So, you're looking to get sideways in Los Santos without emptying your Maze Bank account? Awesome! Drifting in GTA 5 is a blast, and you don't need the most expensive supercar to do it. This guide will walk you through some of the best cheap drifting cars in GTA 5 that will have you sliding around corners and impressing your friends (or at least trying to!). We'll cover what makes a good drift car, some specific models to look for, and how to tune them up for maximum slide-ability. Buckle up, because we're about to dive into the world of budget-friendly drifting!

What Makes a Good Drift Car in GTA 5?

Before we jump into specific cars, let's talk about what characteristics make a car a good candidate for drifting in GTA 5. It's not just about raw horsepower, guys. In fact, too much power can actually make drifting harder, especially when you're just starting out. Here’s a breakdown:

• Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): This is absolutely essential. You need the rear wheels to be the ones pushing the car forward so you can break traction and initiate a slide. Front-wheel drive (FWD) cars just won't cut it for drifting.
• Balanced Weight Distribution: A car with a good weight balance will be more predictable and easier to control when drifting. You don't want a car that's too front-heavy or too rear-heavy.
• Decent Handling: While you want to be able to break traction, you also need a car that's responsive and controllable. Look for cars with decent base handling stats.
• Upgrade Potential: The ability to upgrade the engine, suspension, and brakes is crucial for fine-tuning your drift car. Upgrades can significantly improve a car's performance and make it more suitable for drifting.
• Affordability: Of course, since we're talking about cheap drift cars, the price is a major factor. We're looking for cars that won't break the bank but still offer good drifting potential.

Now, you might be thinking, "Okay, that sounds great, but how do I find a car that meets all these criteria?" Don't worry, we've got you covered. Let's move on to some specific car recommendations.

Top Cheap Drift Cars in GTA 5

Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Here are some of the best cheap drifting cars in GTA 5, along with their strengths and weaknesses, and why they're great for aspiring drifters. Remember that prices can fluctuate slightly depending on the platform you're playing on (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S), but these are generally considered affordable options.

1. Karin Futo

The Karin Futo is practically the quintessential cheap drift car in GTA 5. It's a classic for a reason! It's based on the Toyota Corolla AE86, a legendary drift car in real life. The Futo boasts rear-wheel drive, light weight, and a short wheelbase, making it incredibly easy to initiate and maintain drifts. It's also super cheap, usually costing less than $10,000.

• Pros: Inexpensive, easy to drift, good handling, highly customizable.
• Cons: Low top speed, not very durable.

The Futo's low price point makes it an excellent choice for beginners. You can buy it, upgrade it, and still have plenty of money left over for other things. Its forgiving handling characteristics mean you can learn the basics of drifting without constantly spinning out. Plus, it looks cool! With the right paint job and modifications, you can turn the Futo into a real head-turner.

2. Declasse Drift Tampa

For a slightly more modern take on drifting, consider the Declasse Drift Tampa. This car is designed specifically for drifting, with a pre-tuned suspension and a powerful engine. It's a bit more expensive than the Futo, but it offers better performance right out of the box.

• Pros: Excellent drift performance, good acceleration, stylish design.
• Cons: More expensive than the Futo, can be difficult to control at high speeds.

The Drift Tampa is a great option for players who want a car that's ready to drift without requiring a lot of modifications. Its powerful engine and responsive handling make it a joy to drive, and its unique appearance will help you stand out from the crowd. However, be warned that its high power output can make it a bit challenging to control, especially for beginners. Practice makes perfect!

3. Annis Remus

The Annis Remus is a great option for JDM fans. It has a sleek design, and it's very capable of drifting. You will have to do some work to make it a drift monster, but it is cheap and worth the price.

• Pros: Good looking, inexpensive, good drift potential.
• Cons: Needs a lot of tuning to be really good

With the Remus, you can make this car look and drive any way you want. This gives the player a real sense of ownership of the car. It is an overall solid choice when choosing a drift car.

4. Bravado Banshee

The Bravado Banshee is a classic sports car in the GTA universe, and it's surprisingly good for drifting. It's based on the Dodge Viper, and it offers a good balance of power and handling. While it's not specifically designed for drifting, it can be easily modified to become a capable drift machine.

• Pros: High top speed, good acceleration, stylish design, relatively affordable.
• Cons: Requires significant modifications to be a good drift car, can be prone to oversteer.

The Banshee's high top speed makes it great for drifting at higher speeds, and its aggressive styling is sure to turn heads. However, you'll need to invest in some upgrades to make it truly drift-worthy. Upgrading the suspension, brakes, and differential will significantly improve its drifting performance. Be careful with the throttle, though, as the Banshee can be prone to oversteer if you're not careful.

5. Maibatsu Penumbra FF

The Maibatsu Penumbra FF stands out with its distinctive tuner aesthetic and surprising drift potential. It's a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive car that, with the right modifications, can become a formidable drift machine. Its affordability makes it a popular choice for those looking to dive into the world of drifting without breaking the bank.

• Pros: Unique design, affordable price, good customization options.
• Cons: Requires extensive modifications for optimal drift performance, can be challenging to handle initially.

The Penumbra FF's unique look is definitely a selling point, allowing players to create a drift car that truly stands out. However, it's essential to invest in performance upgrades to unlock its full potential. With careful tuning, the Penumbra FF can transform into a surprisingly competitive drift car.

6. Dinka RT3000

The Dinka RT3000 is a sporty roadster that offers a blend of style and performance, making it a solid choice for drifting. Its lightweight design and responsive handling provide a good foundation for creating a drift car that's both fun and competitive.

• Pros: Agile handling, sporty design, good customization options.
• Cons: May require engine upgrades for competitive drifting, can be less forgiving than some other options.

The RT3000's nimble handling makes it a joy to drift, but it may require some engine upgrades to keep up with more powerful drift cars. Its stylish appearance and extensive customization options allow players to create a unique drift machine that reflects their personal style.

Tuning Your Cheap Drift Car for Maximum Slide-ability

Okay, so you've picked out your best cheap drifting cars in GTA 5. Now what? Time to head to Los Santos Customs and get to work! Here are some essential upgrades that will transform your chosen vehicle into a drift-ready machine:

• Suspension: Lowering the suspension will improve handling and reduce body roll, making it easier to control the car when drifting. Stiffer springs and dampers will also help to keep the car planted.
• Brakes: Upgrading the brakes will give you more stopping power, which is essential for controlling your speed and initiating drifts. Consider installing a hydraulic handbrake for even more control.
• Engine: While you don't need максимален power, upgrading the engine will give you more torque, which is helpful for spinning the rear wheels. A good engine upgrade will also improve acceleration, allowing you to get up to speed quickly.
• Transmission: A close-ratio gearbox will improve acceleration and make it easier to keep the engine in the optimal rev range for drifting.
• Differential: This is perhaps the most important upgrade for drifting. A limited-slip differential (LSD) will distribute power evenly to both rear wheels, making it easier to initiate and maintain drifts. Without an LSD, one wheel will often spin while the other doesn't, making it difficult to control the car.
• Tires: While it might seem counterintuitive, you actually don't want the best tires for drifting. Low-grip tires will make it easier to break traction and initiate a slide. Experiment with different tire types to find what works best for you.

Practice Makes Perfect!

Remember, even with the best cheap drifting cars and the best upgrades, drifting takes practice. Don't get discouraged if you're spinning out all over the place at first. Find a safe, open area (like an empty parking lot or an industrial area) and practice your technique. Experiment with different throttle inputs, steering angles, and braking techniques to find what works best for you.

Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Start Slow: Don't try to drift at high speeds right away. Start with slow, controlled drifts and gradually increase your speed as you get more comfortable.
• Use the Handbrake: The handbrake can be a useful tool for initiating drifts, especially in tight corners.
• Counter-Steer: When the car starts to slide, steer in the opposite direction to keep it from spinning out. This is called counter-steering.
• Throttle Control: Use the throttle to control the angle of the drift. More throttle will increase the angle, while less throttle will decrease it.
• Have Fun!: Drifting is all about having fun. Don't take it too seriously, and enjoy the ride!

Conclusion

So there you have it: a guide to the best cheap drifting cars in GTA 5. With a little bit of money, some smart upgrades, and a lot of practice, you can become a drift king (or queen) of Los Santos. Now get out there and start shredding those tires! Just remember to drive safely (in the game, of course!) and have fun. Happy drifting, guys!