For motor-freak adrenaline junkies, drifting is a thrilling sport that requires skillfully controlling the car while sliding through corners. It is a combination of speed, power, and precision. In drifting, what matters the most is the right car that best combines power, handling, and balance. Thus, when it comes to drifting, finding the best-drifting vehicles is essential for mastering those sideways slides. In this blog, we’ll discuss some of the best drifting cars that balance power with rear-wheel drive to make them ideal for drifting.
Before entering the list, one must understand the characteristics that make a car good for drifting. The following essential characteristics are commonly found in the best drifting cars available.
Rear-Wheel Drive or RWD: Most of the best drift cars are RWD. A Rear-wheel-drive has its rear wheels breaking traction and the front wheels maintain the steering allowing the driver to have good control on slippery slides.
Manual Transmission: Drifting the Automatic Cars transmission is convenient for most drivers but a manual fits perfectly since you get a lot more control of power delivery and aggressive engine braking for precision drifts.
Balanced Weight Distribution: A balanced car distributes the weight evenly at all times and maintains stability when drifting. The better-handling car comes with near 50/50 weight distribution between axles and front axles.
Power and Torque: While horsepower is not the most important thing, having adequate torque to lift out of traction is necessary. That is why turbocharged engines and V8s remain so popular.
One of the most popular drift cars is the Nissan 240SX, with its simple versatility in terms of great RWD, lightweight frame, and huge aftermarket support, making it a great choice for both the beginner and the seasoned drifter. It comes in a 2.4 inline-four and a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine pumping out 155 and 205 horsepower respectively. Generations like S13 and S14 are highly sought after for ease of modification and affordability.
Toyota’s AE86 has become a mascot for the art of drifting, primarily due to its perfect weight distribution and balanced chassis. The AE86 comes in a 1.6-liter inline-four engine producing 112 horsepower with a rear wheel drive system. It is known for its agility in handling and the capacity to carry speed into a corner despite the relatively modest power output.
The Mazda RX-7 Used Cars is truly a masterpiece that is an icon in the drifting world. Equipped with the 1.3-liter rotary that produces about 276 horsepower, this car is an absolute drifting beast. Its sleek design, lightweight, and responsive handling further complement its drifting ability.
The Nissan Skyline is a legendary car in motorsport, especially for its GT-R varieties. The Skyline’s 2.6-liter turbocharged engine with 280 horsepower, married to its solid chassis, truly makes for a beast on the drift circuit. Though usually AWD, the potential to be converted into RWD provides drifters with the best of both worlds. Generations such as R32, R33, and R34 are rather popular due to strong RB engines and powerful drivetrains.
BMW’s E36 and E46 3-Series have gained popularity among drifters due to their well-balanced chassis, affordability, and strong aftermarket support. In terms of M3 variants, they offer better power and performance in competitive drifting.
The BMW 3-Series has excellent handling, and inline-six engines give smooth, usable power. Additionally, these are pretty affordable compared to the rest of the European sports cars, so they make a great option.
Long a staple in American muscle car culture, the Ford Mustang has also been breaking waves in the drifting world. Its powerful 5.0 liter V8 engine with up to 480 horsepower, its rear-wheel drive setup, and vastly improved handling in the S197 and S550 generations make it quite the force on the drift track.
With a storied history in motorsports, and with fame attached to the story of tuning and modification, the Used Car Toyota Supra makes for a phenomenal drift car. The A80 Supra with the 3.0 liter 2JZ engine is a legendary car in this category, but for the new A90 (GR Supra), modern performance is offered via the BMW-sourced engine. The Supra with its powerful engine, robust transmission, and rear-wheel drive is one of the best drifting machines.
The Lexus IS 300, particularly the earlier variants from 2001-2005, has become a sleeper hit in the drift world, primarily due to the engine that it shares with the famous Toyota Supra—the 2JZ. While the naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE fitted on the IS 300 is somewhat tame in comparison with the turbocharged 2JZ-GTE found in the Supra, it still offers impressive reliability and would be suited to some tuning. With rear-wheel drive, the IS 300 is well-suited for drifting.
Among these infrequent cars is the Mazda MX-5, also popularly known as the Miata, which is pretty much generally acclaimed for having a very light design, superb balance, and precise handling. Thus, the MX-5 makes for an unexpected but increasingly popular car for drifting as it does not have high horsepower like some other drift cars. Of course, with the ability to make up for that by being agile, and fun to drive, especially on sharp, technical courses, it’s not odd that many people are interested in it for drifting.
The Mazda RX-8 is often a top choice for those who love drifting. With its rotary engine, it is completely different from traditional piston-engine cars. The power delivery of the Renesis rotary in RX-8 is decent for drifting and lets the car rev load smoothly and consistently. Add to this a well-balanced chassis and rear-wheel drive, and you now have a very strong foundation of a drift car.
If you’re in search of the ideal drifting car, SAT Japan is one of the top places to go for quality, reliability, and pure performance. At SAT Japan we take pride in being a global exporter of Best Japanese Cars and having a reputation for sourcing some of the most iconic drifting cars available.
Here are some reasons why buying a drifting car from SAT Japan makes perfect sense, be it for beginners or experienced drivers:
At SAT Japan we offer the best drifting machines including models such as the Nissan 240SX (Silvia), Toyota AE86, and Mazda RX-7. These cars have a rear-wheel drive configuration, lightweight bodies, and powerful engines that are crucial for mastering the art of drifting.
We check all cars in detail before offering them on sale to ensure they are of high quality and run very smoothly. Our team of experts checks all parts of the engine, transmission, and suspension, among other most sensitive parts, to ensure they match a very high standard.
SAT Japan also has extensive knowledge about tuning and modifications. Drifting requires very specific setups, and we can assist in customization options, suspension setup, or even engine swaps. Instead of starting from a blank slate, you can just buy a pre-tuned car for optimal drifting performance.
At SAT Japan we simplify the entire car buying process for you ensuring everything is smooth and transparent. We also provide detailed information about each car in terms of photos, specifications, and condition reports so you know exactly what you are buying. Moreover, our expert team handles all the paperwork and shipping logistics so buying your favorite vehicle is like a cakewalk.
We ensure competitive prices for our vehicles. Be it a high-performance car built for drifting or just something affordable, we offer a variety of cars to fit various budgets.
SAT Japan has a worldwide network in 200 countries having the capability to deliver your vehicle to your doorstep without any geographical boundaries.
To sum it up, SAT Japan is your trusted partner in getting you your ideal car at the best price. With us, you can be confident that you are getting one of the highly reliable, best-drifting cars tailored to meet your needs and shipped directly from the heart of JDM car culture.
Olivia Parker
I am Olivia Parker, a veteran automotive journalist with 22 years of experience in the car industry. My passion for innovation and eco-friendly solutions informs my work. I regularly write for leading magazines and speak at major industry conferences, sharing my expertise and vision.
The Hyundai Palisade has been one of the most favored family cars in the petrol-head community. The Palisade has been known to blend style, efficiency, agility, and performance, all in one car. Coming in 7 different trims, with 4 diverse driving modes, this vehicle holds the solutions to all your adventure troubles, with a comfortable cabin, ample cargo space, and an innovative infotainment system. Moving into 2025, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade is introduced with some fresh updates making the SUV even more favorable for drivers.
Written below are all the incoming updates and changes to the 2025 Hyundai Palisade.
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade has a 3.8 Liter V6 engine that is paired with an 8 speed automatic transmission which delivers an output of 291 horsepower. This vehicle’s powertrain also features a manual control option for the transmission to give the driver more control. All trims come with a front-wheel drive, with an optional all-wheel drive upgrade to kick things up a notch.
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade’s 0-60 miles per hour driving time was tested to be 6.4 seconds, which is impressive for an SUV its size. Additionally, the front wheel drive Palisade has a fuel-economy of 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
This three-row SUV is one of the most stylish of its kind; with a bold cascading grille, flanked by powerful and elongated LED lights, and sharp lines throughout the exterior for aerodynamic manipulation. The Palisade has a muscular stance giving it a sporty and intimidating look. The Palisade also comes with convenient exterior features such as a power liftgate, additional roof rails, folding third-row seats, and a panoramic sunroof.
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade has an opulent interior with a spacious cabin lined with the finest materials. The interior has a 12.3-inch touchscreen display featuring a dynamic digital cluster, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a premium sound system, dual Bluetooth connectivity, and an innovative remote controlling feature by the Hyundai Blue Link app, which gives you lock control from a distance.
The new model of the 2025 Hyundai Palisade has a starting price of $38,215 and it goes all the way up to the highest trim costing $55,515. The base trim, the SE model costs $38, 215; the second SEL model costs $40,965. The XRT trim comes in at about $44,065 while the SEL Premium trim costs $45,565. The Limited trim of the 2025 Hyundai Palisade costs $49,615 and the Caligraphy model costs $52,015. Last but certainly not least, the Calligraphy Night Edition of the Hyundai Palisade costs $55,515.
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade will be featuring 4 diverse driving modes including comfort, Eco, Sport, and Smart driving modes for an optimized and engaging drive:
Comfort: The comfort mode is set to deliver a seamless and smooth driving experience. The suspension and transmission are tuned for daily commuting driving.
Eco: The Eco mode in the 2025 Hyundai Palisade prioritizes the engine’s fuel efficiency, This mode may not deliver the most powerful performance, but the powertrain is adjusted to consume the least amount of gasoline for the more long-lasting output. This keeps the fuel economy high and decreases fuel costs.
Sport: The Sport mode focuses primarily on the speed and performance of the 2025 Hyundai Palisade. The steering and powertrain are tuned to create the maximum output while maintaining the vehicle’s agility.
Smart: The Smart driving mode is an intuitional setting that analyzes your driving style and switches the driving mode accordingly, giving you maneuverability and balance. This driving mode essentially also helps in fuel efficiency.
In comparison to other latest models, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade is relatively more affordable to maintain. The annual repair and maintenance cost for this vehicle begins at $352 and rises every year because of depreciation and can reach up to $739 in the first five years after purchase. Additionally, with high fuel efficiency, annual fuel costs are calculated to be up to $2,380 per year. All-in-all, you can rest assured that the 2025 Hyundai Palisade has a low maintenance and upkeep cost. Here are some factors contributing to this:
Hyundai Durability: Hyundai, like most other Japanese automakers, has a business model of constant improvement and innovation. These vehicles are engineered to be optimized for long-term usage. This rhombus engineering keeps your 2025 Hyundai Palisade away from the mechanic for a long while.
Expected Maintainance: You can rest assured that even if you were to take your Palisade to the mechanic, it would be out of routine, rather than from an unexpected mechanical breakdown. Routine check-ups such as oil changes and tuning will help maintain the longevity of your vehicle.
Visit Now 2025 Hyundai Elantra.
SAT Japan is the ultimate destination for those searching for well-maintained and certified Used Cars for Sale. We offer impressive deals on a wide range of luxury and economy vehicles. Our expert staff on board is dedicated to your ease and our customer-centric services will make the entire process unbelievably simpler. Our convenient services such as our insurance services, 24-month installment payment plan, and doorstep delivery, keep our customers stress-free. We recognize our responsibility to present the best course of action according to your preferences.
Although there are no revolutionary switch-ups in the design or performance of the 2025 Hyundai Palisade, it is one of the most reliable upcoming full-size SUVs in the automotive market. It is no easy feat searching through the endless sea of options to reach a final decision. Our expert staff and customer-centric services at SAT Japan help you make the right decision at every step of the purchasing process. Hence, SAT Japan is the ultimate car enthusiast website where you can find a plethora of well-maintained options for your potential next ride. Head on over to SAT Japan’s website and scroll through our vast inventory to find the perfect Hyundai car for you.
The modern cars coming in the market are capable of remarkable speeds and give you a highly smooth and comfortable experience. The latest cars are also much safer and come up with advanced and autonomous systems that can stop and steer the vehicle for you in an emergency. However, all the safety and advanced features will not do anything if you have bad tires. For example, inside tire wear is an issue that can affect the tires of many cars rolling on the road. It is not just about purchasing low-quality tires; it is also about not ensuring their proper maintenance.
Tire wear is a common problem that can affect your vehicle’s handling, safety, and performance. Although inner tire wear might seem harmless, it can lead to various serious issues, including reduced traction, poor steering response, and even blowouts.
But why do tires wear out from the inside, and how can you prevent it?
By understanding the factors that contribute to inner tire wear, you can increase the life of your tires and keep them performing at their best.
There are several reasons why your tire can wear from the inside. Below we discuss some of the reasons in detail.
Misaligned wheels can lead to irregular tire wear. When the bottom part of the tire is leaning towards the outside, it is called a negative camber. Positive camber is when the top part of the tire is leaning towards the outside.
When there is improper alignment in the tires, the inner part of the tire makes more contact with the road surface. Because of that, you might observe the inside of the front tires wearing down.
Poor wheel alignment can also mess up your camber. You can verify this by cruising on a flat section of asphalt. If your vehicle is not moving straight even after pointing the wheels at a 12 o’clock position, it means your wheels are not aligned properly.
Driving your vehicle aggressively puts a lot of stress on your tires. It can also overheat various components of the tires and wear the thread at a faster pace because of abrasion. Aggressive riding includes running your vehicle at maximum acceleration, hard cornering, and pushing brakes for prolonged periods. Tire wire showing is an indication of your tires being severely damaged.
It is essential to note that, unlike race cars, standard vehicles are not designed to be driven aggressively all the time. The tires in race cars are specifically designed to give maximum gain and resolve steering on the road. However, other tires cannot keep up with constant beating from drifting and fast driving.
For more insights into premium tire options, check out our detailed comparison: Bridgestone vs. Michelin Tires.
The suspension components of a vehicle are designed to not only absorb road shocks and vibration but also to make sure that the vehicle’s shock ride height remains the same. It is important because camber angles are directly affected by it, and it can increase inside tire wear.
Suspension components such as springs can sag through regular use. Faulty or defective springs fail to absorb shocks and vibrations, which can damage other suspension components of the vehicle as well.
Also, the defective spring can lower the vehicle’s stock ride height, which can change the camber angles.
These components are made of rubber or elastomer and serve to link the chassis and steering knuckles. These bushings eliminate excess free movement within the vehicle, which can have a negative effect on camber angles. As a result of frequent use, the control arm bushing wears down gradually, leading to increased movement and more tire wear on the inside.
It is crucial to fix the inner tire wear to avoid further damage to the vehicle’s components, such as ball joints and springs, and ensure more safety.
Get your wheel balanced after every one or two years. If you have installed new tires in the vehicle, you should get them balanced immediately to protect them from wearing out.
If you notice uneven tire wear, check your suspension system. Damage to the suspension system can accelerate the inner tire wear, resulting in future problems such as a decrease in vehicle speed and expensive repairs.
Innerwear on tires occurs when the driver does not maintain their tires regularly. Just like your vehicle, your tires require extra care to give you a safe ride.
Regularly check the tire pressure of your vehicle. It is an important practice because understated tires can cause the sidewall to flex, which can lead to instability at higher speeds. Also, underinflation can cause other problems, including cracked rubber, tread separation, bulges, and more. If the tires are overinflated, they can bulge in the center, causing increased wear in that area.
Therefore, it is preferable to check the tire pressure once every month, especially after large temperature changes.
If you notice damage on any of the suspension components, it is important to get your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic. Doing that will resolve the issue and your car will also stay safe.
Tire wearing on the inside can also occur as a result of overloading. It is important to adhere to the vehicle weight limits mentioned by the manufacturers. Overloading includes passing extra passengers, carrying excessive cargo, or towing large tailors, which can put stress on the components of the tire.
Tires wearing on the outside and inside can seriously affect the handling and safety of your vehicle. You can avoid internal tire damage with a routine inspection of your suspension system and alignment and by taking proper care of your tire. It is also important to get your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic every once in a while.
There are a lot of parts that go into making your vehicle run fast and look its best. The engineers have spent years and years tuning car emission systems to personalize the sound a vehicle makes when it’s on the road. However, when it comes to riding, not everyone wants to have a quiet ride, and for that, you can modify your vehicle’s straight pipe exhaust system and alter the sound your engine produces.
A very exciting modification for car owners currently is the straight exhaust system, particularly for people who want to improve the performance of their ride. One reason car owners choose it is its greater functionality in compression compared to stock exhaust. The reduced backpressure supports greater functionality, resulting in increased engine performance.
If you are wondering if a straight-pipe exhaust system is right for you, keep reading to learn the pros and cons of installing one in your vehicle.
Straight pipe exhaust is becoming one of the most common modifications among car fans who enjoy the roar of their engine along with the additional power of their vehicles. Unlike standard exhaust systems, straight-pipe exhaust systems do not have a resonator, muffler, or catalytic converter. You can witness this type of exhaust in racing cars and other high-performance vehicles.
The exhaust system allows the fumes to flow freely from the engine’s exhaust headers, allowing them to go into the atmosphere directly through the exhaust tip. They increase the horsepower of your engine because there are no restrictions on the exhaust, and the gases to flow freely.
Explore our in-depth guide on the straight pipe exhaust system to enhance your car's performance and sound quality.
There are many reasons for considering a straight pipe exhaust for your vehicle, including:
Increased Performance
The prime reason why many people choose straight pipe exhaust is because these systems increase your vehicle’s horsepower and torque. These systems also reduce the back pressure from the engine, allowing the exhaust gases to move freely and assisting the engine to perform without any hindrances. This mode is particularly designed for sports vehicles as it does not hinder gas flow and enhances the car’s performance.
Engine’s Original Sound
The straight pipe lets the true sound of the engine come out. Normally, there are mufflers, catalytic converters, resonators, and other similar components present to reduce the sound of the engine. However, straight pipe exhaust allows the raw and pure sound of the engine to come out.
Less Weight
When a vehicle’s weight is reduced, it becomes faster and more efficient. Mufflers and catalytic converters weigh a lot, and if you love racing, you surely would want to have a lighter vehicle. A straight pipe exhaust weighs much less than the original exhaust.
Aesthetic Appeal
Straight pipes also give an aesthetic look to your vehicle and make it stand out. To make the vehicle look more appealing, you can apply a chrome finish to the exhaust tip. To give additional colors to the tip, various types of welding methods are used. You can even go for a twin-pipe setup for even better aesthetics.
Remarkable Fuel efficiency
Without mufflers and a catalytic converter, the engine creates low back pressure, leading to better combustion. This also means lower fuel consumption.
Straight-pipe exhaust systems also have their own cons, including:
Rampant Emissions
It’s true that straight pipes make a remarkable sound, but they are not great for the environment. In the late 20th century, catalytic converters came into the market to control the harmful gas emissions from cars into the environment. Removing catalytic converters can be really bad for the environment.
Expensive
Installing straight pipes can be expensive. New pipes are not cheap, and finding them at a good price is not easy, so most car enthusiasts go for custom-built exhaust pipes. Also, after installing a straight pipe exhaust system, you have to tune your car according to certain standards to get the most out of it.
It Might Not be Legal
Modifying a vehicle to a straight-pipe exhaust system and removing mufflers and catalytic converters is not legal in many states in the US. However, it varies from state to state. Therefore, before installing an exhaust pipe in your exhaust, you should go through your state’s rules.
Effects Resale Value
Customizing your vehicle can also make it harder to sell it at a high price in the future. An average buyer might not find pipe exhaust to be as valuable as you do. So, you might be forced to spend extra money on reinstalling a standard exhaust system or accept a low price when selling your vehicle.
The total cost of pipe exhausts depends on various factors, including the model of the vehicle, the materials used, and the length of the exhaust. Overall, you might have to pay around $200 to $1000 with a labor cost of about $100 to $600.
Keep in mind that depending upon the customization and the mechanic, the cost can go much higher. Generally, it is preferable to get quotes before choosing a professional.
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