Yes, you can drift an automatic car. While manual transmissions are often preferred for their direct control, modern automatics, especially those with manual shift modes or specific performance features, are quite capable of drifting. The key is overcoming the torque converter's tendency to dampen sudden throttle inputs and using the car's electronic systems to your advantage.
The technique differs significantly from drifting a manual. Instead of using the clutch to break traction, you rely more on weight transfer, the handbrake, and aggressive throttle steering. Left-foot braking is a valuable technique here. By applying light brake pressure with your left foot while maintaining throttle with your right, you can shift weight to the front wheels, increasing their grip for steering, while keeping the rear wheels powered and ready to slide.
Most modern automatic performance cars have a manual mode, allowing you to select and hold a specific gear. For initiating a drift, you typically want to be in second or third gear to maintain power without over-revving. Stability control (ESC) must be fully disabled. This system is designed to prevent slides, so it will cut power the moment it detects a loss of traction, instantly killing your drift.
The table below compares the characteristics of drifting different automatic transmission types:
| Transmission Type | Drifting Suitability | Key Technique | Common in Vehicles Like... |
|---|
| Traditional Torque Converter | Moderate | Aggressive throttle "kick-down" and handbrake use | Older muscle cars, trucks, standard sedans |
| Dual-Clutch (DCT) | High | Manual mode, pre-selecting a low gear, quick shifts | Modern sports cars (e.g., Nissan GT-R, Porsche 911) |
| Continuously Variable (CVT) | Very Low / Not Recommended | - | Most economy cars; not designed for high-stress sliding |
| Tiptronic/Sport Automatic | Good | Manual mode, left-foot braking, using "kick-down" function | Many modern sports sedans and coupes |
Success depends heavily on the car's powertrain. A rear-wheel-drive car with a limited-slip differential and enough power (generally over 200 horsepower is a good starting point) is essential. Front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive cars (without a special drift mode) are not suitable for traditional drifting. Always practice in a safe, legal, controlled environment like a skid pad or track day.
