Yes, you can drift an all-wheel drive (AWD) car, but the technique is fundamentally different and often more challenging than drifting a rear-wheel drive (RWD) vehicle. Instead of relying solely on loss of rear traction, AWD drifting, often called "power sliding," uses the power from all four wheels to maintain the slide. It requires a combination of aggressive throttle input to keep the front wheels pulling and careful steering and weight transfer to initiate and hold the angle.
The key is managing the power distribution. In a typical AWD system, power is sent to both axles, which can make the car feel more "grippy" and resistant to breaking traction. To initiate a drift, you often need to use a technique like the Scandinavian Flick to unsettle the car's weight and overcome that grip. Once sideways, you must keep your foot hard on the throttle to maintain wheelspin and prevent the AWD system from regaining traction and straightening the car out. This is known as throttle steering.
However, this puts immense stress on the drivetrain, especially the center differential and transmission. It's a technique best practiced on a closed track with a car that has a robust AWD system, like those found in performance models from Subaru (WRX STI), Mitsubishi (Lancer Evolution), or Audi (RS models). For everyday drivers, attempting to drift a standard AWD crossover or sedan is not recommended and is a significant safety risk.
| AWD Drifting vs. RWD Drifting | |
|---|
| Initiation Technique | Often requires a "flick" or lift-off oversteer; harder to break traction. |
| Throttle Control | Aggressive, constant power needed to maintain slide. |
| Steering Input | Less steering angle needed; car is pushed/pulled by all wheels. |
| Drivetrain Stress | Very high on center differential, axles, and transmission. |
| Learning Curve | Generally steeper due to the unique power management. |
| Common Platforms | Subaru WRX STI, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Audi RS models. |
