GT5 Tips: Drifting

2010 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

There aren't any events in Career mode that require you going around corners sideways. But, it doesn't hurt getting some tips on how to perfect such a talent. First and foremost, pick your car. Only real-wheel drive cars can perfect drifting. There are some all-wheel drive cars that can drift, but for good sideways action, rear-wheel drive is where it's at. Your car has to have power. For instance, I picked this Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. This car has a lot of power: 463 horsepower to be exact. Second, before setting off, check your car setup. Make sure everything is the way it should be. For drifting make sure that you turn everything off, except ABS. You'll need that. Other than that, Traction Control, Active Stability Management, and Skid Recovery Force should be turned off so you can go sideways. Once this is all done, you're ready to take on the course.

Mad Merc

When it comes to drifting, it's all about throttle response. Put in enough to execute a drift, but don't put in too much or you'll spin out. It's also about turning. If you've ever watched Disney/Pixar Cars, you'll remember Ol' Doc Hudson giving Lightning McQueen some expert racing advice: "Turn right to go left" or "Turn left to go right" or a some other thing. This is a key aspect in drifting. When starting up a drift, you'll want to go sideways. But, if you're drifting to the left, and turn in the same direction, you will spin out. So, in order to maintain a constant line of drift, make sure that when you're drifting in one direction, that you're turning in the opposite direction for a clean curved line of smoke.

Sideways Action

One very important tip with drifting: practice makes perfect. You won't get it right away. It's good to practice with car with a right amount of power, like a Mazda RX7. Once you've mastered that, then you can move on to the big boys from Blitz and Re-Amemiya. Or, you can create a drift car of your own using an Aero Kit and some drift tires. 

Angry Faced Drifting

Another tip with drifting: take it gently. If you do, you'll drift around corners with ease and get a good score. If you do it roughly, you'll end up missing the drifting line and making a massive mistake, like I did here...

Overdoing It

So there you are: some tips with going sideways. Oh, and one other thing. Make sure you pick the right course to drift on. I chose the Top Gear Test Track because it's one of the best tracks to drift on. That might not be your choice. You might choose Special Stage Route 5, Cape Ring, or even High Speed Ring. It doesn't matter. What does matter is if you can perfect drifting on the course you choose. Happy drifting!