zaro

Can a FWD Car Drift?

Published in Automotive Techniques 2 mins read

Yes, a FWD (front-wheel drive) car can drift, although the technique and experience are different from drifting in a RWD (rear-wheel drive) car.

While RWD cars are traditionally associated with drifting, FWD cars can be induced into a drift-like state through techniques that rely on momentum, weight transfer, and exploiting the car's handling characteristics. It's important to note that the resulting "drift" in a FWD car is often more accurately described as a controlled slide or lift-off oversteer.

How FWD Drifting Works (Techniques)

FWD drifting doesn't rely on overpowering the rear wheels to induce a slide, as in RWD drifting. Instead, it uses other methods:

  • Lift-Off Oversteer: Suddenly lifting off the throttle while cornering can shift the car's weight forward, reducing grip at the rear and potentially causing the back end to step out. This is a common technique to initiate a slide in a FWD car.
  • Scandinavian Flick (Pendulum Turn): This involves a deliberate weight transfer by steering in the opposite direction of the intended turn before quickly steering back into the turn. This can unsettle the rear of the car and initiate a slide.
  • Handbrake Turn: While not a "true" drift in the purest sense, using the handbrake to lock the rear wheels momentarily can induce a slide, especially in tight corners. However, this method is less about sustained drifting and more about quickly rotating the car.
  • Momentum: Carrying a lot of speed into a corner and using the weight of the car. This can also be combined with any of the above techniques.

Differences Compared to RWD Drifting

The key difference lies in how the slide is initiated and maintained. RWD cars use throttle control to spin the rear wheels and maintain the drift. FWD cars rely more on weight transfer and momentum, making the "drift" more difficult to control and sustain for extended periods.

Is it "True" Drifting?

Purists may argue that what FWD cars do isn't "true" drifting. The aesthetic and feeling are different. However, the principles of controlled sliding and managing the car's balance are present. It's a different skill set and a different experience.

Conclusion

While the techniques and experience differ significantly, a FWD car can indeed be drifted, albeit through methods that rely on momentum, weight transfer, and exploiting the car's handling characteristics rather than raw power. The result is often more akin to a controlled slide than a traditional RWD drift.