Looking for a cheap drift car that won’t break the bank? Check out our top 8 list of cheap drift cars for beginners and experienced enthusiasts. Find the best deals and learn what to look for when buying a drift car on a budget. Start sliding and drifting today with these cheap and reliable options
One of the best beginner drift cars is the Mazda Miata. It has many great features that make it perfect for drifting, including a rear-wheel drive and a manual transmission.
BMW E36 325i
The BMW E36 is a classic sports sedan from the 90s. It was a segment-defining car for BMW and fueled its success. It introduced many luxury advancements that helped the company stand out.
The E36 also came in various body styles, including coupes, convertibles, and station wagon “Touring” models. It was on sale for a decade and was phased out in 2000.
If you’re looking to buy an inexpensive drift car for beginners, the BMW E36 325i may be a great choice. This model has an M50 engine and a 5-speed manual transmission.
This model also has a unique color combination that makes it stand out on the road. Its two-tone purple and violet color scheme creates a striking look unique to this model.
The car is powered by a 2.0-liter inline-six engine that makes 148 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. A manual transmission can accelerate to 60 mph in about 9.9 seconds.
Mazda Miata
The Mazda Miata is an iconic small roadster with a storied history. It was first introduced in 1989 and quickly became a cult favorite among driving enthusiasts.
The Miata is built on a front-engine/rear-wheel-drive chassis that is incredibly lightweight and perfect in weight distribution. This allows it to have a high level of agility and super-agile handling.
It’s a classic sports car that’s easy to learn and comfortable. The steering is responsive, especially at high speeds, and the 167-hp engine makes it fun to drive.
The Miata comes standard with a manual transmission and can be upgraded to a six-speed automatic. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in less than six seconds and is an excellent choice for drivers who like to be engaged with the controls.
BMW E46 330i
The BMW E46 330i is an excellent choice for drifters. It offers outstanding performance, reliable driving, and cheap maintenance.
The 330i is powered by a 3.0L M54 engine that produces 225 horsepower and 214 torque. This makes it one of the best-performing E46 models, and it is available with either a 6-speed manual or automatic gearbox.
It is also among the most popular vehicles in the drifting community due to its reliability and power. However, it has some flaws that make owning it a bit difficult.
The most common problems with an E46 330i include torn shock mounts, water pump failure, and valve cover gaskets. These issues should be addressed quickly, as they can cause the engine to fail.
The 330i was also available with BMW’s ZHP performance package, which offered upgrades like 235 horsepower, sportier suspension, and 18″ wheels. This is an excellent option for those who want a little extra power but want to avoid paying the price of an E46 M3.
Infiniti G35
The Infiniti G35 is an excellent choice for those looking to get into drifting. It has all the features you need to start driving and is affordable.
The G35 is built on the Nissan FM platform shared with the Nissan 350Z sports car and Infiniti FX crossover SUV. This allows the engine to be moved back into the bay, improving the vehicle’s weight distribution.
It also has a rear-wheel drive layout, making it much more responsive than front-wheel drive cars. It has a 3.5 liter V6 that can produce up to 306 horsepower, and it is paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission.
The Infiniti G35 has a solid chassis and is well-balanced for drifting. It is also easy to modify over time and has excellent potential.
Nissan 350Z
The Nissan 350Z is an excellent option for anyone looking to get into drifting cheaply. It’s the latest model in the ‘Z’ car lineage, boasting many traits that made previous versions popular with sports car lovers.
The 350Z features a bulletproof 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 287 bhp at the flywheel, mated with a six-speed manual synchromesh and checked slip differential. These essential mechanical assets make it a perfect drifting machine for beginners.
Another plus point for the 350Z is its interior, designed to help drivers quickly become one with the car. It is comfortable and supportive and features a carbon-fiber cloth seat with plenty of lateral support.
The engine is ripe for customization, with off-the-shelf supercharger and turbocharger kits and a range of NA upgrades on the market. However, high-mileage 2003-2006 Zs are prone to an oil consumption problem that can be mitigated by shortening the change interval or using a higher-weight oil.
BMW E90 335i
If you’re a fan of BMW’s high-performance lineup and want to save some cash, the E90 335i could be an ideal choice. This sedan offers excellent power, a high-quality interior, and plenty of cargo room for its size.
The BMW E90 335i is a mid-size four-door sedan that debuted in 2006 and was produced in 2012. It was available with various engines, including the 2.8-liter inline six-cylinder that made 225 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque.
This engine is suitable for a zero to sixty time of 5.6 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph, which makes it a fast car. It also has excellent handling thanks to a chassis tuned more toward ride comfort than control, though it can still hold its own on the track.
It’s not an M3 or a Camaro, but it’s got a lot of badge kudos and is surprisingly reliable. For a car of this age and power, it’s hard to beat the price of this car.
Nissan Silvia S14
The Nissan Silvia S14 is an affordable and easy-to-modify sports car that can be turned into a drifter’s dream. It has a perfect 50:50 weight distribution, making driving predictable and accessible in the street or on the track.
It is also easy to modify for more power, such as swapping an engine from another car like the Toyota Supra. You can even customize it for drifting with a Boss kit from Hotcars.
The Nissan Silvia S14 is an excellent choice for beginners because it is cheap and easy to customize. You can add racing seats and a racing wheel or make it look aesthetically pleasing with custom paint and other modifications.
Nissan Silvia S15
If you are looking for a drift car that is cheap and fun to drive, then the Nissan Silvia S15 is the way to go. It comes with a powerful engine that can be enhanced through simple upgrades.
The Nissan Silvia S15 is one of the most popular drift cars and is perfect for beginner drivers just learning to drift. It also has a great look that makes it stand out.
Initially, the Nissan Silvia was an exclusive hand-built car launched in 1964. It was a sleek white masterpiece with hand-shaped panels and a 4-speed manual gearbox.
It only weighed 977 Kg, which was light for its time. However, laws banned its distribution outside of Japan, and only 554 cars were ever produced.
The S15 was the last generation of the S-chassis and the most modern model available. It also featured a new body style, making it more comprehensive and lower than previous models. This allowed for more comfort and a more pleasant driving experience.