Need For Speed Heat: Best Drift Cars

Key Takeaways

• NFS Heat
  drifting events require the right car for success, focusing on solid acceleration and smooth handling to enable controlled slides.
• Affordable vintage cars like the Nissan Fairlady 240ZG, Volvo 242DL, and Buick Grand National can be surprisingly effective for drifting after a few upgrades.
• While newer players may lean towards legendary tuner vehicles like the Mazda RX-7 or Nissan Silvia, more experienced players might opt to tackle the raw power of muscle cars like the Dodge SRT Viper or Chevrolet Camaro Z/28.

Need For Speed is perhaps the most popular racing game franchise. For over twenty years, Electronic Arts has taken players on rides across countries, through crowded city streets, and even local circuit racetracks. Each game in the series features a wealth of amazing vehicles that players will love purchasing and upgrading to their heart’s content until the bulk of the game’s events can be completed with relative ease.

One of the most celebrated installments in the franchise is Need For Speed Heat. Players can get behind the will of their favorite vehicles and take on the game’s content in a number of ways while also being able to fully customize their ride inside and out. Picking the right car for the situation is vital for success, and not all tuners are created equal. Specifically, in drift events, choosing the best drift car in NFS Heat can make or break a race depending on how the vehicle takes turns and grips the road.

Updated on October 26, 2024, by Vlad Mazanko: The 2015 reboot of the Need for Speed series has seen its ups and downs, but most would agree that NFS Heat remains a modern highlight that players still enjoy today. The game’s unique system of splitting events into day and night scenarios adds a lot of variety. During the day, players can engage in safer races to earn money, while at night, they risk police chases to participate in unsanctioned races, increasing their Rep for new unlocks. NFS Heat offers a wide range of events, and players need to purchase and modify cars to suit specific challenges, including drifting. A car that’s great for high-speed races won’t necessarily perform well in drift events, so it’s essential to have the right vehicle for the job. This updated list highlights the best drift cars in NFS Heat, along with their stats, to help players ace these events in style.

1 Mazda RX-7 Spirit R 2002 Coupe

One Of The Best Drift Rides That Unlocks Early

• Base Performance Rating: 144
• Base Horsepower: 276 bhp
• Base Acceleration (0 to 60 mph): 4.80 secs.
• Top Speed: 159 MPH
• Cost: $59,500
• How To Unlock: Reach Rep Level 4

The Mazda RX-7 is a tuner fan’s dream. It’s a Japanese two-door sedan with a twin-turbo engine that hits speeds upwards of about one hundred and fifty miles per hour without modification. The RX-7 is a classic among racing fans in both professional and street-level communities because of its handling and drifting capabilities.

However, the Mazda RX-7 gained much of its popularity from the Initial D racing manga and anime series which made it a fixture in the drifting community. Players who equip a Pro Drift Differential and some Elite Drift tires on this machine will slide around corners with no effort at all.

2 Nissan Skyline GT-R V·Spec 1999 Coupe

An Iconic Racing King In Every Discipline, Including Drifting

• Base Performance Rating: 139
• Base Horsepower: 327 bhp
• Base Acceleration (0 to 60 mph): 5.20 secs.
• Top Speed: 157 MPH
• Cost: $73,000
• How To Unlock: Reach Rep Level 14

The Nissan Skyline has always been a powerful machine and a fan favorite among racing enthusiasts. Perhaps the majority of its popularity sprung from the Fast and Furious movie franchise. The Skyline is an above-average vehicle on drifting tracks with a back end that slides outward easily but maintains a steady acceleration allowing it to maintain speed.

Players may want to apply the Sport Drift Differential to maximize sideways distance and to allow maximum performance and feel when taking on corners. The Nissan Skyline is a beast on any street and maintains dominance as one of the best drift cars in Need for Speed Heat.

3 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 2014

A More Expensive Muscle Choice For Pro Drifters

• Base Performance Rating: 206
• Base Horsepower: 504 bhp
• Base Acceleration (0 to 60 mph): 3.90 secs.
• Top Speed: 177 MPH
• Cost: $93,000
• How To Unlock: Reach Rep Level 18

When the new model for the Camaro was released, racing fans had their minds blown. A well-known classic among all forms of racetracks, the Camaro has always had a prominent reputation on the street. The new model met all expectations and quickly became a favorite for muscle car fans and Tuner fans alike.

The Chevrolet Camaro is a beast on the road, able to reach speeds upwards of one hundred and sixty miles per hour with stock parts alone. If modified correctly, the Camaro can boast a girthy eleven hundred horsepower. When geared for Drift events in the game, the Camaro excels at fishtailing around corners. In the right hands, a Camaro can be one of the best drift cars in Need For Speed Heat, hands down.

4 Volvo 242DL 1975 Sedan

Stylish And Affordable, Yet Demands Some Investment And Dedication

• Base Performance Rating: 100
• Base Horsepower: 97 bhp
• Base Acceleration (0 to 60 mph): 10.33 secs.
• Top Speed: 96 MPH
• Cost: $24,000
• How To Unlock: Reach Rep Level 22

Players who want to use a classic vehicle to own their opponents in style will love using the 1975 Volvo 242DL. It’s one of the best drift cars in NFS Heat and can slide around corners like a beast with the right build. Most drift events will become incredibly easy once players get an optimal version of this car.

As one would expect from any drift car, players shouldn’t get too greedy if they’ve stacked up a ton of Rep in Need for Speed Heat at night. Outrunning the police in this car will be an exercise in futility in Heat Level 3 and beyond. Gamers are better off playing the long game and not taking too many risks with this vehicle after winning a few drift events at night.

5 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 2013

Lightning-Fast Acceleration And Powerful Brakes Make For A Great Mid-Game Drifting Choice

• Base Performance Rating: 252
• Base Horsepower: 506 bhp
• Base Acceleration (0 to 60 mph): 3.70 secs.
• Top Speed: 198 MPH
• Cost: $106,500
• How To Unlock: Reach Rep Level 22

Functional cars that get the job done are all well and good, but players who love Need for Speed want to show off the flashiest and most expensive-looking cars as they own events they participate in. As a result, it’s easy to see why some players would love to use the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 when pulling up to a drift challenge.

Not only is it one of the best drift cars in NFS Heat, but players can win events in style with this amazing vehicle. Players will have to grind out a lot of Rep at night to reach Level 22, but the end result is bound to be worthwhile for obvious reasons.

6 Buick Regal Grand National GNX 1987

A Vintage And Rewarding Ride With A Character

• Base Performance Rating: 114
• Base Horsepower: 245 bhp
• Base Acceleration (0 to 60 mph): 6.20 secs.
• Top Speed: 137 MPH
• Cost: $39,000
• How To Unlock: Reach Rep Level 12

A great example of how appearances can be deceiving, most people won’t find the 1987 Buick Grand National to be all that impressive at first glance. However, after players make a substantial investment in this vehicle, they’ll unlock a level of performance that will make most drift events a joke.

The vintage look of this vehicle lets players look classic as they drive around in one of NFS Heat‘s best drift cars. There aren’t many vehicles better than this one. Players can go through the entire game while relying on a Buick Grand National for the drift events.

7 Nissan 350Z 2008 Coupe

A Renowned Foundation For Building A True Drift Legend

• Base Performance Rating: 150
• Base Horsepower: 306 bhp
• Base Acceleration (0 to 60 mph): 5.40 secs.
• Top Speed: 173 MPH
• Cost: $55,000
• How To Unlock: Reach Rep Level 12

Nissan is a staple name when it comes to the most popular and widely used vehicles both on and off the track. They’re especially well known on the Drift Tracks from Los Angeles to Tokyo. The 350Z has one of the sleekest frames on the market and has a very low chassis for a compact vehicle.

The 350Z is able to reach base speeds of over one hundred and fifty miles per hour and has excellent control when taking corners and weaving through traffic in Need for Speed Heat. When fitted out with the S-Class parts focused on Drift, the 350Z can slide across lanes with ease. The 350Z also has some of the most unique customization options in the game, making it a win-win for both performance and visual appeal.

8 Dodge SRT Viper GTS 2014

One Of The Best And Most Powerful Choices, Yet Unlocks Fairly Late

• Base Performance Rating: 283
• Base Horsepower: 640 bhp
• Base Acceleration (0 to 60 mph): 3.30 secs.
• Top Speed: 206 MPH
• Cost: $121,500
• How To Unlock: Reach Rep Level 28

The Dodge SRT Viper GTS is an extremely powerful drift car in Need for Speed Heat, but its high power can make it challenging to control for inexperienced drifters. However, those who can tame its raw strength will find it to be one of the best options for drifting in the game. The main drawback is that the Viper only unlocks later in the story, by which time many players may have already chosen and become accustomed to vehicles for each discipline.

Thanks to its exceptional acceleration and classic muscle-car handling, with long, rear slides that are easy to chain together, the Dodge SRT Viper can dominate the most challenging drift tracks.

9 Nissan Fairlady 240ZG 1971 Coupe

Old-School Ride That Can Keep Great Momentum For Chain Combos

• Base Performance Rating: 104
• Base Horsepower: 147 bhp
• Base Acceleration (0 to 60 mph): 7.50 secs.
• Top Speed: 131 MPH
• Cost: $28,000
• How To Unlock: Reach Rep Level 12

The vintage Nissan Fairlady 240ZG may not have the look or reputation of more iconic Nissan drift cars, but this classic holds great potential. Its smooth handling and strong tuner flexibility make it a solid option for players who are willing to invest in it.

With the right upgrades, the Fairlady offers impressive power and momentum, along with easy throttle control and solid angle potential. While it may not match legends like the Skyline, RX-7, or 350Z in efficiency, it’s a highly affordable entry point that can deliver impressive results.

10 Ford Mustang GT 2015

One Of The Better Muscle Choices For Drifting

• Base Performance Rating: 191
• Base Horsepower: 419 bhp
• Base Acceleration (0 to 60 mph): 4.20 secs.
• Top Speed: 175 MPH
• Cost: $66,500
• How To Unlock: Reach Rep Level 16

Another muscle car classic, the Mustang has been leaving the competition in the dust since its original debut in 1964 by Ford Motor Company. In Need For Speed Heat, the Mustang GT is a combination of torque and burnt rubber that takes the lead down any straightaway.

However, the Mustang can also be a devilish contender in Drift events. It doesn’t take the highest grade of parts to unlock the potential of the Mustang, but if outfitted with a strong build geared toward tire slide and acceleration, the Mustang is sure to turn some heads while it turns some corners.

11 McLaren 600LT 2018

An Exotic Speed Demon Capable Of Setting High Scores Even In Stock Variant

• Base Performance Rating: 304
• Base Horsepower: 591 bhp
• Base Acceleration (0 to 60 mph): 2.80 secs.
• Top Speed: 207 MPH
• Cost: $212,500
• How To Unlock: Earn a 3-Star rating in all Speed Traps

The McLaren 600LT is one of the few exotic supercars on the list and stands equal amongst other drift cars in Need For Speed Heat. The 600LT is a speed demon straight out of the garage that doesn’t take much to get going and is even capable of winning races straight from stock modifications.

Being another iteration of the Sport series of McLarens, the 600LT is also a member of the “Longtail” models, which also features a top-mounted exhaust system. The 600LT was developed for optimal performance and did not disappoint as it excels in various sections but stands out in both drag and drift races.

12 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X 2008

Superior Handling And Decent Acceleration Make For A Great Combo

• Base Performance Rating: 132
• Base Horsepower: 291 bhp
• Base Acceleration (0 to 60 mph): 5.10 secs.
• Top Speed: 149 MPH
• Cost: $48,000
• How To Unlock: Reach Rep Level 14

The Mitsubishi Lancer class of vehicles stands out and is a prominent fixture in the drifting and rally racing community. The Lancer Evolution stands among the top with excellent track and off-road capabilities. However, the Lancer Evolution also stands out in the drift category with superior handling and above-average acceleration.

On top of its mechanical capabilities, the Lancer Evolution is also a visually appealing vehicle with a sleek and compact design that attracts many fans and professionals. In Need for Speed Heat, the proper modifications and visual customizations will create a speed demon that will clear the pack and leave competitors in the dust.

13 Mazda MX-5 2015

Smaller Size And Mobility Can Come In Handy When Scoring Chains Of Slides

• Base Performance Rating: 111
• Base Horsepower: 158 bhp
• Base Acceleration (0 to 60 mph): 6.90 secs.
• Top Speed: 133 MPH
• Cost: $31,500
• How To Unlock: Reach Rep Level 20

The Mazda MX-5 is somewhat overlooked in Need for Speed Heat, despite being a top contender in drift events. In addition to its real-world performance, the Mazda MX-5 is a great pick when utilizing the right build, achieving a minimum of sixty thousand point runs depending on the track.

Players won’t have any problem clearing events but should keep in mind that because of the vehicle’s size, the back end may not slide out as much as desired. However, this doesn’t impact the vehicle’s ability too much. While the Mazda MX-5 is an overall versatile car that competes adequately in multiple types of races, it overtakes the competition in Drifting.

14 Nissan Silvia Spec-R Aero 2002 Coupe

A Drifting Cult Classic That Will Always Get The Job Done

• Base Performance Rating: 139
• Base Horsepower: 247 bhp
• Base Acceleration (0 to 60 mph): 5.40 secs.
• Top Speed: 165 MPH
• Cost: $45,000
• How To Unlock: Reach Rep Level 3

The Nissan Silvia is perhaps one of the most prominent vehicles in the drifting community and one of the most popular drift cars in the Need for Speed Heat. The car is gifted with a rear-wheel drive paired with a stock turbocharged inline engine that pushes towards one hundred and sixty at top speed.

In Need For Speed Heat, the Silvia has superb handling and excels at many different tracks. However, Drifting is where the Silvia shines as it hovers across wet streets and kisses the guard rails of downhill twists and turns.

15 Subaru BRZ Premium 2014 Coupe

As Great For Rally Events As It Is For Serious Drifting On The Streets

• Base Performance Rating: 116
• Base Horsepower: 197 bhp
• Base Acceleration (0 to 60 mph): 6.40 secs.
• Top Speed: 143 MPH
• Cost: $36,500
• How To Unlock: Reach Rep Level 14

The Subaru BRZ is a mainstay in the Need For Speed world, as well as the street racing community. It’s celebrated for its handling and high-speed capabilities. The BRZ was a joint venture by the Japanese companies Toyota and Subaru and was released with a wide variety of interest thanks to its sleek look and various optional builds.

The Subaru BRZ is loosely based on the 2000GT, and because of that, the vehicle quickly hit the streets as a racing contender. With the right build, the Subaru BRZ can put its peers to shame with the way it bends around corners, reaching a complete sideways drift and clean glides across all types of terrain.