Forza Horizon 5 has a massive car roster, from retro muscle cars to some of the most luxurious vehicles in the world. But for a lot of people, the true heartbeat of the game is found while sliding on the hairpins of the vast map. To perform the perfect drifts, you need to have a dedicated, high-performance drift car. Yes, it’s not all about aesthetics; it is essential for mastering the game’s nuanced weight-transfer mechanics. The perfect car provides the right foundation for snappy transitions during technical sections.
Without the necessary tuning, players often find themselves fighting understeer or straightening out mid-zone, which breaks their score streak. We’ll be taking a look at some of the best cars for drifting, and exploring why they are the best, as well as diving deep into what they lack. This guide will surely take you from a casual slider to a professional Horizon drift king.
Nissan Silvia Spec-R (S15)
No list feels complete without the Nissan Silvia. An outstanding car with an outstanding S-chassis that has proved itself over time. In Forza Horizon 5, it’s an excellent option when it comes to choosing a drift chassis for drifting. The car features a near 50/50 weight distribution, making it a perfect fit for the weight-transfer mechanics of the game. The weight distribution plays a vital role in deciding how the car rotates during transitions.
The S15 is so balanced that it doesn’t snap aggressively; it flows smoothly, giving you more time to react. The car, on its own, is really good, but to unlock its true potential, use Positive Toe (out) on the front tires. This will increase the car’s responsiveness when you flick the wheel, allowing for better control through tight corners.
Formula Drift #43 Dodge Viper SRT10
Unlike standard cars, the Formula Drift lineup features a specialized steering rack that allows for extreme lock angles. The Viper is the king of the drift cars due to its long wheelbase, which provides high-speed stability. It’s lovingly known as the angle snapping king.
The best thing about this car is that it can hold a 70-degree angle without the front tires losing their grip, ultimately becoming the key to 1-million point runs. Slap some drag tires with high tire pressure to get the best of this car. This will help the drift build create a slippery rear that is easier to maintain at extreme angles.
Mazda RX-7 ‘97
The RX-7 is an all-time iconic car and needs little introduction. Any anime fan would be tempted by this classic 90s sports car and paint it a flashy color as soon as they get their hands on it. The significance of this beast is its rotary engine’s linear power delivery. Piston engines tend to have torque spikes that can cause the car to spin out, but the Mazda’s power builds smoothly, making it a perfect fit for this list.
The perfect car for proximity drifting, whether it’s for close calls with friends or completing Drift Tap skills for weekly challenges. Set your Differential Deceleration to 50-60% and forget about your wheels locking up too quickly when you let off the gas. Just feather the throttle to adjust your line mid-drift, and don’t worry about the car straightening out.
Hoonigan Ford “Hoonicorn” Mustang
The late drift legend, Ken Block, originally drove the car, and it debuted in earlier Forza Horizon games. A car simply known for drifting could not have been missed out of this list. Ever since its debut, it has cemented itself as one of the best drift cars in the Forza Horizon series. With its immense 1400HP and all-wheel drive, the Hoonicorn uses its front tires to claw the car back from the brink of a spin-out.
The best car for speed drifting, where points are calculated based on how fast you move while being sideways. Shift the Center Differential Bias to 85% rear, and the car initiates drifts like an RWD car, but keeps just enough power in the front in case you spin out.
Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5
Yet another Mustang makes the list. The RTR’s massive V8 torque allows it to maintain tire spin at very high speeds. This comes in handy for the long, sweeping drift zones on the volcano descent, where lower-torque cars would eventually regain traction and stop drifting. The extra weight on the car helps balance out the car with its insane engine, which has 460 horsepower stock.
Apart from the increase in power, the Mustang RTR is fairly similar to the 370Z handling-wise, with some added power and torque. Softening the Rear Suspension shifts the car’s weight to the back wheels during acceleration, giving you enough grip to propel the car forward while it’s sideways.
