Best Beginner Cars In CarX Drift Racing Online

Forget about the advanced tuning for now and kick-start your CarX Drift Racing Online career with our top beginner-friendly choices.

If you’re short on time, here are our top picks sorted by price (low to high):

1. Hachi Roku (Toyota AE86)
2. Bimmy P30 (BMW M3 E30)
3. Hachi Go (Toyota Corolla AE85)
4. Wutend (BMW M3 E36)
5. Phoenix NX (Nissan 180SX/240SX)
6. Caravan G6 (Volvo 240 Estate)
7. Lynx (Mazda RX-8)
8. Horizon GT4 (Nissan Skyline GT-R R34)
9. Wanderer L30 (Toyota Supra A80)
10. Cobra GT530 (Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R)

The original CarX Drift Racing game debuted as a compact demo on the iOS App Store in November 2014, quickly rising to the top of the global mobile gaming charts.

Its success came from stunning maps, a comprehensive car collection, and arguably the most impressive drifting physics ever seen on mobile platforms. Although titles like Real Car Drift Racing and Drift Max had previously dominated the market, CarX Drift Racing set a new benchmark in the mobile drift game sector.

Following this initial success, the team at CarX Technologies built upon its unique and impressive physics engine rather than licensing it to other developers.

This decision led to the expansion of CarX into a full-fledged series with the release of CarX Drift Racing 2, CarX Highway Racing, CarX Street, and the widely popular CarX Drift Racing Online, which was later available on PC and consoles, offering the ultimate drifting experience for CarX enthusiasts.

The Best Cars For Beginners In CarX Drift Racing Online

While experienced players and YouTubers will recommend mastering tuning settings to achieve the ultimate setup, this approach can be overwhelming for newcomers still learning the basics.

These beginner-friendly cars are ideal for learning the fundamentals so you can focus on the fun stuff, like actually learning how to drive without spinning out at every corner.

Once you’ve got the hang of keeping your car on the track (mostly), you can start playing around with some basic upgrades. Put those credits you’ve racked up from not crashing to gradually boost your power and handling to good use.

When you’re ready to take things to the next level, consider trying pre-made tuning setups or venturing into the in-depth world of car tuning. However, the whole point of this guide is to keep things straightforward for now.

So, let’s take a look at our top recommendations for beginners. We’ve sorted these by price to help you find the perfect car according to your budget.

Hachi Roku (Toyota AE86)

• Top Speed: 174 km/h
• Acceleration: 7.42 sec (0-100 km/h)
• Power: 190 HP
• Torque: 5,200 RPM
• Weight: 950kg
• Transmission: RWD
• PRICE: FREE (Default in-game car)

The Hachi Roku is the free default car in the game, and this solid starting point proves that you don’t need to splash the cash to learn the art of drifting. The lightweight chassis is responsive and forgiving, perfect for newcomers trying to get a feel for sliding around corners.

We recommend aiming for a drift angle between 35 – 45 degrees with the STOCK tuning. This sweet spot will help you rack up points and get the most out of the drift score multiplier.

The car’s respectable acceleration keeps you at a stable speed, but once you start aiming for bigger tracks and layouts, you’ll want to consider making some simple power upgrades due to the lack of top-end output.

From there, handling upgrades will help remove the body roll and improve the car’s ability in the twisties, and before you know it, you’ll be running walls with ease.

In the real world, the ‘Hachi Roku’ in CarX is better known as the Toyota AE86. It was the weapon of choice for Keiichi Tsuchiya, nicknamed the “Drift King” and widely regarded as the pioneer of drifting as we know it today.

The car’s fame extends beyond the track, too. Anime fans might also recognize it as the star car driven by Takumi in the Initial D series.

Bimmy P30 (BMW M3 E30)

• Top Speed: 222 km/h
• Acceleration: 6.79 sec (0-100 km/h)
• Power: 206 HP
• Torque: 4,181 RPM
• Weight: 1,196kg
• Transmission: RWD
• PRICE: $50,000

If you’ve been struggling to hold those wide drift angles, this car could be a top pick. Its lightweight chassis and impressive STOCK max drift angle of 50 degrees make it much harder to spin out.

The Bimmy P30’s acceleration and power are on the modest side, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s ideal for honing your skills at wider angles without fearing overcooking it.

If you feel you’re lacking in power, consider making some subtle upgrades under the hood, but don’t go too crazy until you’ve got the hang of things, or you’ll likely have a whole new challenge on your hands with too much power.

In the real world, the Bimmy P30 is known as the BMW E30 M3 and was once a top choice in European drifting competitions before they mostly got totaled and became super rare and expensive. Thankfully, you don’t have to worry about the real-world, modern-day price tag at a reasonable $50,000.

Hachi Go (Toyota Corolla AE85)

• Top Speed: 224 km/h
• Acceleration: 5.36 sec (0-100 km/h)
• Power: 226 HP
• Torque: 4,600 RPM
• Weight: 950kg
• Transmission: RWD
• PRICE: $50,000

This Hachi Go is essentially a high-performance version of the free Hachi Roku in the game, so if you like the feel of that and don’t want to mess around with tuning or upgrades, it could be a perfect choice.

It boasts a higher top speed and significantly quicker acceleration. Despite the power boost, it retains the lightweight feel of its sibling, making it a breeze to initiate drifts and transition, even at angles exceeding 50 degrees – a feat many other drift cars in the game struggle with.

We recommend keeping your drift angle between 40 and 52 degrees for the STOCK setup. This range will help you maximize your score multiplier and rack up those points.

The Hachi Go offers an incredibly fun ride right out of the box, offering a perfect balance of control and power for beginner or intermediate drifters looking beyond the Hachi Roku.

In the real world, the Hachi Go is based on the Toyota AE85, which is often overshadowed by its more famous sibling, the AE86. Interestingly, the real-world AE85 has significantly less power than the 4A-GE-powered AE86, yet the opposite is true in CarX – perhaps because it’s a premium offering compared to the free starter car. Who knows?

While it’s not as common at drift events, the rarity of the AE85 is still hugely respected among drifting enthusiasts worldwide. In CarX, it’s a fantastic option for players ready to step up from the Hachi Roku without diving into the deep end of high-powered drift machines.

Wutend (BMW M3 E36)

• Top Speed: 223 km/h
• Acceleration: 5.16 sec (0-100 km/h)
• Power: 354 HP
• Torque: 4,714 RPM
• Weight: 1,460 kg
• Transmission: RWD
• PRICE: $100,000

The Wutend is a well-rounded drifter, boasting an excellent balance of speed and acceleration. Its near-perfect weight distribution allows for effortless drift initiation and smooth transitions through even the most challenging track sections.

With STOCK tuning, the Wutend shines in handling and control. You’ll find it easy to rack up drift multipliers when maintaining speeds between 60-80 km/h and holding drift angles of 40-50 degrees. This sweet spot allows for consistent, controllable, satisfying, and high-scoring slides.

Thanks to its balanced chassis and responsive acceleration, it can pull off 360-degree spins once you’ve perfected your skills. These become feasible once you’ve hit speeds of around 105 km/h, adding another challenge to conquer in the quest for mastery.

In the real world, the Wutend is based on the BMW M3 E36, a worthy successor of the E30 in the M3 lineage. It offers increased engine power and refined handling compared to its predecessors.

Like the E30, the E36 M3 also earned significant popularity in European and American drifting circles, largely due to the wide availability of aftermarket parts that make it relatively easy to convert into a competition-ready drift car. Its impressive inline-six engine and rear-wheel-drive layout provide an excellent foundation for drift builds.

Today, drivers such as Adam LZ, Conor Shanahan, and Rome Charpentier continue to use the E36 as their chassis of choice (albeit with engine swaps) in the Formula DRIFT series despite being almost 35 years old, proving just how perfect this car is at going sideways.

Phoenix NX (Nissan 180SX/240SX)

• Top Speed: 172 km/h
• Acceleration: 5.82 sec (0-100 km/h)
• Power: 326 HP
• Torque: 4000 RPM
• Weight: 1,250 kg
• Transmission: RWD
• PRICE: $100,000

The Phoenix NX is widely regarded as one of the best starter cars in CarX, and for good reason. It strikes an excellent balance between powerful acceleration and a medium-weight chassis, allowing for snappy transitions even at higher speeds. This combination makes it an ideal platform for confident beginners to develop their skills and for intermediates to push their limits.

With STOCK tuning, the Phoenix NX shines when you maintain a drift angle between 40-45 degrees. Hit this sweet spot, and you’ll quickly build up to that coveted 5X drift multiplier, racking up impressive scores before you know it.

Thanks to its acceleration, the Phoenix NX is more than capable of pulling off 360-degree spins. These become feasible once you’ve hit speeds of around 100 km/h, but they’ll certainly take some practice.

In the real world, the Phoenix NX is based on the Nissan 180SX (also known as the 240SX in the US market). The iconic Silvia is a staple of Japanese car culture and has been a common sight in street drifting and competitions since the 1990s.

Its popularity in the drifting scene stems from its turbocharged engine options (in the Japanese variant) and well-balanced handling characteristics.

The 180SX/240SX platform remains highly sought after by drift enthusiasts worldwide, thanks to its tuning potential and the availability of aftermarket parts, with the 180SX being the more desirable of the two. The Phoenix NX and its real-life counterpart are proven performers in the art of going sideways.

Caravan G6 (Volvo 240 Estate)

• Top Speed: 191 km/h
• Acceleration: 6.15 sec (0-100 km/h)
• Power: 265 HP
• Torque: 3,697 RPM
• Weight: 1,465 kg
• Transmission: RWD
• PRICE: $100,000

The Caravan G6, CarX’s take on the Volvo 240 Estate, is an unexpected hero for beginner drifters. Its unique styling makes it a cool choice for those looking to stand out, but don’t be fooled – this boxy beast is no pushover in drifting.

In STOCK configuration, we’ve found the sweet spot to be around 40 degrees of drift angle. It’s worth noting that the Caravan G6’s weight makes it one of the more challenging cars to master initially, especially when it comes to weight-shifting during transitions.

Once you get the hang of it, you can use the G6 as an asset, as some people may find its size challenging to follow during tandem runs, giving you an advantage. But watch out for that back-end, as it’s much longer than the other cars you might have driven!

Without extensive mods, you won’t be pulling off any 360s in this wagon, but that’s not what it’s about. Instead focus on smooth, controlled drifts and looking cool while doing it.

In the real world, it’s known as the Volvo 240 Estate, and it isn’t a common sight in drifting due to its boxy design and heavy chassis. However, in CarX, it’s a different story, and it’s the perfect way to show off your newfound skills while earning admiration for getting to grips with something a little quirky and different.

Lynx (Mazda RX-8)

• Top Speed: 268 km/h
• Acceleration: 4.71 sec (0-100 km/h)
• Power: 398 HP
• Torque: 5,500 RPM
• Weight: 1,350 kg
• Transmission: RWD
• PRICE: $100,000

The Lynx is a fantastic all-rounder in CarX. It boasts excellent weight distribution and packs a punch in the power department, outshining many cars in its price range.

With STOCK tuning, the Lynx’s sweet spot for drifting lies between 40-50 degrees, and thanks to its powerful engine, it’s more than capable of pulling off 360-degree spins once you’ve got the know-how.

Its shorter wheelbase and compact design make it feel much smaller than many of the cars in the game, especially when compared to the previously mentioned Caravan G6!

In the real world, the Lynx is based on the Mazda RX-8, a marvel of Mazda’s engineering featuring their unique rotary engine. While it may not pack the same turbocharged punch as its predecessor, the RX-7, it’s known for its balanced handling and distinctive high-revving rotary noises that we simply can’t get enough of.

Horizon GT4 (Nissan Skyline GT-R R34)

• Top Speed: 194 km/h
• Acceleration: 5.63 sec (0-100 km/h)
• Power: 330 HP
• Torque: 4,445 RPM
• Weight: 1,500 kg
• Transmission: RWD
• PRICE: $250,000

Once you’ve built up some in-game cash, the Horizon GT4 is a prime candidate for upgrades. This digital homage to the Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R offers a solid mix of acceleration and drift handling right out of the box, making it a favorite among CarX drift enthusiasts.

In STOCK configuration, the Horizon GT4 can easily initiate drifts and master transitions, thanks to its well-balanced weight distribution and respectable engine power. The car’s sweet spot lies around a 50-degree drift angle. You’ll likely need quick reflexes to avoid spinning out if you push beyond this.

What sets the Horizon GT4 apart is its upgrade potential. You can transform this already capable drifter into a tire-shredding monster with the right tuning once you get better at the game. Focus on boosting power and tweaking the suspension to unlock its potential.

As you progress, the Horizon GT4 becomes increasingly responsive, allowing for more aggressive entries and smoother transitions. This makes it perfect for beginner, intermediate, and advanced drifters.

In the real world, the Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R is a JDM legend. It is famous for its appearance in the “Fast and Furious” franchise, and its highly tunable RB26DETT engine is known for producing over 1,000 horsepower.

While the actual car comes with all-wheel drive, many drift enthusiasts convert them to rear-wheel drive for competition use, a setup that CarX replicates to give you the ultimate virtual drifting experience.

Wanderer L30 (Toyota Supra A80)

• Top Speed: 182 km/h
• Acceleration: 8.59 sec (0-100 km/h)
• Power: 249 HP
• Torque: 4,800 RPM
• Weight: 1,510 kg
• Transmission: RWD
• Price: $1,000,000

This digital incarnation of the iconic Toyota Supra is a powerhouse out of the gate. It offers an excellent balance of weight distribution and acceleration, making it a favorite among beginners and seasoned virtual drifters.

However, it has a hefty price tag, four times that of the Skyline above, despite having less power and more weight. That said, it has its much-loved unique styling that can’t be replicated.

Even with STOCK tuning, the Wanderer L30 lets you initiate drifts effortlessly and maintain control at impressively wide angles. It shines in its ability to hold stable drifts up to a whopping 55 degrees without spinning out, and this stability makes it an ideal platform for learning and perfecting your drift techniques.

Despite not being as powerful as expected, the Wanderer L30’s forgiving nature doesn’t mean it lacks excitement. Its responsive handling allows for quick transitions and precise control, allowing you to string together complex drift combinations easily. If you want more power, you’ll need to consider upgrades and tuning, enabling you to turn it into a tire-shredding monster.

In the real world, the Toyota Supra, which inspired the Wanderer L30, is another JDM icon. The legendary 2JZ-GTE engine under the hood is best known for its tuning potential. It’s capable of frequently pushing out well over 1,000 horsepower, making it one of the most sought-after engines in the drifting world.

In recent years, its prominent role in “The Fast and the Furious” franchise has further cemented its status in car culture. While the game version might not pack the same punch in STOCK form, it captures the spirit of this drift legend, offering players a taste of what makes the Supra so special.

Cobra GT530 (Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R)

• Top Speed: 283 km/h
• Acceleration: 4.28 sec (0-100 km/h)
• Power: 594 HP
• Torque: 4,773 RPM
• Weight: 1,646 kg
• Transmission: RWD
• PRICE: $1,000,000

The Cobra GT530 might have the heftiest price tag on our list, but ‘Stang enthusiasts will argue that it’s worth every virtual credit. The Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R inspires this powerhouse that’ll take you from beginner to pro.

The Cobra GT530 is a sweet drifter, even with STOCK tuning. Its huge engine power, responsive brakes, and excellent weight distribution make controlling drifts a joy. The car naturally settles into a 50-degree drift angle, providing a stable platform for extended slides without the fear of spinning out. However, you’ll need to master the brakes when carrying high speeds into corners to keep this muscle car in check.

What sets the Cobra GT530 apart is its versatility. This car adapts effortlessly when tackling tight technical sections or long sweeping corners. Its powerful engine allows quick acceleration, while the responsive handling lets you transition smoothly.

Although 594 HP will be plenty of power for just about every scenario, you can still make further upgrades if you wish. Once you’ve upped your skills, further tuning will ensure that this car takes you to the top of the leaderboards and tapping on your friends’ doors in the tandem lobbies.

In the real world, the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R, which inspired the Cobra GT530, features a roaring V8 engine and carries the legacy of Carroll Shelby’s vision for high-performance Mustangs.

While traditionally associated with drag racing, Mustangs are increasingly seen in drifting events, and there’s a valid reason that drivers such as Vaughn Gittin Jr have embraced the Mustang in Formula DRIFT. James Deane is also topping the Formula DRIFT leaderboards with his Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD, based on the same chassis as the GT350R.

Which Beginner Car Best Suits Your Budget?

What car should I buy in CarX Drift Racing Online with $50,000?

If you’re struggling with wide drift angles, the Bimmy P30 is your best bet for $50,000. It offers a max drift angle of 50 degrees, making it incredibly stable and forgiving for beginners. Its decent top speed and predictable handling help prevent unexpected spin-outs, allowing you to focus on improving your technique.

The Hachi Go is an excellent choice for those who’ve mastered the Hachi Roku and want more speed. It features slightly better top speed and acceleration than its predecessor while maintaining familiar handling characteristics. The Hachi Go excels at drift angles between 40-50 degrees, making it ideal for intermediate drifters looking to push their skills further. Both cars offer great value, with the choice depending on your current skill level and drifting style.

What car should I buy in CarX Drift Racing Online with $100,000?

At the $100,000 price point in Tier 2 and 3, there’s plenty to choose from. If you’re looking for raw power and higher speeds, Lynx will be a fantastic option, as it’s perfect for learning how to master high-speed drifting techniques, but be warned that it’ll take some time to get used to as a beginner.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more forgiving ride while also upgrading from Tier 1, consider the Wutend, which is ideal for drivers who want to focus on smooth, controlled drifts while gradually building their skills.

What car should I buy in CarX Drift Racing Online with $250,000?

At the $250,000 price point in CarX Drift Racing Online, you have access to some excellent STOCK options.

If you’re looking for a challenge with impressive power and high-speed drifting capability, the Falcon RZ remains an outstanding choice.

Alternatively, if you prefer a car that is better suited for beginners, consider the Horizon GT4. While not as powerful as the Falcon RZ, the Horizon GT4 is more forgiving. It excels at maintaining drifts, making it an excellent choice for drivers who want to perfect their lines and transitions without constantly fighting to keep the car sideways.

What car should I buy in CarX Drift Racing Online with $1,000,000?

You have plenty of excellent options with a “milli” in the CarX Drift Racing Online bank, but two stand out.

For raw power and speed, go for the Cobra GT530. This digital beast, inspired by the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R, offers a perfect out-of-the-box drift package with its powerful engine and incredible handling. It might take a little while to get used to, but the rewards will be worth it.

If you prefer an easier option while still racking up impressive scores, choose the Wanderer L30. This car offers a more forgiving experience based on the iconic Toyota Supra. Its stability and predictable handling make it easier to maintain long drifts and build up those crucial score multipliers, making it ideal for both beginners and score-chasers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the commonly asked questions from beginners who are looking to get started in the game:

Which is the best car in CarX Drift Racing Online?

In CarX Drift Racing Online, no single “best” car outperforms all others. The game offers a wide selection of vehicles to cater to different preferences and driving styles.

Once you progress, each car allows you to carry out extensive tuning and upgrade options, and the key to getting the most out of your ideal car will eventually lie in understanding the game’s tuning system.

You can tailor any car to suit your driving style and preferences. For example, if you love how a Tier 1 car looks and handles, you can easily upgrade and tune it to hang with the best in the game.

By exploring different vehicles and adjusting their settings, you can discover which car best suits your handling and overall driving style. Things like the vehicle’s size and short vs long wheelbase will also come down to personal preference, so it’s best to find a car that works best for you and then begin unlocking its true potential.

What version of the CarX Drift Racing Online should I buy?

Platform/Countries	US	UK
Steam (PC) Standard/Ultimate/Complete	$14.99 / $29.73 / $29.98	£12.79 / £25.11 / £25.33
Xbox Standard	$29.99	£24.99
PlayStation Standard	$29.99	£18.99

Standard has level restrictions for cars and maps. You’ll need to invest time and effort to progress through the game, unlocking new vehicles and tracks as you reach higher levels. This progression system requires dedication to access all the content available in the game.

Ultimate removes these level restrictions. Players can access all cars and maps, including tier 5 vehicles, from the start and receive bonus cash to kickstart their drifting journey. However, this version doesn’t include access to future DLCs.

Complete provides access to all DLCs but retains the standard version’s level restrictions. This means that players must still progress through the game to unlock all cars and maps even with the additional content.

Assetto Corsa vs CarX Drift Racing Online?

Assetto Corsa features highly realistic drifting with serious gameplay, which is far more challenging for beginners. For those who have mastered CarX, Assetto Corsa typically follows the natural progression from there.

CarX Drift Racing Online offers a more light-hearted arcade-style vibe to drifting simulation. It provides great graphics and a convenient out-of-the-box package. Assetto Corsa, on the other hand, takes a lot of setting up, downloading, learning, and refining to get right.

If you’re looking for more laid-back gameplay and a more relaxing experience, we recommend CarX Drift Racing Online or perhaps even Forza Horizon. For the ultimate drifting simulator, we always recommend Assetto Corsa – especially in VR!

Can I Play CarX Drift Racing Online Offline?

Yes, CarX Drift Racing Online offers an offline mode for players who prefer solo gameplay or don’t have a constant internet connection.

You can still access single-player maps and compete against your ghost player, allowing you to practice and improve your drifting skills, and you’ll still earn money and make progress, which will be saved locally.

It’s important to note that cloud sync features are unavailable during offline play. However, when you reconnect to the internet, your offline progress and earnings will be synchronized with the CarX servers, ensuring you don’t lose any achievements or in-game currency.

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