
A high-torque rear-wheel-drive car is easier to drift, and oversteering to make the rear end slide out is also simple. The key is how to maintain continuous drifting. Handbrake drifting is not related to whether the car is front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. Front-wheel-drive cars have about 70% of their weight on the front, making handbrake drifting easier to achieve. Drifting is essentially the car's rear end swinging back and forth. When the rear wheels lose traction during a turn, the car will fishtail.

I remember spending several days practicing in an empty lot when I first learned to drift. Manual transmission cars are the easiest—slow down before entering the turn, shift to second gear, and press the accelerator hard to make the rear wheels slip. Turn the steering wheel toward the apex and quickly straighten it, using inertia to swing the tail out. The key lies in coordinating the throttle and steering—too much throttle and you’ll spin, too little and you won’t drift. It’s best to practice in a closed area first, as handbrake drifts can easily damage the car. Rainy days with slippery roads are good for beginners, but be careful not to lose control. Drifting is all about feel—slowly finding that sweet spot is what makes it fun.

Drifting places high demands on the car's condition. Rear-wheel drive is a basic requirement, and sufficient horsepower is needed for effective tail slides. Shift the car's weight forward in advance, brake to decelerate, then sharply turn the steering wheel and press the accelerator to make the rear wheels spin and slide. Don't forget to turn off the electronic stability system, otherwise, it will limit your movements. Quickly counter-steer to correct the angle and maintain steady throttle control for consistent power output. Beginners can practice figure-eight turns to master the rhythm, starting in a large open area with a few cones for gradual practice. Tire selection is also crucial—tires with too much grip can actually hinder drifting.

To succeed in drifting, you need to do three things: slow down before entering the turn but don't stop, turn the steering wheel to the right angle, and apply enough throttle for power. Rear-wheel-drive cars perform best on dry roads, with the front wheels pointing in the direction of the exit and the rear wheels controlled by the throttle to adjust the degree of slip. When you feel the rear end starting to slide, counter-steer to balance the car. Handbrake drifting is suitable for slow turns but can easily damage the drivetrain. Once you're skilled, you can practice on snow or gravel roads where lower traction makes drifting easier. Always remember to wear a helmet for safety.


