Drift Cars for sale

Drifting is a fascinating act to witness, and drift cars are an iconic mix of power and finesse. Do you ever wonder what's happening inside these models to help them take on challenging tracks and deliver jaw-dropping drifts? Today we will unlock everything about the drift car you should know if you need to buy a drift car for sale. 

What Is A Drift Car?

Drifting is a driving style in which the driver uses the throttle, brakes, clutch, gear shifting, and steering input to keep the car in a state of oversteer. So what makes a car a drift car?

Drift cars are light-to-moderate-weight rear-wheel-drive coupes and sedans that offer a large range of power levels. They are finely tuned machines designed to dance on the edge of control. 

Theoretically, every car can drift from iconic JDM to powerful muscle cars if the physical needs are met. However, cars equipped with rear-wheel drive are particularly good at this technique. A four-wheel drive can also make a good drift car. A manual transmission is ideal for maximum control and to fully exploit the car's drifting potential, allowing the driver to manage both gears and clutch precisely.

Drift cars are not only just designed for drifting but they can satisfy the needs for powerful vehicles of car enthusiasts. For those looking to enter the world of drifting, choosing the right car is crucial. 

A lightweight, rear-wheel-drive platform is ideal, as it allows for easier weight transfer and controlled oversteer. The car should also have sufficient power to overcome tire grip and initiate a drift. 

Key Characteristics of Drift Cars

What are the key attributes of a good drift car? Here's a breakdown of the main characteristics that define a car drift:

Rear wheel drive layout

A drift car, for the most part, is a rear-wheel drive with a manual transmission. RWD is typically how you expect a drift to feel and react though (within reason of the game's physics). In RWD drifting, the rear wheels provide power, allowing for more controlled slides and easier drift initiation. 

Compared to FWD drifting, gonna say RWD for the most satisfying balance of acceleration and control against oversteer. Additionally, RWD cars naturally transfer weight to the rear wheels under acceleration, making it easier to break traction and initiate a drift.

Limited slip differential (LSD)

A limited-slip differential is one of the best performance mods in drift cars. Like an open differential, the wheels can rotate at different speeds. However, with a limited-slip differential, torque is not always balanced between the wheels. This allows the wheel with traction to receive more torque to continue to move the vehicle. LSD improves a vehicle’s performance and handling. 

All performance cars can display such powerful performance on the road for the LSD. And you can consider it as a major safety feature. By limiting wheelspin, it prevents a vehicle from losing control when turning around a corner at high speeds. 

Powerful engine 

Having a drift car means that you have a very powerful engine. Why? Drifting requires a lot of torque (rotational force) to overcome tire resistance and maintain momentum during a slide. While torque is crucial, horsepower helps the car accelerate out of corners and maintain speed throughout a drift. 

So drift cars have to have a lot of power, from big American V8 to turbocharged four-cylinder, driver needs to be able to deliver a steady flow of power to the rear wheels. Most engines used in drifting can reach 250-400 horsepower, and pro cars range from 800 to 1,200 horsepower at the rear wheels to give maximum control of the car. 

Hydraulic handbrake

Most modern drift cars are equipped with hydraulic handbrakes for precise control of the rear wheels during drifts. The drift handbrake allows the rear tire to be fully locked and will make your vehicle slide to the side. 

This is a lever-connected fluid-filled cylinder. When the handle is pulled, it compresses the liquid in the cylinder, creating the pressure.

Adjustable suspension 

A proper drift car needs an adjustable suspension, it will have stiff springs and shocks, and the ability to lower the vehicle, which in turn lowers the center of gravity, giving you better and more reliable handling during high-speed maneuvers. This means you'll enjoy faster acceleration and quicker stops. 

Most drift cars have adjustable suspension components, allowing drivers to fine-tune the car's handling characteristics to suit their driving style and track conditions.

In essence, drift cars attract drivers who crave a unique blend of skill, adrenaline, creativity, and community. From tight corners to wide-open turns, these machines unleash their raw power and handling prowess, delivering breathtaking drifts and incredible tire smoke. 

If you’re truly a fan of drifting, let’s consider buying a drift car to satisfy your passion. So what are the best drift cars to choose from? Let’s follow up on the next part:

Popular Japanese Drift Car Contenders

Drifting is becoming all the more popular and the Japanese cars are always the bright candidates for this sideways motorsport. 

Other countries' cars can easily powerslide and create clouds of smoke, but Japanese automotive legends such as the Nissan Silvia, Toyota AE86, and Mazda RX-7 are among the most popular 'go-sideways' machines.

What are the best drift cars available in Japan? What are the Kings of Drift? We’ll explore the top brands known for their expertise in drifting categories:

Toyota Supra 

When it comes to the Toyota drift car, we can't help but mention the Toyota Supra - A truly lived legend. The Supra was powered by the well-known 2JZ engine, it's incredibly durable which makes it perfect for additional tuning. It isn't the lightest drift car, but a healthy diet of stripping and bucket seats should see to that nicely. 

Nissan Silvia - Best Nissan drift car

Nissan Silvia, 200SX, or 240SX depending on the market have been synonymous with the art of drifting and have long served as one of the most desirable drift cars by enthusiasts worldwide. S13, S14, and S15 drift cars have the weight distribution, lightweight, aftermarket support and handling that drifters appreciate. 

Their wheelbase looks like the perfect one for drift, short enough to allow easy direction change and long enough to keep the vehicle stable while drifting. We can say that in the drifting community, the car has been made a landmark in the sports car of Nissan. To get this drift car, you can expect to pay from $8,132 to $78,079 depending on model and trims.

Mazda RX-7

If you want to buy a good second-hand drift car, the Mazda should maybe be your first port of call. It's a very light car with a 50/50 balance in weight from front to back. 

One of the most highlighted features of the RX-7 is a unique rotary engine that makes a good amount of power despite its low displacement, it has superb handling, and its looks are straight-up made in heaven. 

Not only have a powerful engine and good design, but the Mazda RX-7 is also an affordable sports car that is perfect for drifting. The price of a used Mazda RX-7 ranges from $14,633 to $86,457. 

Toyota AE86

The Toyota AE86 is well known for being a fantastic driver's car and one that is perfect for learning drift techniques. The AE86's FR configuration made it well-suited to the kind of cornering, and currently, the car is a mainstay of drift shows and competitions. Even though the AE86 is down on power in stock form, it's very light and nimble compared to other drift cars. 

Nissan Skyline 

Any Skyline model will be a great car to learn to drift in. The Skyline has a perfect weight balance, rear-wheel drive, a powerful engine, and unlimited ways to go in terms of tuning. 

While traditionally associated with grip racing, the Skyline GT-R's advanced all-wheel-drive system can be adapted for drifting with modifications. The GT-R's powerful RB26 engine and sophisticated drivetrain make it a formidable drift machine. Currently, the Nissan Skyline is on sale at the price of $2,000 to $462,591.

Which Japanese drift car do you like the most? Drifting is more than just driving a modified car; it's a community, a culture, and a skill that takes dedication and practice.

Ready to experience the thrill of controlled slides and tire-smoking action? Visit our website to explore the world of drifting, from iconic cars to classic vehicles.