The Best Japanese Cars for Drifting

Apr 29, 2023
Drifting is a motorsport that involves a driver using the throttle, brakes, and steering in order to make their car slide around a corner. It's a sport that requires a lot of skill and practice to master, and one that often involves expensive cars with specialized modifications. However, if you're just getting started in the world of drifting, there are plenty of affordable and capable Japanese cars that you can use to get your feet wet. In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the best Japanese cars for drifting and what makes them so good.

Toyota AE86

The Toyota AE86 is perhaps the most iconic Japanese drift car of all time, and it's easy to see why. This car became an icon thanks to it's appearence in the famous anime Initial D. With a lightweight chassis, a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter engine, and rear-wheel drive, the AE86 is a joy to drift. It's also relatively affordable, with good examples still available for under $10,000. Plus, its timeless design means it still turns heads today. A ''Panda Trueno'' will catch the eye of any car enthusiast.

Nissan 240SX

The Nissan 240SX is another popular choice among drifters, thanks to its rear-wheel drive layout and ample aftermarket support. This car is also relatively affordable, with good examples starting at around $9,000. The SR20DET engine can handle a lot of power as well, making the 240SX a great platform for those looking to build a high-horsepower drift machine.

Mazda RX-7

The Mazda RX-7 is an absolute legend in the drifting world, thanks to its rotary engine and near-perfect weight distribution. With a turbocharged 13B engine, the RX-7 is quick and nimble, and it sounds incredible as well. These cars are becoming increasingly rare, however, so finding a good one may be a challenge. Prices can also be steep, with well-maintained examples selling for over $20,000. RX-7 is an icon amongst Japanese cars, both visually and technically.

Nissan Silvia

The Nissan Silvia (also known as the 180SX or 200SX) is a popular choice for drifters, thanks to its lightweight chassis and ample modification potential. The Silvia is also relatively affordable, with good examples starting at around $7,000. The SR20DET engine can handle a lot of power as well, making the Silvia a great choice for those looking to build a high-horsepower drift machine.

Toyota Supra

The Legendary Toyota Supra is one of the most iconic Japanese sports cars of all time, and it's a great choice for drifters as well. With a twin-turbo inline-six engine and rear-wheel drive layout, the Supra is a blast to drive sideways. Prices for Supras have skyrocketed in recent years, however, with well-maintained examples selling for well over $50,000.

In conclusion, there are plenty of great Japanese cars that are well-suited for drifting. From the iconic Toyota AE86 to the powerful Mazda RX-7, these cars offer a unique driving experience that's unlike anything else. Whether you're a seasoned drifter or just getting started, these cars are sure to provide plenty of fun behind the wheel. However, it's important to remember that drifting can be dangerous, so always practice in a safe and controlled environment. With that said, we hope this guide has helped you learn more about the best Japanese cars for drifting. Happy sliding!