Nissan Cefiro A31: Japan's Underrated Drift Weapon
The Nissan Cefiro A31 emerged in 1988 as a luxury sedan, but quickly became a favorite in the Japanese drift scene for its RB20DET engine, rear-wheel drive layout, and spacious chassis. This four-door sleeper offered drift enthusiasts an affordable platform with serious performance potential, combining Nissan's legendary RB series powerplant with a well-balanced chassis that rewarded skilled drivers. While often overshadowed by its Skyline and Silvia siblings, the Cefiro A31 has earned respect in drift competitions worldwide as a versatile, budget-friendly drift car with exceptional tuning potential.
RB Power and Platform Strengths
The Cefiro A31 came factory-equipped with the RB20DET inline-six engine producing around 205 horsepower, giving it plenty of power for drift action straight from the showroom. The rear-wheel drive configuration, multi-link rear suspension, and responsive steering made it an ideal candidate for sideways action. The sedan's longer wheelbase provides stability during transitions, while the factory limited-slip differential options ensure proper power delivery to the rear wheels. Drift drivers appreciate the A31's predictable handling characteristics and the robust build quality typical of early '90s Nissan engineering.
Engine Swap Paradise
What makes the Cefiro A31 truly special in drift culture is its incredible engine swap potential. The chassis readily accepts more powerful RB series engines including the RB25DET and the legendary RB26DETT from the Skyline GT-R, transforming this luxury sedan into a tire-shredding monster. The engine bay layout and mounting points align perfectly with other RB-powered Nissans, making swaps relatively straightforward for experienced builders. Many drift teams choose the A31 specifically for budget RB26 swap projects, creating 500+ horsepower drift missiles for a fraction of the cost of a genuine Skyline GT-R.
Affordable Drift Platform Legacy
The Nissan Cefiro A31 represents exceptional value in the drift car market, offering RB series power and proven Nissan engineering at prices significantly lower than S-chassis or Skyline models. Its four-door configuration provides practicality alongside performance, making it a popular choice for street-driven drift builds. The growing Cefiro drift community shares knowledge about suspension setups, angle kit installations, and optimal weight reduction techniques. While finding clean examples outside Japan requires patience, the A31's reputation as an underrated drift weapon continues to grow among enthusiasts seeking authentic Japanese drift culture without premium pricing.