Can You Drift an Automatic Car?

Drifting with an automatic car might seem impossible, but with the right conditions and car setup, it can be achieved. Discover how to drift an automatic car, the differences between power sliding and drifting, and which cars are best suited for this thrilling driving technique.

Understanding Drifting in Automatic Cars

The concept of drifting an automatic car has always intrigued enthusiasts. Despite the challenges, certain conditions and car setups can make drifting possible. Drifting, for those unfamiliar, involves intentionally causing a car to break traction and slide sideways through controlled use of the throttle and steering. This can be achieved in front wheel drive (FWD) cars but is more challenging due to the nature of FWD and modern safety features like traction control. However, with the right setup, even automatic cars can provide an exhilarating drifting experience.

How to Drift an Automatic Car

To drift an automatic car, it's essential to understand the process:

High-Performance Setup: Modifying your car with a higher stall torque converter can help in creating a drift-friendly setup. Driving Technique: Power sliding involves driving with the throttle while intentionally losing traction, and then drifting by cutting the power. Car Selection: Rear-wheel-drive (RWD) cars, especially from the 1990s like the Mustang or Camaro, are ideal. These cars have better weight distribution and performance characteristics suitable for drifting. Driving Conditions: Drifting is more manageable on icy or slippery surfaces, where control and predictability are easier to manage.

Why Drift in an Automatic Car?

Drifting in an automatic car can be challenging, but it's not entirely impossible. Here are a few reasons why one might want to drift an automatic car:

Thrust and Control: Older RWD cars with high stall torque converters can provide the necessary thrust for controlled sliding. Higher Stall Torque Converter: Using a higher stall converter helps in achieving the necessary torque for multiple gear shifts while spinning the tires. Front vs. Rear Wheel Drive: Front-wheel-drive cars are inherently less drift-friendly, making rear-wheel-drive cars more favorable for drifting.

Comparing FWD and RWD Cars for Drifting

Front-wheel-drive (FWD) cars are more difficult to drift due to the power distribution system, whereas rear-wheel-drive (RWD) cars are generally easier to drift. Here's a comparison:

Front-Wheel-Drive (FWD) Rear-Wheel-Drive (RWD) Power comes through the front wheels, making them harder to use in a drift. Power comes through the rear wheels, making them more suitable for drifts. Modern safety features like traction control and anti-lock brakes make FWD cars less controllable during drifting. RWD cars have a more straightforward setup for initiating a drift.

Conclusion

Drifting in an automatic car can be done, but it requires the right vehicle and driving conditions. RWD cars, especially those from the 1990s, are the ideal choice for drifting. With a properly modified car and a skilled driver, you can achieve the exhilarating experience of controlled sliding. Whether you're a car enthusiast or a skilled driver, experimenting with drifting can be both fun and rewarding.