Hey GTA 5 fans! Are you looking to tear up the streets of Los Santos with some amazing drifts but don't want to blow all your in-game cash? You've come to the right place! This guide will walk you through the best cheap drifting cars in GTA 5, helping you slide like a pro without emptying your wallet. Get ready to master the art of drifting and impress your friends with these budget-friendly beasts.

Why Choose Cheap Drifting Cars?

Before we dive into the list, let’s talk about why opting for cheaper cars is a smart move for drifting. First off, GTA 5 can be an expensive game, and saving money where you can is always a good idea. But beyond that, cheaper cars often offer a unique drifting experience. They might not have the raw power of supercars, but their lighter weight and less sophisticated handling can make them surprisingly fun and challenging to drift. Plus, you won’t feel as bad when you inevitably crash them into a wall or two!

Another great reason to choose cheap drifting cars is that they allow you to focus on developing your skills. When you're not relying on pure horsepower, you'll learn to finesse the car, control your throttle, and master the art of weight transfer. This will make you a much better drifter in the long run. Plus, you can customize these cars to your liking without breaking the bank. So, let's get started and find the perfect cheap drifting car for you!

Top Contenders for Cheap Drifting in GTA 5

Alright, let’s get down to business! Here are some of the best cheap cars for drifting in GTA 5, perfect for beginners and seasoned pros alike:

1. Karin Futo

The Karin Futo is a legendary choice for anyone looking to get into drifting on a budget. Priced at just $9,000, this little hatchback is an absolute steal. What makes it so good for drifting? Well, it's rear-wheel drive, lightweight, and has a relatively weak engine. This combination means you can easily break traction and initiate drifts without needing a ton of speed. The Futo is also highly customizable, allowing you to tweak its performance and appearance to your liking.

With the Karin Futo, you'll find that mastering the basics of drifting becomes much easier. Its forgiving nature allows you to make mistakes and learn from them without ending up in a catastrophic crash every time. Plus, its small size makes it nimble and easy to maneuver through tight corners. Don't let its unassuming appearance fool you; the Karin Futo is a drift king in disguise. Whether you're just starting out or looking for a fun and challenging car to hone your skills, the Futo is an excellent choice. Experiment with different suspension and tire setups to find what works best for you and get ready to spend hours sliding around Los Santos!

2. Declasse Drift Tampa

Next up, we have the Declasse Drift Tampa. This car is a bit more expensive than the Futo, coming in at $995,000. However, for the price, the Drift Tampa offers a fantastic balance of performance and style. As the name suggests, this car is specifically designed for drifting, featuring a powerful engine, responsive handling, and a sleek, sporty look.

The Declasse Drift Tampa is an excellent choice for those who want a car that's ready to drift right out of the box. Its pre-tuned suspension and high-performance tires make it easy to initiate and maintain drifts, even at high speeds. Plus, its powerful engine ensures you'll have plenty of torque to spin those rear wheels. While it may be more expensive than some of the other cars on this list, the Drift Tampa is well worth the investment if you're serious about drifting. It offers a level of performance and refinement that's hard to find in cheaper cars, making it a joy to drive and a formidable competitor on the drift track. With its aggressive styling and impressive capabilities, the Drift Tampa is sure to turn heads wherever you go.

3. Annis ZR-350

Another fantastic option for drifting on a budget is the Annis ZR-350. This car costs around $1,615,000. The ZR-350 is a stylish and capable car that's perfect for both street drifting and competitive events. Its balanced handling and responsive engine make it a joy to drive, while its sleek design ensures you'll look good while doing it.

The Annis ZR-350 is a versatile car that can be easily customized to suit your drifting style. Its rear-wheel-drive layout and well-tuned suspension make it easy to initiate and control drifts, while its powerful engine provides plenty of power to keep the wheels spinning. Whether you're sliding around corners in the city or competing in a drift competition, the ZR-350 is up to the task. Plus, its stylish design and wide range of customization options allow you to create a car that's truly your own. If you're looking for a car that offers both performance and style, the Annis ZR-350 is an excellent choice.

4. Dinka RT3000

The Dinka RT3000 is a great choice for players who want a blend of style and performance without breaking the bank. It costs around $1,715,000 and stands out with its sporty design and responsive handling. Its rear-wheel-drive setup and balanced weight distribution make it a solid contender for drifting.

The Dinka RT3000 is known for its ability to maintain smooth and controlled drifts. The car’s responsive steering and decent power allow for precise maneuvering, making it easier to link drifts together. Upgrading the suspension and tires can further enhance its drifting capabilities, giving you an edge on the streets or the track. With its eye-catching aesthetics and impressive performance, the Dinka RT3000 is a fun and competitive option for any aspiring drifter.

5. Albany Hermes

The Albany Hermes, priced around $535,000 is a classic, vintage-style car that offers a unique drifting experience. While it might not be the most modern or high-performance option, its rear-wheel-drive layout and relatively low grip make it surprisingly fun to slide around corners.

The Albany Hermes requires a bit more finesse and skill to drift effectively, but that's part of its charm. Its vintage design adds a touch of class to your drifting adventures, and its unique handling characteristics make it a rewarding car to master. If you're looking for something different from the typical sports cars and tuners, the Albany Hermes is definitely worth a try. It’s a stylish and challenging option for those who appreciate a bit of old-school flair.

Tuning Tips for Drifting

Once you’ve picked your ride, it’s time to hit the mod shop! Here are some essential tuning tips to maximize your drifting potential:

• Suspension: Lowering your car and stiffening the suspension will reduce body roll and improve handling. Experiment with different settings to find what works best for your driving style.
• Tires: Upgrading to low-grip tires will make it easier to break traction and initiate drifts. Conversely, higher-grip tires can help you maintain control once you're sliding.
• Brakes: Adjusting your brake bias towards the rear can help you lock up the rear wheels and initiate drifts more easily. A hydraulic handbrake is also a great addition for more advanced drifting techniques.
• Engine: While you don't need a ton of horsepower for drifting, having enough torque to spin the rear wheels is essential. Upgrade your engine to improve its responsiveness and power output.
• Transmission: A close-ratio gearbox can help you stay in the optimal rev range for drifting, allowing you to maintain consistent wheel speed and control.

Where to Practice Drifting in GTA 5

Now that you’ve got your car and your tune, it’s time to find some good spots to practice drifting. Here are a few of my favorite locations in Los Santos:

• The Los Santos Docks: This area is full of wide-open spaces and tight corners, perfect for practicing your drifting skills. Plus, the industrial setting looks great in screenshots and videos.
• The Mount Chiliad Descent: This winding mountain road is a classic spot for drifting. Be careful of the steep drop-offs, but the challenging corners will help you hone your skills.
• The Airport: The Los Santos International Airport has plenty of wide-open tarmac, making it a great place to practice high-speed drifts and donuts.
• The City Streets: Of course, you can always practice drifting on the streets of Los Santos. Just be mindful of traffic and pedestrians, and try not to attract too much attention from the cops.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! The best cheap drifting cars in GTA 5 to get you started on your drifting journey. Remember, drifting is all about practice and experimentation, so don't be afraid to try different cars, tunes, and techniques until you find what works best for you. With a little bit of dedication, you'll be sliding like a pro in no time. Now get out there and tear up those streets! Happy drifting!