Subaru Drift Cars: AWD Heritage Meets Sideways Action
Subaru has carved a unique path in drift culture, transitioning from rally-bred all-wheel-drive legends to purpose-built rear-wheel-drive drift machines. The brand's boxer engine architecture and rally championship pedigree bring distinctive characteristics to the drift scene, with the modern BRZ leading a new generation of affordable sideways heroes while WRX and STI models undergo dramatic AWD-to-RWD conversions for competition.
BRZ: Purpose-Built Drift Platform
The Subaru BRZ represents a paradigm shift for the brand—a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports car engineered specifically for driving enthusiasts. Co-developed with Toyota (sold as the GR86), the BRZ features a low center of gravity thanks to its horizontally-opposed boxer engine, near-perfect 53/47 weight distribution, and a chassis designed for precision drifting. The naturally aspirated FA engine delivers linear power delivery ideal for learning drift techniques, while the affordable price point and vast aftermarket support make it the go-to choice for grassroots drifters. Professional drivers praise its predictable handling and easy transition from grip to slip, making it a dominant force in Formula Drift and amateur competitions worldwide.
WRX/STI: Rally Legends Go Sideways
Converting Subaru's iconic all-wheel-drive WRX and STI models into rear-wheel-drive drift machines has become a popular undertaking among serious drifters seeking the legendary EJ25 turbocharged boxer engine's massive torque. These conversions typically involve removing the front differential, installing custom rear subframes, and fabricating new driveshafts to create competitive drift cars that retain Subaru's signature rumble and rally-bred durability. The STI's robust 6-speed transmission and advanced limited-slip differentials translate well to drift applications, while the wide body and aggressive stance provide the perfect canvas for drift builds. Notable builds have achieved podium finishes in professional drifting, proving that Subaru's AWD platforms can successfully compete in RWD-only competition.
Boxer Engine: Unique Drift Characteristics
Subaru's signature horizontally-opposed boxer engine architecture offers distinct advantages for drift applications. The flat engine design lowers the vehicle's center of gravity by several inches compared to traditional inline or V-configuration engines, improving weight transfer dynamics and making the car more responsive to steering inputs during high-angle maneuvers. The engine's low-mounted position allows for better suspension geometry and more predictable weight distribution when transitioning between drift zones. While the boxer layout presents unique challenges for turbo placement and exhaust routing in high-horsepower builds, the platform's inherent balance and compact dimensions have made Subaru drift cars increasingly competitive in both grassroots and professional drift racing circuits.