Best Drift Cars In NFS Heat

Looking for the ultimate NFS Heat drift cars? Look no further. These will earn you 3 stars in Need For Speed Heat’s 35 drift zones in no time.

Need for Speed has been delivering awesome racing games for over two decades, with drifting becoming a huge part of the action. Each new game brings fresh driving challenges, but thankfully, drifting remains a key feature for NFS Heat.

While NFS Heat’s drifting might not be as realistic as hardcore racing simulators, it’s not trying to be. It’s designed to be fun and entertaining for all players, similar to games like Forza Horizon 5. While some critics have complained about the drifting mechanics, many fans find Heat’s drifting one of the most enjoyable in the series.

The key to mastering drifting in NFS Heat lies in understanding the game and practicing. Get to know your car, practice your technique, and don’t be afraid to experiment with tuning. The devs put in some serious work to ensure you can customize your ride just as you want, so play about to see what works best for you.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best drift cars in NFS Heat, help you understand how to get the most out of your new drift car with build videos, and then provide tips to help you become a drifting legend. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the sideways scene, you’ll soon be ready to leave your competitors in a cloud of tire smoke.

The Best Drift Cars In NFS Heat

While you can’t go wrong with any of these best drift cars in Need For Speed Heat, with the right tuning setup and practice, each car can be transformed into sideways monsters capable of racking up the top-rated 3 stars. However, some will make it easier than others.

If you’re looking for the ultimate car, start at the top of our list and work your way down to make things a little more challenging once you’re confidently earning triple stars on all of the 35 drift zones in the game. Remember, while having a great car is essential, mastering the art of drifting in NFS Heat requires dedication and time to experiment with different setups. Your patience will pay off!

1 – Mazda RX-7 Spirit R ’02

• Unlock Requirements: Rep Level 4
• Price: $59,500

Ask any 3-star drifter for their best drift cars in NFS Heat, and we bet they’ll tell you that the RX-7 is the undisputed champ. It’s just so damn good at drifting in the game – it’s almost like using a cheat code, and the best part is, you only need to get to Level 4 Rep to unlock it.

The RX-7’s lightweight design and rear-wheel-drive layout deliver perfect handling and drifting capabilities, making it awesome for initiating and maintaining long, controlled drifts. You’ll easily achieve 3-star ratings on the game’s 35 drift zones with the right tuning setup, whether you opt for a forged rotary or a V8.

While it might not have the highest top speed or acceleration in stock form, it responds well to mods. Its balanced performance and forgiving nature make it ideal for both beginners just getting the hang of drifting in NFS Heat and experienced players looking to dominate.

2 – Nissan 350Z ’08

• Unlock Requirements: Rep Level 12
• Price: $55,000

While all the 350Zs in the game will be great choices, the ’08 is the easiest to get hold of and a fan-favorite drift car in NFS Heat. It provides a perfect balance of performance and control. While it might not score as high as the RX-7 for pure points, many players find it more enjoyable and easier to handle.

What sets the 350Z apart is its predictable power delivery and excellent stability. It’s great at transitioning between drifts, allowing you to easily combine smooth, controlled slides. This makes it particularly effective in technical drift zones where precision is key.

Unlike the more powerful RX-7, the 350Z is less likely to surprise you with sudden oversteer, which makes it a great choice for beginners. It’s a versatile platform that responds well to upgrades, allowing you to tailor its performance to your driving style. Plus, with its iconic status in the real-world drift culture and the Fast And The Furious movies, you’ll look cool while dominating the streets of Palm City.

If you enjoy driving the 350Z, make sure you also give its younger sibling, the 370Z, a slide.

3 – Chevrolet Corvette Z06 ’13

• Unlock Requirements: Rep Level 22
• Price: $106,500

Although it’s a pricier option and harder to get hold of, requiring Rep Level 22, the Chevy Corvette Z06 is a high-performance powerhouse that brings American muscle to the drifting scene in NFS Heat. Unlike the previous JDM offerings, it might not be the most likely choice, but it’s a surprisingly capable drift machine when set up correctly.

What sets the Z06 apart is its raw power and torque. The 7.0L V8 engine delivers an impressive punch that, when tamed, can produce some spectacular drifts. With all that power on tap in stock form, you won’t need to fork out for an engine swap either. It’s not as forgiving as the Nissan 350Z or as nimble as the RX-7, but it’s a great American alternative for those who can handle its power.

The longer wheelbase provides stability during extended drifts, and the power allows for an impressive tire-shredding display. It’s particularly effective on long, sweeping corners where you can maximize the power on tap. While it might require a bit more skill to master, it will pay off for those who put in the effort to tame this American beast.

4 – Nissan Silvia Spec-R Aero ’02 (Nissan Silvia S15)

• Unlock Requirements: Rep Level 3
• Price: $45,000

The Nissan Silvia Spec-R Aero ’02, also known as the S15, is a legendary drift machine that lives up to its reputation as one of the best drift cars in NFS Heat. This iconic JDM legend brings superb handling and versatility to the streets of Palm City, making it a top choice for drift enthusiasts.

What sets the Silvia apart is its excellent balance of power and agility. The stock turbocharged SR20DET engine provides a solid foundation, but most players opt for an engine swap to unleash its full potential. With enough power, the S15, with its lightweight chassis and momentum-based drifting style, is ideal for maintaining long, controlled slides through various track layouts.

While it may not score as high as the RX-7 in pure drift points, the Silvia is more forgiving. The only minor drawback is that it sometimes struggles to achieve extreme drift angles while still being able to switch directions (transition) smoothly.

5 – Subaru BRZ Premium ’14

• Unlock Requirements: Rep Level 14
• Price: $36,500

In the real world, the BRZ is part of the ‘Toyobaru’ collaboration between Toyota and Subaru and is a popular choice for real-world competition drift cars. In NFS Heat, the same drift potential is brought to the streets.

What sets the BRZ apart is its aggressive handling and ability to achieve extreme drift angles. However, this comes with a trade-off – it can be challenging to control, especially for less experienced NFS gamers. The BRZ is awesome once you learn to harness its power, but it can be unpredictable for those getting started.

With the right setup and some practice, the BRZ Premium ’14 can be a great pick. We earned 3-star ratings on the drift zones, but it certainly takes more practice than the RX-7 and the 350Z.

6 – Ford Mustang GT ’15

• Unlock Requirements: Rep Level 16
• Price: $66,500

Another muscle car legend, the Ford Mustang’s history spans back to 1964, yet it still captures podiums in the Formula Drift series in the present day, and it’s just as capable when it comes to drifting in Need For Speed Heat. While typically known for its straight-line speed, this pony car can also dance sideways with the best.

The Mustang’s powerful stock V8 engine makes it another great choice if you don’t want to fork out for an engine swap. It provides plenty of torque to break traction and initiate drifts. The longer wheelbase offers stability during extended slides while still providing quick transitions between corners. Tuned right, it strikes a great balance between controllability and aggression.

7 – Volvo 242DL ’75

• Unlock Requirements: Rep Level 22
• Price: $24,000

For those of you looking for some European old-school cool, this 1975 Volvo can hang with the best of them when it’s sitting sideways. Despite not offering much in stock form, this classic ride can become one of the best drift cars in NFS Heat with some upgrades and tuning.

While this vintage Swedish brick might not look like a drift monster, it delivers exceptional handling and stability. With the right upgrades, it can easily slide around corners, making it a favorite for beginners and experienced drifters. It responds well to various engine swaps, with the 3.8L V8 being popular.

Without an engine swap, it can still impress in drift events, but the 242DL isn’t the best choice for outrunning cops at high Heat Levels. However, its vintage look makes it a stylish and effective choice for those looking for something different. We’d just recommend saving for the engine swap first.

8 – Nissan Fairlady 240ZG ’71

• Unlock Requirements: Rep Level 12
• Price: $28,000

More commonly known as the Nissan 240Z, the Nissan Fairlady 240ZG ’71 is a classic JDM icon that brings retro cool to the drift scene in NFS Heat. While it might not be a common sight in the game, this vintage beauty has some serious potential for sliding sideways.

What sets the 240ZG apart is its combination of power and momentum. Its short wheelbase can be challenging to master initially, needing precise throttle control and patience. Unlike its younger, more agile sibling, the 350Z, the 240ZG doesn’t transition between drifts as quickly, but once you get the hang of it, it’s really satisfying.

With the right engine swap (the 3.6L Flat 6 is a popular choice) and proper tuning, the 240ZG is a great choice for experienced drifters in the game. It’s vintage charm and unique handling characteristics make it a rewarding alternative for drifters looking for a challenge.

How To Master Drifting In NFS Heat

Thankfully, upgrading and tuning your best drift cars in NFS Heat is much easier than other games. However, while you’d be forgiven for thinking the ‘Drift’ upgrades, such as tires, in the game will provide the best setup for tuning, that’s not the case. Instead, let’s look at what you’ll need to do to maximize your drifting potential.

Choosing The Right Car

While the Mazda RX-7 is considered the highest-scoring drift car in the game, you can achieve 3-star ratings on all drift zones with any car given the right build and practice. Focus on rear-wheel-drive cars with an ideal wheelbase and responsiveness. Alternatives such as the Nissan 350Z and Nissan Silvia are popular choices for getting started, thanks to their balance of power and control.

Key Upgrades For Drifting

Consider an engine swap immediately if you opt for a less powerful car. However, cars such as the Corvette Z06 and Mustang GT are great choices out of the box, as they have V8s in stock form. When choosing an ideal engine, try to prioritize torque and high RPMs. High RPM engines can help with point scoring.

While it might seem counterintuitive, the best setup for NFS Heat drifting is Speedcross suspension and differential paired with Drag tires. The Speedcross parts provide the responsiveness needed for quick transitions, while Drag tires offer a “tight,” grippy feeling that allows for longer, smoother drifts.

You’d naturally assume Drift tires are the best in the game, but they leave the cars feeling too loose and unpredictable. Drag tires give you the perfect balance of grip, speed, and angle, which are vital in drifting. This combination allows you to maintain control while achieving impressive drift angles, making it easier to rack high scores in drift zones and events.

Get Tuning

Adjust your live tuning settings to maximize drift potential. Increase steering sensitivity and decrease downforce. For more angle, use showcase parts; for more grip, use Drag or Speedcross. Remember, a full drift build might give too much angle, so find the right balance for your driving style.

Mastering Your Drift Technique

Initiate drifts by lifting off the throttle, then reapplying it while turning sharply. Use countersteering to maintain the drift angle and feather the throttle to control speed. Use the handbrake sparingly for tight transitions, as you’ll scrub off too much speed. Practice smooth inputs for longer, controlled drifts.

Remember – Practice Makes Perfect

Hone your skills at various locations like Port Murphy, Palm City Raceway, and The Dome in Eden Shores. These offer different challenges to improve your technique. Remember, mastering drifting takes time and patience. Keep practicing; you’ll soon be sliding through corners with style and racking up high scores.

NFS Heat Drift Cars FAQ

Here are some commonly asked questions for a TL;DR on drifting in NFS Heat.

Why is the Mazda RX-7 considered the best drift car in NFS Heat?

The Mazda RX-7 offers excellent handling and the highest scoring potential. It can earn 3 stars on each of the game’s 35 drift zones as quickly and easily as possible. Its lightweight design and responsiveness make it ideal for initiating and maintaining long drifts.

Are there any surprising drift cars in NFS Heat?

We consider the Volvo 242DL ’75 the ultimate “sleeper” drift car in NFS Heat. When properly tuned, it can outperform many of the more popular choices, making it perfect for shocking your opponents.

What should I look for in a good NFS Heat drift car?

Focus on cars with responsiveness and torque. A shorter wheelbase will make transitioning snappier, while longer wheelbase cars will be more predictable and easy to control. Maintaining the biggest angles and transitioning smoothly between drifts is crucial.

Do drift parts provide the best performance for drifting in NFS Heat?

Weirdly, no. Speak to any of the top drifters in the game, and they’ll tell you they usually opt for a combination of Speedcross suspension and differential with Drag tires. You can also try Speedcross tires. This setup often provides far superior handling and grip compared to the “Drift” parts, which lack traction and feel floaty. Grip is vital for having full control over your drift car.

Can any NFS Heat car be made into a good drift car?

Due to their design and handling characteristics, the cars covered in this guide are naturally more suited to drifting. Most cars can drift well with the right tuning and practice, but we recommend sticking with rear-wheel-drive (RWD). While all-wheel-drive (AWD) drifting is possible, the technique is very different and requires an entirely different approach.

How important is engine choice for drifting in NFS Heat?

Engine choice is crucial in NFS Heat. Try to focus on high torque and RPMs. Many players prefer superchargers for their smooth power delivery, making them more predictable, but turbochargers can also work well. They just require a little more taming. Experiment to see which feels better for your driving style.

How important is manual transmission for drifting?

Experienced drifters prefer manual transmission as it offers more control over gear changes. This allows you to have full control over the RPMs and maximize the engine potential, which is crucial for maintaining drifts and transitions.

How do I improve my drift scores in NFS Heat?

Focus on maintaining long, smooth drifts and chaining them together. Use the full width of the road and try to keep your speed up throughout the drift zone.

What live tuning settings should I use for drifting in NFS Heat?

We recommend increasing steering sensitivity, decreasing downforce, turning traction control off, and using the brake to drift setting.

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