Forza Motorsport, the all-new racing simulation in the Forza series, has opened its doors for players to immerse themselves into the tire-shedding, smoke-swirling world of car drifting. Drifting is a thrilling and high-skill motorsport that demands precision, balance, and an intimate understanding of the vehicle’s behavior.
Selecting the right car and achieving a balance between power, handling, and control are essential for mastering the art of drifting in Forza Motorsport. By focusing on a car’s key attributes, such as drivetrain, engine power, and handling characteristics, players can navigate through the adrenaline-fueled world of virtual drifting in Forza Motorsport with confidence and finesse.
Criteria for Selecting the Best Drift Car
While it's possible to drift with any car in Forza Motorsport, certain vehicles are better suited for drifting due to their specific setup. Agile cars equipped with a front engine and rear-wheel drive (RWD) are the ideal choice for drifting. RWD cars are easier to control when navigating sharp turns and corners as the rear tires receive more power. The front engine configuration helps distribute the car's weight, enabling players to swing the tail of the car during a drift.
To identify the engine position and determine the power distribution to the wheels, players should navigate to “More Details” when selecting a car. This opens up a comprehensive specs overview of the vehicle. Just below the car’s name is a small diagram illustrating whether the car has front-wheel drive (FWD), rear-wheel drive (RWD), or all-wheel drive (AWD). The engine's location is indicated by a small white dot between the tires on the diagram. Players must ensure that this dot is positioned between the front two tires for optimal drifting.
Best Drift Cars in Forza Motorsport
Listed below are the best car models for drifting in Forza Motorsport.
Ford
Several performance-oriented Ford models, like the Mustang GT, Mustang SVO, Mustang Boss 302, Mustang GT Coupe, and Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback feature RWD setups and powerful V8 engines that deliver high levels of torque. This combination makes these vehicles an ideal choice for drifting.
Mazda
These classic sports cars designed with a lightweight chassis are ideal choices for drifting. Models like the Mazda RX-8 R3, Mazda RX-7, Mazda RX-7 GSL-SE, and the Mazda RX-3 feature an RWD configuration and are easy to control during drifts.
Mercedes
Mercedes-Benz's AMG division produces vehicles with powerful front engines and RWD configurations, making them well-suited for controlled power slides. Cars like the Mercedes AMG ONE, AMG GT Black Series, AMG GT R, AMG E63 S, and AMG C S Coupe 63 Forza Edition are all excellent choices for drifting. However, beginners may have difficulty drifting these vehicles due to their size and bulk, which can reduce their responsiveness and agility.
Nissan
The 2023 Nissan Z and Nissan 240SX SE are both equipped with powerful front engines and feature an RWD configuration. These cars have a well-balanced chassis for drifting, and their responsive steering makes it easier for drivers to control their slides and earn car points.
Toyota
Toyota's cars are one of the most famous vehicles in the history of drifting. Iconic models like the Toyota Supra 2.0 GT, Supra RZ, and GR Supra feature wide bodies and are equipped with RWD setups, making them excellent choices for drifting.
Tuning and Upgrading the Car
Players can further fine-tune and upgrade their selected car to optimize it for drifting in Forza Motorsport. These modifications focus on suspension adjustments, enhancing tire grip and balancing torque and horsepower to enhance a car’s drift performance. A Sport tire paired with a Drift suspension provides maximum road adhesion for precise control during drifts.
Tire tuning is crucial in achieving the right balance of grip. Lowering the pressure increases grip, while a slightly higher pressure reduces grip, making the tires less sticky. Higher pressure can make it easier to control the car's slide, preventing the tires from gripping too strongly and ending the drift prematurely. The ideal tire pressure for drifting ultimately comes down to the player’s personal preference, the specific car, and the type of tires being used. Additionally, players can adjust the Camber on the tires to refine their cornering.
Ensure all wheels spin uniformly by maxing out both the Acceleration and Deceleration Bars.
Best Driving Assists for Drifting
For a smooth drifting experience, players should consider the following Driving Assists:
- Suggested Line: Turning Off the line guide allows players to develop their own racing lines and braking zones.
- Braking: Turning the ABS Off allows players to have complete control over the braking force. However, players who need some assistance to prevent wheels from locking up can turn ABS On while drifting.
- Throttle: Using an Unassisted throttle provides players with full control over the vehicle's power and speed during drifting.
- Steering: Drifting is easier with the steering set to Normal. However, if players are up for a challenge, they can switch to the Simulation mode.
- Traction and Stability: Turning these controls Off is recommended for players who want to drift their vehicle with more freedom.
- Shifting: A Manual transmission is considered better for drifting as it allows the driver to have more direct control over gear selection.
Forza Motorsport is now available for PC, Xbox Game Pass, and Xbox Series X|S consoles.