Cheap Drift Cars: The Definitive Guide for Affordable Drifting

Drifting is a motorsport, so it’s an art all to itself. Few driving skills are as exhilarating as riding the edge between power and grip, carving through a corner on the slide, and being able to precisely control an oversteer. But for many fans, breaking into the world of drifting appears pricey and unattainable. The good news? You don’t have to start with a high-end sports car as there are many cheap drift cars available. Many of them are simple, two-seat coupes with rear-wheel drive to learn and develop your drifts.

So, in this guide, we’ve put together a selection of 10 entry-level power slide machines, going through their specs and features and why they are great candidates for sliding sideways.

1. Volvo 240/740/940 Series (1974-1998)

The rear-wheel drive layout, bombproof engines, and long wheelbase of the Volvo 240, 740, and 940 series make them shockingly good drift cars. Intended for what began as safe and comfortable transportation, they’ve been adopted by the sliding community for their cheap availability and rugged construction.

If you can find a 740 Turbo or 940 Turbo for sale it’d be the better buy, as it has a bit more power and room for tuning. With some basic suspension mods and an LSD swap, these babies can glide!

Why is the Volvo 240/740/940 Awesome for Drifting?

• Inexpensive, long-lasting, scalable.
• Simple, easily modifiable, RWD chassis.
• The turbo models have good tuning potential.
• They are stable in slides because of the long wheelbase.

Specification Table for Volvo 740 Turbo

Best for: Drifters on a budget considering a rough, quirky, and fun-to-drive RWD chassis.

2. Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA/NB/NC)

Mazda MX-5 Miata is a legend of the sports car world, with a lightweight body, rear-wheel drive (RWD), and near 50/50 weight distribution. It doesn’t generate a whole lot of power, however, its nimbleness and handling precision make it a great power slide car, especially for novices.

The tiny size and paltry curb weight of the Miata lets it carry momentum into slides without effort and is perfect for learning car control. If you want to drift your Miata like a pro, there’s mass aftermarket support, too, with everything from suspensions to differentials, to turbocharging available. The LSD versions are ideal for drifting, which typically offers higher speed and smoother slides.

Why the MX-5 Miata is Ideal for Sliding?

• Lightweight frame (~2,200–2,500 lbs), allowing it to be very nimble.
• RWD and manual gearbox also help with slide control.
• Affordable and dependable, with a generous supply of aftermarket parts.
• Responsive steering and suspension give great drifting feedback.

Specification Table for Mazda MX-5 Miata

Best For: Newbies in need of diabolical, fun, and cheap drift cars that’ll hold your hand through the process.

3. BMW 3 Series (E36/E46) (1992–2006)

The E36 and E46 3-Series are legendary glide platforms with their perfect 50/50 weight distribution, rear-wheel drive, and strong inline-six engines. They often get labeled among the best cheap drift cars built.

The E36 is easier, cheaper, and has fewer electronics to deal with, so is a great beginner vehicle. The E46 is more powerful and refined than before, particularly in 330i trim. The M3 variants are tremendously capable but pricey.

What Makes the E36/E46 So Good at Skidding?

• The 50/50 front and rear weight distribution for balanced handling.
• Powerful, dependable inline six-cylinder engines.
• The E36 is the cheapest, while the E46 is more powerful and refined.
• Massive aftermarket support for angle kits, LSDs, and suspension mods.

Specification Table for BMW 3 Series E36/E46

Best for: Drivers looking for European luxury, with precise balance and poise.

4. Ford Mustang (SN95/New Edge) (1994-2004)

The Ford Mustang SN95/New Edge models come with the nostalgic V8 push in a solid rear-wheel-drive chassis, which makes for cheap drift cars. They feel a bit heftier than your average Japanese drift car but the rear solid axle setup allows for slides that behave as you would expect.

The technology features on later models include a 4.6L V8 with strong low-end torque, and even the V6 versions are available for drift. On the other hand, Mustangs can make great skid machines with some aftermarket suspension and steering mods.

Mustang to Drift? Here Are a Few Reasons Why

• Powerful V8 engine (or affordable V6 options)
• The solid rear axle keeps slides predictable.
• A ton of flair in case you want to do power slide mods.
• Cost-effective parts and repairs are a breeze.

Specifications Table for Ford Mustang

Best for: Drifters who want American muscle power on a budget.

5. Mazda RX-8 (2003-2012)

The Mazda RX-8 is special because it has a high-revving rotary engine and is lightweight, making it an amazing skid car. However, don’t let the 1.3L Renesis rotary engine fool you; there may not be gobs of torque on high. But it revs effortlessly to 9,000 RPM and delivers power evenly throughout the rev range.

With its near–50/50 weight distribution, low center of gravity, and agile handling, the RX-8 is one of the best affordable drift cars for the price. Practicality is retained courtesy of the rear-hinged “suicide” doors, which nonetheless don’t compromise the structure.

Even though they do produce more power than conventional piston engines in many cases. Rotary engines have greater maintenance than piston engines, requiring regular oil changes and proper warm-up/cool-down periods. The RX-8 can be an incredibly rewarding oversteer machine if it’s properly known, too.

Why It Rules the Drift Scene?

• Smooth power delivery thanks to the high-revving rotary engine
• That 50/50 weight distribution makes for great handling.
• Easy-drivable lightweight that begs for an early drift.
• The entry price is lower, but maintenance needs acute care.

Specifications Table for Mazda RX-8

Best for: Druids looking for something a little different and high-revving engines.

6. Mercedes-Benz 190E / C-Class (W202) (1982-2000)

The Mercedes 190E and early C-Class (W202) are unexpected slide cars. With their rear-wheel drive platforms, sturdy German engineering, and low price tag, they make great mounts. Not that they were built to drift, but LSD swaps and suspension upgrades can make them a serious contender.

Both the W202 190E and C280 derive their mitts and giggle with a 2.6L inline-six, providing a fair amount of power for drifts. The manual transmission variants are in high demand.

Why Would it Be Great for Power Sliding?

• RWD with strong chassis.
• Reliable inline-six engines.
• Surprisingly inexpensive and simple to customize.
• Classic German build quality.

Specifications Table for Mercedes 190E/W202

Best for: Drifters who prefer a classic German sedan with quirky styling.

7. Infiniti G35 (2003-2008)

The Infiniti G35 is another affordable luxury sports coupe and sedan with a Nissan 350Z platform, engine, and drivetrain, so it makes a great budget-drifting vehicle. Like a very well-balanced sports car, with a potent VQ35DE 3.5L V6 engine, RWD, and a good power-to-weight ratio whilst keeping the interior comfortable.

Its longer wheelbase than the 350Z makes it a little more stable, and it gives newbies something to lock on while learning how to hold long slides. This support tends to its slide capabilities with the G35 allowing modifications that include coil overs, angle kits, and limited-slip differentials (LSDs).

Why the G35 Makes for a Great Drifting Vehicle?

• Tons of torque from the beefy 3.5L V6.
• Parts are shared with the 350Z, so inexpensive and readily available parts.
• Predictable and controlled drifting from a balanced chassis.
• 2-door coupe or 4-door sedan configurations.

Specifications Table for Infiniti G35 Coupe / Sedan

Best for: Enthusiasts for a more powerful oversteer machine with a more grown-up and refined feel.

8. Lexus IS300 / Toyota Altezza

With its iconic 2JZ-GE inline-six engine, an RWD layout, and a good chassis balance, the Lexus IS300 would make a brilliant entry-level skid car. It’s also known as the Toyota Altezza in Japan. Though it doesn’t come from the factory with forced induction, it has a great power-to-weight ratio and tons of aftermarket support for upgrades.

Although it has some luxury sedan vibes, the IS300 is a fine dual-purpose car and comfortable. It’s easy to forget how much of a capable skid car it is with just small mods.

What Makes the IS300 So Great for Slipping?

• The 2JZ-GE is a bulletproof engine that still makes alright power for drifting.
• A stable chassis means you can hang the tail out when you want, too.
• There’s lots of aftermarket compatibility (turbo kits, suspension, LSDs).
• Practical and comfortable cabin for everyday driving — overall an all-rounder.

Specifications Table for Lexus IS300 / Toyota Altezza

Best for: Reliable for those who want a comfortable slide on the weekend.

9. Nissan 350Z (2003-2009)

One of the most popular cheap drift cars out there is the Nissan 350Z, with its powerful VQ35DE 3.5L V6 engine, RWD layout, and balanced chassis. It makes between 276 and 306 horsepower, giving it more than enough power for controlled slides. With a low center of gravity and stiff suspension, it’s easy to keep in line at the track.

From bolt-ons to LSD swaps, angle kits, and turbo kits, the 350Z has an incredibly strong aftermarket that you can get in touch with. Nissan Z cars have a long history of drifting, and the 350Z continues that legacy. The quick wheelbase makes it agile, although it can be a touch snappy for the novice.

Why the 350Z Is a Great Drifter?

• V6 engine with high torque and power.
• Get 100% control with rear-wheel drive & manual transmission options
• Tons of aftermarket support to mod the hell out of it.
• Well-balanced chassis with predictable dynamics.

Specifications Table for Nissan 350Z

Ideal for: Drivers want a modern, powerful, balanced power slide vehicle.

10. Nissan 240SX (S13/S14) (1989–1998)

The Nissan 240SX (S13/S14) has long been considered one of the most iconic drift machines ever made. It has also been a king of the drift scene for many decades with rear-wheel drive, lightweight chassis, and perfect glide balance.

They’re tuneable, too, with SR20DET turbo swaps, coil-overs, angle kits, and different upgrades combined to make them some of the greatest drifting platforms. SR20DET Turbo Guide can help enthusiasts understand the best setups for maximizing performance, because of their popularity, however, it is difficult to find an inexpensive one.

Specifications Table for Nissan 240SX (S13/S14)

Best for: Keen drifters craving a classic JDM-based platform.

Conclusion

Your budget, style of driving, and what you want to accomplish in the long run determine what are the cheap drift cars for you. Whether it’s JDM legends such as the Nissan 240SX, German precision from a BMW E36, or V8 muscle from a Ford Mustang, there’s something for every type of drifter.

What matters most is you start with good, cheap drift cars on which you can practice, modify, and grow. However, as the drifting community is based on passion and skill, just go with whichever choice you’ve got. Jump behind the wheel and enjoy becoming the practiced avenger of controlled chaos.