Yes, a 4-wheel drive (4WD or AWD) car can drift, but it requires a different technique than drifting a rear-wheel drive (RWD) car. The most common and effective method is using a technique called a "power slide" or "Scandinavian flick," where you use the car's power and weight transfer to break traction on all four wheels. This is different from a traditional RWD drift, which relies on overpowering the rear wheels. While AWD drifting is possible, it's generally harder on the vehicle's drivetrain, especially the center differential, and requires more power to sustain.
The key to an AWD drift is managing the power distribution. Many high-performance AWD systems, like those in Subaru WRX STI or Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, have a center differential that can send more power to the rear wheels. This "rear-biased" setup makes initiating and holding a drift significantly easier.
Here is a comparison of drifting characteristics between different drivetrain layouts:
| Drivetrain Type | Ease of Initiation | Technique Used | Power Requirement | Control & Sustainability |
|---|
| Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) | Easiest | Clutch kick, handbrake, power oversteer | Moderate | High; considered the classic drift format |
| All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | Moderate to Difficult | Power slide, Scandinavian flick | High (to overcome grip) | Moderate; requires constant throttle modulation |
| Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) | Very Difficult (not a true drift) | Lift-off oversteer, handbrake only | Low | Very Low; results in a slide or "slide" rather than a controlled drift |
Attempting to drift an AWD car that is designed for on-road traction (like most SUVs and crossovers) can be dangerous and is not recommended. The systems are not built for such high stress and could fail. For safe, controlled AWD drifting, a purpose-built or performance-oriented vehicle on a closed track is essential. The process involves a quick turn-in to shift the car's weight, followed by immediate and generous throttle application to break all four wheels loose, then careful steering and throttle control to maintain the angle.
