/Infinity We've seen it in anime and in the Fast and Furious. But what does the Canadian drift scene look like? Read on and see what it takes to get into the drifting north of the 49th
If you're reading this, you're probably already into cars or, at the very least, heard about that insane moment when a driver makes a car slide through a corner with the grace of a ballet dancer on an icy lake. You might even hear the distant sound of eurobeat echoing through mountain passes, punctuated with the screen of sliding tires.
Yep, that's drifting.
And in Canada, one of the few places to catch a drift event is at the Canadian Sport Compact Series (CSCS). But how did this all come about, and more importantly, how can you get involved without maxing out your credit card?
A Quick History of CSCS Drifting
CSCS started as a grassroots event focused on compact performance cars—think Honda Civics and Nissan 240SXs. Initially, the series focused on drag racing, but drifting's rise in popularity globally (thanks in no small part to Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift and actual motorsports events) made it impossible to ignore. Around 2005, CSCS began hosting drift competitions, and the series quickly became a staple in the Canadian motorsports calendar. These days, CSCS events feature everything from time-attack racing to show-and-shine car shows, but it's the drifting that steals the spotlight for many attendees.
The drifting scene in Canada has been growing steadily, with CSCS helping bring more attention to grassroots drifting events across the country. They don't have the bank of Formula Drift behind them; these aren't professional drivers in million-dollar cars—many of these folks built their machines in their garage. But hey, we're all Canadian underdogs, and we're proud of it! If you can’t tell, that’s where the magic is. Most events start happening in mid-late spring (in Ontario anyways) and are usually all fizzled out by October when everyone can be amateur drifters when the black ice hits the highways!
The Cost of Going Sideways
Okay, so you’ve watched the events, got inspired, and now you’re thinking: How much is this going to cost me?
It depends on how deep your pockets go.
The Car: To get into drifting, you’re going to need a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) car. Common choices include Nissan 240SXs, Mazda RX7s, or even Toyota Supras. You can find older RWD cars for around $5,000–$10,000, but don’t expect them to be track-ready. Expect them to take a beating too. There is the alternative of buying a JDM from auction too; some have even been modified for drifting already (buyer beware here). We can talk more about that later. But you’ll probably need to throw in some upgrades, which leads us to...
Upgrades and Mods: At the bare minimum, you’ll want to upgrade your suspension and get a limited-slip differential (LSD). This will help your car handle those extreme angles of drift as can adding some camber to your wheels. Depending on the parts you choose, this can run you another $2,000–$5,000. A set of drift tires for the rear (which wear out quickly) can cost $300–$600 per event. So, yeah, drifting isn't cheap.
Event Costs: For CSCS drifting events, entry fees usually range between $150 and $250, depending on the track and event type. Spectator tickets are a lot more budget-friendly at about $20-$30 a pop .
Insurance and Safety Gear: Most tracks will require that you have basic safety gear—helmet, fire extinguisher, and maybe even a roll cage if you get really serious. Helmets can range from $150–$500, and while many beginner-friendly events don’t require full racing suits, it's something to keep in mind as you progress.
Now let's talk budget 'domestic' cars!
So, you’re thinking of getting into drifting but don’t know where to start with your ride? Let’s be honest, not every car is cut out for sideways action. Lucky for you, the world of drifting has its own list of dream of cars that are practically born to go sideways.
"Funny story. I shot all these cars at the CSCS closer in September before I did the research for this list. And by the end of this list, I'd found that virtually every car I shot was on the list!" - Dream
If we look 'domestically' (ie. those that you can find in Canada without having to JDM import) the BMW E36, Mazda RX7s and Miata, and from Nissan the 350z and the S-chassis serise180/240SX family (yep, we’re including somes of the Silvias too) make good starter drift cars. But what exactly makes these cars the go-to choices for drifting? Let’s break it down—and back it up with some solid facts.
BMW E36 (1990-1999): The German Precision Drifter
Ok... so I'm a liar 'just for the' first car; it's not JDM, but it is definitely worth a look! You might not think of BMW when it comes to drifting, but the E36 is an unsung hero in the drift world. Here’s why:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): First things first, it’s got that critical RWD layout, which is a must for drifting. Unlike front-wheel-drive cars, RWD allows you to kick the rear end out and maintain control during a drift
Balance: BMW engineers designed the E36 with a near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution, which makes it incredibly predictable when it enters a slide . This is key for controlled drifts, letting you maintain better control compared to cars with more uneven weight distribution.
Straight-Six Engines: The E36 is famous for its range of inline-six engines, particularly the M50 and M52, which are beloved for their durability and torque. Torque is what you need to keep those rear wheels spinning through long, graceful drifts .
Affordable Mods: With the E36, you also get access to a huge aftermarket. Suspension kits, limited-slip differentials (LSDs), and even turbochargers are all readily available at reasonable prices, even if actual bimmer parts will cost you a bit more.
Nissan 350Z/Infinity G35: The Modern, Affordable Powerhouse
The 350Z is practically the poster child of 'beginner drifting' in North America, and here’s why it’s on this list:
V6 Power: The 350Z comes with a 3.5L V6 engine (VQ35DE) that delivers around 287–300 horsepower straight from the factory . That’s more than enough to kick it out and keep it sliding through tight corners, and you don’t even need to mod it to have fun.
Balanced Chassis: Like the BMW, the 350Z has a low center of gravity and a balanced chassis, making it incredibly predictable in its handling .This predictability makes it ideal for drifting because you don’t have to fight the car to keep it under control.
Aftermarket Support: The 350Z has one of the largest aftermarket scenes in the drift world. From bolt-on turbos to clutch kits, the options for modifying this car are practically endless .
Built-In LSD: Many 350Z models come with a factory LSD, which is crucial for drifting. It ensures both rear wheels get power, preventing that embarrassing one-wheel peel.
And to top it all off, the 350's are probably the cheapest cars on this list to buy used! The G35 is pretty much the same , with a touch of luxury on the interior - a great combo if you want your drift to be your daily as well.
Mazda RX7 (1978-2002): The Rotary Rocket
The RX7 isn’t just a legend because it looks cool (though it does). Its rotary engine and lightweight design make it an absolute beast for drifting:
Am I the only person crying at these before and after pictures? - Dream
Rotary Engine (13B): The RX7’s famous 13B rotary engine is lightweight and compact, making it perfect for high-revving performance . That high-revving nature gives you an insane powerband to maintain high-speed drifts without sacrificing control. This is such a powerful asset that Liberty Walk event swapped 1100hp 4-Rotar Twin Turbo into their Nissan Silvia S15 drift car.**
Lightweight: We’re talking feather-light here. The RX7 weighs significantly less than the other cars on this list, giving it a nimble, responsive feel when drifting . It’s perfect for those tight corners where you need to throw the car around win.
Front-Mid Engine Layout: This car’s unique front-mid engine layout (where the engine sits just behind the front axle) gives it incredible balance and agility . This is critical for smooth transitions when you’re switching directions during a drifting potential
**While rotary engines can be high-maintenance, they have massive tuning potential. You can easily push an RX7 to insane horsepower numbers, though you’ll want to be prepared for regular rebuilds costing in the thousands. Additionally, parts and experienced rotary technicians are darn hard to find nowadays, even at Mazda dealerships!
Nissan 180SX/240SX/Silvia (1989-1999): The Drift King’s Crown
Ah yes, the Nissan 180SX/240SX/Silvia line—basically the royalty of drift cars. In their heyday, they were a drifters dream: cheap and practically ready to go right off the showroom floor for $20,000. Now, you can get the same vehicle, 20 years older and with over 150,000 kms of love and abuse (mostly abuse), for basically the same price... the drift tax is a real thing!
SR20DET Engine (for Silvias): The SR20DET, especially in the Japanese-spec Silvia S13 and S14, is one of the most revered engines in the drift scene. Stock, it puts out around 150 hps. Turbocharged and lightweight, it’s capable of putting out 300+ horsepower with just a few modifications.
KA24DE Engine (for 240SX): For those in North America, the 240SX got the KA24DE engine. While not turbocharged, it produces great low-end torque, which is excellent for drifting. And if you get bored, there are plenty of options to turbocharge it later.
Lightweight and RWD: The 240SX and Silvia are known for being lightweight (around 2,700 pounds) and rear-wheel h is exactly what you want for drifting . That low weight means you get better agility on the track and less wear on parts.
Massive Aftermarket: Like the 350Z, the Silvias enjoy a huge aftermarket. You’ll find everything from body kits to performance parts, making it easy to build a track-ready drift car on almost any budget .
Price and Availability (the drift tax): While prices for these cars have skyrocketed in recent years, they’re still relatively affordable compared to more modern drift options. Plus, the sheer availability of parts means you won’t be out of commission for long if you ever, say, kiss a guardrail. Nevertheless, both locally and abroad, you'll find that you'll generally be paying $5-10K more than the car is actually worth.
Mazda MX-5 Miata (1989-Present): The Little Guy with Big Drift Potential
You didn’t think we could talk about JDM drift cars and not mention the Mazda MX-5 Miata, did you? The Miata has always attracted a unique brand of driver: one focussed on the joy of the driving experience. This little roadster might not be the first car that comes to mind for drifting, but don’t let its size fool you. The Miata is a capable drift machine in the right hands.
Lightweight and Rear-Wheel Drive: The Miata is super light, which means it doesn’t need a ton of power to drift. Its rear-wheel-drive layout and nimble chassis make it easy to break traction and control the car in a slide. What it lacks in horsepower, it makes up for in agility and finesse .
Affordable Fun: One of the Miata’s biggest strengths is its affordability. You can pick up an older Miata for relatively cheap, and because it’s so light, you won’t burn through tires or gas as fast as you would in something like a Skyline or Supra. It’s the budget-friendly option for getting into drifting .
Driver’s Car: The Miata has one of the most engaging and balanced chassis in automotive history, which is why it’s beloved by so many car enthusiasts. This balance translates perfectly to drifting, where control and precision are key .
True JDM drift dreams? Here are some options
Of course, we could not leave Japan out of this conversation when it comes to drifting, so here are some JDM drift legends that should be part of your dream inventory. I'm only going to mention 2 here as these are potentially the cheapest options you have without going over $20k... maybe
Toyota AE86 (1983-1987): The Iconic Lightweight Drifter
Ah, the Toyota AE86 Trueno—easily one of the most iconic cars in drifting history. Immortalized in pop culture (thanks, Initial D and the Drift King himself, Kiechi Tsuchia), the AE86 is the go-to car when you think of 1980s JDM drift legends. But beyond the anime fame, this little 'Corolla' is a serious contender on the track, and it’s still one of the most sought-after drift platforms to this day. So, expect extra drift tax well beyond the actual value of a tofu-delivering Panda Trueno.
Not knocking the effort, but your 'Trueno' sign is about to fall off
4A-GE Engine: The AE86 came equipped with Toyota’s famous 1.6-liter, naturally aspirated 4A-GE engine. While the 4A-GE only put out around 130 horsepower, it revved like crazy, giving drivers that high-revving, naturally aspirated feel that made it a joy to push to its limits. For drifting, this engine is great for maintaining momentum through corners, where technique matters more than raw power .
Lightweight and RWD: One of the biggest advantages of the AE86 is its lightweight, coming in at around 2,200 lbs. Pair that with its rear-wheel-drive layout, and you’ve got a car that’s nimble, easy to control, and perfect for beginner drifters. The AE86 might not have a ton of power, but its lightness makes it easy to throw into slides and keep control at lower speeds. From engine swaps (some people go crazy and drop in an SR20DET or even a turbocharged 4A-GE) to suspension upgrades, there’s no shortage in the aftermarket scene of ways to make this little car a drifting beast. Like most JDM legends, the AE86 has a grossly inflated drift-tax associated with it.
TRUENO vs CORROLLA
So, how does it stack up against its North American cousin? In short, poorly. While they share similar E-frames, they are very different animals, especially for drifting purposes.
In North America, most Corollas featured a front-wheel-drive layout; the AE86, on the other hand, kept the rear-wheel-drive layout, making it infinitely better suited for drifting out of the box .
Most North American Corollas came with less desirable powerplants. While the AE86 got the full 4A-GE treatment, with all the high-revving glory we know and love, most Corollas got the 4A-C carbureted version of the engine which delivered less power and performance. Finally, being designed for for daily driving than performance, Corollas received a softer and less drift-friendly suspension setup compared to AE86's stiffer performance-oriented suspension.
Toyota Chaser JZX100 (1996-2001): The Sleeper Drift Sedan
The Toyota Chaser is proof that you don’t need a coupe to dominate the drift scene. This four-door sedan is often referred to as the “family car” that drifts, but don’t let the extra doors fool you—this thing is a powerhouse.
1JZ-GTE Engine: The Chaser is equipped with Toyota’s legendary 1JZ-GTE engine of 'almost' Supra fame. It’s a 2.5-liter straight-six turbocharged monster that can pump out 280 horsepower in stock form. With a few mods (and by "a few," I mean "turning up the boost and upgrading the turbo"), you can easily push that well beyond 400 horsepower .
RWD and Long Wheelbase: The Chaser’s rear-wheel-drive layout is perfect for drifting, and the long wheelbase gives you stability when you’re throwing the car into high-speed slides. This makes it less twitchy compared to shorter-wheelbase cars like the 240SX .
A True Sleeper: What makes the Chaser so cool is that it doesn’t scream “drift car” on first glance. It’s subtle, understated, and comfortable enough to daily drive—until you get sideways and make everyone wonder how a four-door sedan just shredded the track.
Evo 9 - the big lie from Tokyo Drift
When you're drifting, you do not want all-wheel-drive (AWD) traction.
Source: https://fr.gta5-mods.com/paintjobs/mitsubishi-lancer-evolution-the-fast-and-the-furious-tokyo-drift
"The Evo is not a drift car, and they had to make it work, which required a lot of modifications." - Craig Leiberman
Seriously, if you want a full breakdown, watch his YouTube video on this. It's brilliant!
Is it worth it?
So, what makes CSCS events worth the effort? Aside from the thrill of sideways action, it’s the community. Everyone is there for the same reason: they love cars, and they love driving them hard. You don’t have to be the best, but you do have to be passionate. Plus, CSCS events give you a chance to test your skills in front of a crowd—because let’s be honest, nothing beats nailing a perfect drift in front of hundreds of spectators.
Have you been drifting? Do you have a wicked ride and a shot you want to share? Post it below in the comments!
~ Dream
BTW: Anyone looking for me to recommend a Mustang or a Camaro should check the title of this website ;) That said, there were only 1-2 sites recommending 'any' North American car compared to hundreds immediately shouting out Japanese brands
- Dream
Sources:
10 Best Drift Cars: Top Choices For Mastering The Art Of Drifting - CarBuzz
16 of the Best Drift Cars -Road and Track
CSCS Official Website. Event Pricing and Overview.Drift Jam Facebook Group. Community and Event Details.
ClubLoose Official Website. Drift Clinic Information.
Canadian Drifting History. The Drive, June 2020.
"The Complete Guide to Drifting." Drifted, 2023. Drifted.com
"BMW E36 Review – An Affordable Classic." BimmerLife, 2022. BimmerLife.com
"BMW E36 M3: The Ultimate Driving Machine." Car Throttle, 2021. CarThrottle.com
"The BMW E36: The Best Affordable Drift Car?" Drifted, 2022. Drifted.com
"Nissan 350Z Buyer’s Guide." MotorTrend, 2021. MotorTrend.com
"Nissan 350Z Review." Road & Track, 2023. RoadandTrack.com
"350Z Drifting Guide." ZGarage, 2022. ZGarage.com
"Nissan 350Z LSD: Everything You Need to Know." Drift HQ, 2023. DriftHQ.com
"Mazda RX7 Rotary Engine Breakdown." RotaryTech, 2023. RotaryTech.com
"Mazda RX7 Lightweight Engineering." SuperStreetOnline, 2022. SuperStreetOnline.com
"RX7 Engine Placement and Drifting Performance." DriftHQ, 2023. DriftHQ.com
"Tuning Your RX7 for Drift." TorqueGT, 2023. TorqueGT.com
"SR20DET Engine Overview." DriftWorks, 2022. DriftWorks.com
"Liberty Walk Silvia Rotary Engine Swap." Speedhunters, 2021. Speedhunters.com
"Tokyo Auto Salon Debut: Rotary Silvia." SuperStreetOnline, 2021. SuperStreetOnline.com
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