular racing, where the fastest time wins, drifting judges focus on style, angle, and speed through corners.
The goal is to keep your car sideways as long as possible while staying on course. It looks wild, but skilled drivers have complete control throughout the entire slide.
Modern drifting happens at special events, tracks, and organized competitions. Learning proper techniques keeps you safe while building skills gradually.
Best Beginner-Friendly Drifting Cars
Drifting requires the right car to learn properly. These best drifting cars offer reliability and forgiving handling characteristics for newcomers.
1. Nissan 240SX
The 240SX remains the best drifting car for people learning to drift. This lightweight car comes with rear-wheel drive and handles predictably during slides.
The chassis responds well to modifications, and parts are everywhere. Many driving schools use these cars because they forgive mistakes while teaching the technique.
The S13 model (1989-1994) costs less than the S14 (1995-1998), but both work great.
- Power: 155 hp
- Engine: 2.4L inline-four
2. Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Miata teaches exceptional car control. This lightweight roadster makes learning transitions easy thanks to its ideal weight.
The soft suspension and communicative steering help you feel exactly what the car is doing. Earlier models from the 1990s cost very little, and parts remain cheap.
The lower power output means you won’t overwhelm yourself as a beginner. Many professional drifters started with Miatas before moving to bigger machines.
- Power: 116-167 hp (depending on year)
- Engine: 1.6L-2.0L inline-four
3. BMW E36 3 Series
German engineering meets drift culture in the E36 chassis. These BMWs provide solid build quality and strong aftermarket support.
The inline-six engine delivers smooth power that’s easier to control than turbocharged alternatives.
Handling feels progressive, which helps beginners understand weight transfer. The rear-wheel-drive setup and limited-slip options make drifts straightforward.
- Power: 189-240 hp
- Engine: 2.5L-3.0L inline-six
4. Ford Mustang (Fox Body)
American muscle meets affordability in the Fox Body Mustang. Built from 1979 to 1993, these cars offer V8 power at bargain prices.
The long wheelbase provides stability during slides, which benefits learning drivers. Aftermarket support is massive, with many companies making performance parts.
The simple mechanical design means repairs don’t require special tools or expertise. You’ll develop throttle control quickly because the V8 torque demands respect.
- Power: 225 hp (5.0L V8)
- Engine: 5.0L V8
5. Nissan 350Z
The 350Z brings modern features to the beginner drift scene. This car combines strong V6 power with excellent chassis balance.
The VQ engine sounds amazing and provides power delivery throughout the rev range. Visibility is better than many cars, helping you see angles during practice.
The interior holds up well, making daily driving comfortable. The Z feels planted and predictable, building confidence as you progress.
- Power: 287-306 hp
- Engine: 3.5L V6
6. Lexus IS300
Toyota reliability meets rear-wheel-drive fun in the IS300. This sedan uses the famous 2JZ engine family, known for durability and tuning potential.
The four-door design makes it practical for daily use while still being capable on the track. Weight distribution favors the rear slightly, helping initiate slides.
The automatic transmission models cost less, but manual versions drift better. Interior quality surpasses most competitors from this era.
- Power: 215 hp
- Engine: 3.0L inline-six
7. Toyota AE86
This old-school Toyota became legendary through racing history and pop culture. The lightweight chassis and simple mechanics make learning fundamentals easy.
Front-engine, rear-drive layout creates classic drift dynamics. Finding clean examples gets harder each year, pushing prices upward.
The small engine means you won’t develop bad habits from excessive power. The boxy shape might look dated, but function matters more than style when learning.
- Power: 112-128 hp
- Engine: 1.6L inline-four
8. Infiniti G35
Nissan’s luxury brand offers the G35 with all the drift potential of its 350Z cousin. The sedan and coupe versions both work well for sideways action.
Extra weight compared to the Z doesn’t hurt learning; it actually smooths out transitions. Comfortable interiors make long drives to practice spots enjoyable.
The VQ35 engine is bulletproof with basic maintenance. Rear seats in the sedan add practicality that pure sports cars lack.
- Power: 280-298 hp
- Engine: 3.5L V6
9. Toyota 86
Modern engineering created these specifically for driving enthusiasts. The low center of gravity and rear-wheel-drive setup enable easy drifting.
Boxer engine placement improves handling balance significantly. New models cost more than older alternatives, but used ones are becoming affordable.
The smaller engine encourages proper technique rather than relying on power. Daily driving comfort and reliability make these practical year-round choices.
- Power: 200-205 hp
- Engine: 2.0L flat-four
10. Nissan Silvia S15
The final Silvia model represents the peak of Japanese drift-car design. This machine offers more power than the 240SX while maintaining manageable characteristics.
The SR20DET engine responds brilliantly to modifications when you’re ready to upgrade. Styling looks aggressive and purposeful from every angle.
The S15 also benefits from exceptional chassis balance, making it incredibly predictable during slides.
- Power: 250 hp
- Engine: 2.0L turbocharged inline-four
11. BMW E46 3 Series
The E46 improves on the E36 formula with better refinement. This generation (1999-2006) offers exceptional build quality and driving dynamics.
The 330i model provides ideal power levels for learning drifting. Interior materials feel premium even on higher-mileage examples.
Maintenance requires attention to cooling systems and suspension components. The chassis communicates road conditions clearly through the steering wheel.
- Power: 225-333 hp
- Engine: 2.5L-3.2L inline-six
12. Chevrolet Camaro (Fourth Generation)
The 1993-2002 Camaro delivers V8 thunder at entry-level prices. Long hoods and short rear decks give these cars distinctive proportions.
The LS1 engine in later models offers excellent power and aftermarket support. Visibility takes adjustment, but you adapt quickly with practice.
The chassis responds well to suspension upgrades, making it a solid platform for drifting practice.
- Power: 200-325 hp
- Engine: 3.8L V6 or 5.7L V8
13. Mazda RX-7
Rotary power makes the FC RX-7 unique among drift cars. The 13B engine revs high and produces smooth power delivery.
Lightweight construction helps this car change direction quickly. The pop-up headlights and wedge shape capture 1980s sports car aesthetics perfectly
The FC’s balanced chassis and strong support make it a community favorite. Though rotary maintenance requires care, its responsiveness and tunability.
- Power: 146-200 hp
- Engine: 1.3L rotary
14. Honda S2000
High-revving VTEC power meets convertible fun in the S2000. This car demands precision because the engine’s power comes high in the rev range.
The short wheelbase makes transitions happen quickly, teaching fast reactions. Build quality sets standards for the price range, with tight panel gaps.
The S2000 also offers exceptional chassis rigidity, giving drivers a responsive platform for learning advanced drift techniques.
- Power: 237-247 hp
- Engine: 2.0L-2.2L inline-four
15. Nissan Skyline
Japanese performance legends offer rear-wheel-drive thrills when modified properly. Stock all-wheel-drive systems can be converted to rear-drive for drifting.
The RB engine family is famous worldwide for its strength and power potential. These cars carry heritage from decades of motorsport success.
They remain highly sought-after in the drifting community for their balance, tunability, and iconic status.
- Power: 247-276 hp (stock)
- Engine: 2.5L-2.6L inline-six
16. Pontiac GTO
Australian muscle hiding under Pontiac badges brings serious power. The LS-series V8 offers incredible performance for the money.
These sedan-looking cars surprise people with their drift capabilities. Handling is more refined than older American muscle cars.
Its torque delivery, durability attract enthusiasts seeking both comfort and sideways action. The interior provides genuine comfort for long-distance driving.
- Power: 350-400 hp
- Engine: 5.7L-6.0L V8
17. Volvo 240
The boxy Swedish sedan might surprise you with its drift potential. Rear-wheel drive and solid construction make these cars tough practice vehicles.
The turbo offers enough power to maintain long slides. Its handling and durable engine make it a dependable platform for beginners learning control.
Its classic chassis responds well to simple suspension upgrades, giving beginners confidence at drift events.
- Power: 114-188 hp
- Engine: 2.3L inline-four
Tips to Choose the Best Drifting Cars
Selecting the right drifting car requires understanding key factors that change ordinary vehicles into sideways-sliding machines built for controlled chaos and style.
- Rear-wheel drive layout: Only RWD cars drift properly, making this the non-negotiable requirement for any drift car purchase.
- Manual transmission preferred: Clutch kicking and precise gear selection give you maximum control during transitions and sustained slides.
- Aftermarket parts availability: Strong community support means cheaper repairs and easier upgrades as your skills and needs develop over time.
- Maintenance history: Previous owner care indicates future reliability, and good records help you budget for upcoming service needs accurately.
- Power-to-weight ratio balanced: Too much power overwhelms beginners while too little frustrates progress, so aim for the middle ground initially.
- Budget for safety equipment: Remember that helmets, proper seats, and harnesses cost money beyond just the car purchase price itself.
Community Discussion on the Best Drifting Cars
Choosing your first drift car becomes much easier when you listen to people already in the scene. Many beginners swear by starting simple. As one member puts it,
I started in a G35. Weld the diff and call it good for a while.
Others highlight lightweight platforms, with a popular recommendation being,
I would recommend a Miata
Several newcomers also note that their opinions of certain cars changed after driving them. One drifter shared,
I bought a 350Z to drift… I absolutely thought they were ugly. It started to grow on me though lol.
Real-world feedback consistently praises the 350Z for reliability and a strong beginner-friendly platform.
Conclusion
Finding your first drift machine marks the beginning of a learning experience. Smart buyers focus on dependable platforms with strong community support.
The vehicles covered here all have proven track records of helping newcomers master safe sideways driving techniques.
Your driving ability will grow faster than any car modification, so prioritize seat time over upgrades initially.
Most drifters move through several cars as their techniques and goals change. Take that first step today and start searching for your ideal learning platform.
