Legends Of The Drift Scene
There’s nothing like finding a car that takes corners with complete confidence. Drifting stops feeling intimidating and starts feeling like second nature once you’re behind the right wheel. Some cars just bring out that thrill with every move. So here’s a look at twenty machines drift fans love, each one built to deliver excitement and speed that makes every corner feel like a brand-new adventure waiting.
1. Nissan Silvia S15
Step into the Silvia and you’ll feel why it’s drift royalty. Its SR20DET engine opens a world of tuning, while the rear-wheel drive chassis keeps things balanced. With endless aftermarket support, it became a staple of Japan’s D1GP and still sets standards in drift circles.
Tokumeigakarinoaoshima on Wikimedia
2. Toyota AE86 Corolla
The AE86 may not look intimidating, yet it’s a cornerstone of drift culture. Lightweight construction and a drift-friendly chassis geometry made it accessible to beginners and rewarding for veterans. Thanks to its Initial D fame, this car’s sideways reputation reached audiences far beyond racing circles.
3. Mazda RX-7 FD
With its rotary engine howling at high revs, the RX-7 FD slides like it was born for it. The chassis balance makes drifts predictable, and its responsive feel helped professional drivers dominate competitions throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.
4. Infiniti G35 / G37
Sliding into luxury never looked so fun. The Infiniti G35 and G37 balance strong V6 engines with a chassis eager to break traction. They’re easy to modify and supported by a huge parts scene. No wonder American street drifters picked them up so quickly.
5. Ford Mustang GT
Few cars shout “American muscle” like a Mustang GT. Its V8 torque makes smoke pour from the rear tires with ease, and the aftermarket scene is massive. Even with its bigger size, the Mustang holds its own in US drift events, pulling crowds effortlessly.
6. BMW E36 3-Series
Instead of Japanese metal, European drifters often leaned on the E36. Straightforward mechanics and nimble handling made it a dependable choice. For many in Europe, it was their first sideways thrill that offered reliability alongside plenty of sideways fun.
7. Chevrolet Camaro SS
Crowds know when a Camaro SS is on track—the V8 roar gives it away. That power helps it break traction with ease, and despite its weight, aftermarket mods make it competitive. For amateur drifters, it delivers drama and style in one package.
8. Toyota Supra MK4 (A80)
Fans didn’t just love the Supra for movie fame. Under the hood, the 2JZ engine offered tuning potential few rivals could match. Couple that with a well-balanced rear-drive layout, and you have a machine that ruled both streets and competitions.
9. Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA/NB)
Compact and rear-wheel drive, the first two generations of the Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA/NB) became popular in the drift scene due to their responsive steering and lightweight chassis. While the stock engine delivers modest power, upgrades like welded differentials and drift knuckles enhance its drifting capabilities significantly.
10. Nissan 240SX (S13/S14)
Across the US, the 240SX built grassroots drifting from the ground up. Cheap shells and limitless swap options made it a tuner’s dream. From YouTube compilations to parking lot drift nights, this car became synonymous with American drift culture.
11. Subaru BRZ / Toyota 86
Born from a Subaru-Toyota partnership, this car keeps things light and precise. Its RWD system and sharp suspension make drift entries feel natural, and affordability keeps it accessible. Grassroots drivers adore it, though even seasoned pros enjoy pushing it to wild angles.
12. Lexus IS300
At first glance, it looks like a luxury sedan. Under the hood, however, sits a 2JZ-GE engine waiting for mods. The IS300’s clean styling and drift-ready platform made it a surprise favorite. It’s stylish enough for daily life while still tearing it up sideways.
13. Nissan 350Z
Plenty of drivers found their footing in a 350Z. A burly V6 delivered just enough shove, plus the rear-wheel drive setup kept things approachable. It struck the sweet spot between affordability and performance, eventually becoming a favorite in Formula Drift.
Alexandre Prévot from Nancy, France on Wikimedia
14. BMW E46 M3
This M3 has all the ingredients enthusiasts dream of. The S54 inline-six pulls with silky power, and the rear-drive platform feels planted in every slide. Both amateur and pro drivers love it, especially since aftermarket suspension tweaks make extended drifts feel effortless.
Alexandre Prévot from Nancy, France on Wikimedia
15. Chevrolet Corvette (C5/C6)
Few American cars drift with as much authority as the Corvette. Its V8 delivers more than enough shove, and the long wheelbase keeps things steady. At North American drift events, it turns heads not just for power, but also for the way it controls chaos.
16. Pontiac GTO
Looking tame at first glance, the GTO surprises with LS-series V8 strength and a simple rear-wheel platform. This blend lures US amateurs into drifting, and its affordable mod potential turns it into a roaring star on smoke-filled tracks.
17. Toyota Chaser JZX100
The Chaser shows how a four-door sedan can become a sideways legend. Its 1JZ turbo motor, combined with rear-drive poise, delivers everything drift fans crave. In Japan, it dominated competitions and street culture alike, earning respect as both stylish cruiser and smoke machine.
18. Hyundai Genesis Coupe
When it launched, enthusiasts quickly spotted its potential. The Genesis Coupe brought rear drive and affordable pricing, which made it a solid entry point for drifting. Over time, its aftermarket support grew, and suddenly this Korean coupe carved a place on the market.
19. Dodge Challenger (RWD Drift Setup)
The Challenger dominates any circuit with its size and V8 firepower. That combination makes for huge, crowd-pleasing slides. Though it carries heft, experienced hands use the torque to produce dramatic plumes of smoke and hold attention lap after lap.
20. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (RWD Swap)
A Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI converted from AWD to RWD becomes a drift-ready weapon. Its turbocharged engine pumps out serious torque, and the compact body keeps it agile. In Japan and beyond, enthusiasts pick this setup for amateur drift competitions.
