Best Cars to Buy and Modify for Drifting

Drifting originated in the 1960s in Japan among street racers and cemented itself as a sport in the 90s. However, it became a global phenomenon when the Hollywood blockbuster The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, released in 2006. 

While the movie was a major hit in India as well, drifting is relatively new in Indian car culture. Over time, drifting is gaining popularity in India, with showcase events and drifting competitions on the rise. But if you wish to build your own drift car and learn how to, you can either go big with an expensive car, or build one for a few lakh rupees on a shoestring budget.

Here’s everything you need to know about what car to buy and modifications you need to start drifting, safely but also on a budget.

Best Cars to Buy for Drifting

The ideal car for drifting is a rear-wheel-drive sedan with a manual transmission. In India, most mass-market cars are front-wheel-drive. Generally, a Mercedes-Benz C-Class or a BMW 3 Series are the best options in India when looking for a RWD sedan. However, newer versions were sold exclusively with automatic transmissions, making drifting more difficult but not impossible. 

Best Used Rear-Wheel Drive Cars for Drifting

Scour online used car marketplaces for Mercedes-Benz or BMW models that are over 15 years old. These used RWD sedans generally sell for as little as ₹2-2.5 lakh in average condition. Look for a model with a manual transmission, as it will save you money on conversion later.

A Mercedes-Benz C-Class from 2001-2010 (W203 and W204 generations) is widely available in the used car market. While various generations of the BMW 3 Series make great cars for drifting. If budget allows, Japanese cars like the Nissan 370Z or a Lexus GS are rare, but are great starting points for a drift car.

Buying a car in pristine condition will be expensive. Drifting will naturally result in damage to the body of the car, especially for novice drivers. Look for high-mileage models, perhaps more than 1-1.5 lakh kilometers as they will be cheaper, but also ensure there isn’t any structural damage.

Best New Rear-Wheel Drive Cars for Drifting

If your budget allows, these modern BMW cars make for great drift cars with no modifications. The BMW M340 is a great option as it offers enough performance that can make drifting easier. 

However, the BMW M2 is available with a manual transmission which offers better control for drifting. The BMW M4 and M5 are renowned for their driving dynamics that set industry benchmarks over generations.

First Modifications You Must Do to Your Drift Car

We recommend buying a used rear-wheel-drive sedan like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class W02 or an older BMW 3 Series to convert it into a proper drift car without breaking the bank. While some rear-wheel-drive cars can drift without modifications, certain upgrades will make it easier and, more importantly, safer. 

1. Weld the differential - It is the primary modification you need to help in drifting. This will permanently lock the differential and force both the rear wheels to spin at the same speed. Depending on the workshop, it generally costs ₹10,000-15,000 to weld the diff.

    

2. Weight Reduction - Remove as much weight from the car that you won’t need, or could become a fire hazard. Discard the rear seats, carpets, and anything unnecessary to make the car faster and more agile. It costs nothing apart from basic tools and your time.

    

3. Bucket Seats and Racing Harness - Racing bucket seats paired with a racing harness ensures the driver is well seated and does not move around while driving sideways. With better stability, the driver has better control of the car, and the racing harness helps in safety. A racing bucket seat and racing harness can cost an estimated ₹15,000 and ₹20,000 respectively.

    

4. Coilover Suspension - A coilover upgrade will reduce body roll and stiffen up the suspension. This lowers the centre of gravity, thus allowing you to maintain control and perform longer slides. After purchasing the car, the coilover upgrade is the most expensive modification, costing between ₹75,000 and ₹1.3 lakh.

Look for specific local workshops that specialise in building drift cars to make these modifications to ensure the car is reliable and safe to use.

Hidden Maintenance and Running Costs of Drift Cars

There are several cars that are ideal for drifting, and it requires few modifications and practice. However, there are hidden costs to consider as it will lead to wear on certain parts of the car that will require frequent maintenance.

1. Frequent Tyre Changes: Drifting will result in a ridiculous amount of tyre wear. You will frequently spend on tyres. When starting out, look for used tyres, which are cheaper and make drifting easier due to less grip.

    

2. Brake Pad And Rotor Wear: While initially a brake kit upgrade won’t be necessary, eventually upgrading the brakes may be required for safety and durability. Especially if you install a hydraulic handbrake kit.

    

3. Cooling System Upgrades: Since drifting generates excessive heat, a better radiator and oil cooler can prevent engine damage.

Best Places to Drift in India

Drifting requires specialised locations and should only be performed in controlled environments. Drifting on public roads is extremely dangerous and illegal. There are several locations that allow drifting in controlled and safe environments for varying budgets. 

1. Dedicated Racetracks (Generally Expensive): Buddh International Circuit, Madras Motor Race Track, Kari Motor Speedway, CoASTT can be booked in advance.

    

2. Local GoKart tracks (More Affordable): Small local gokart tracks are available to rent which are great options to practice drifting.

    

3. Local Drift Tracks: Look for local drift tracks that are specifically designed for drifting which are the safest and more economical options.

    

Importance of Safety While Drifting

Motorsport can be dangerous, but following safety measures allows you to drift more safely. Here are some key things to keep in mind. 

1. Helmet and Gloves: A helmet will help protect your head in the event of a crash. While driving gloves will protect your hands from injury and better grip on the steering wheel. 

    

2. Damages are common: When you practice and learn to drift, damage to the car will be frequent. Be ready for scrapped bumpers and body panels and don’t get too emotional about such damages to the car.

    

3. Face masks and Filters: As a result of rapidly wearing tyres, it is best to use a face mask (preferably with filters) to not inhale the fumes or dust.

Conclusion

The drifting scene is growing in India, with several events promoting the sport as part of the culture. While most forms of motorsport judge a driver’s ability based on speed or time. Drifting is an automotive balletic art form to experience, especially tandem drifting – two cars drifting closely in unison.

Drifting costs about ₹3-4 lakh, making it easy to get started and practice. However, it can become expensive to continue and maintain. That being said, never practice drifting on public roads, and always ensure all safety measures are in place.