Types of RC Drift Cars

Types of Drift Cars:

In RC drifting there are many different chassis to choose from. Things like 2WD or 4WD and motor placement within the chassis all play a factor in choosing the best drift car chassis. 2WD RC drifting took off in popularity in the early 2000s with the HPI Racing Sprint 2 Drift car. 4WD drifting also took off in the early 2000s with the Yokomo Drift Package Type-C. These early drift chassis did not have many of the luxuries that we have now, however, they paved the way for modern RC drift cars. We created this list to help explain the workings of each chassis type to ensure drift enthusiasts get the best drift car to meet their driving style, driving surface, and budget.

2WD Chassis:

2WD drift chassis has many features that allow drivers to adjust how the chassis handles. These chassis are Rear-Wheel-Drive (RWD) and allow for a more realistic looking drift when compared to a 4WD drift car. A key option that is available for 2WD chassis is the motor position within the chassis. Some chassis will feature a front motor, mid motor with different mounting positions, or rear motor. Each chassis variant gives a unique feel and gives you a solid platform to learn and build on.

Front Motor:

Front motor drift chassis have the motor sitting between the front tires, and will often use a driveshaft to connect the motor to the rear-end. The benefit of having the motor in the front makes it similar to real drift cars and makes the reaction of the car more like a real drift car.

Mid-Motor:

Mid-motor chassis have the motor sitting more central within the chassis, typically in front of the rear shock tower. Most chassis will have the motor sitting above or below the top plate. Having the motor in this position allows for more rear weight and lets the chassis swing out more into the turn on the initial slide. Changing the height of the motor can also change how quickly the car transfers weight to the outside tires. The added rear weight helps with rear traction and allows for smooth controlled drifts.

Rear Motor:

The rear motor placement in a 2WD RC drift car offers several key benefits for enthusiasts. By positioning the motor behind the rear tower, these cars benefit from enhanced rear-end traction and stability, allowing for smoother and more controlled drift maneuvers. This configuration also optimizes weight distribution, promoting a lower center of gravity.

4WD Chassis:

4WD drift cars work by holding a controlled powerslide through a corner. Typically they will be shaft-driven chassis and have the motor central within the chassis. On some performance chassis, the front drivetrain will use a ball or gear differential, and the rear will use a ball differential or a locked axle. These types of chassis are great for all-around fun, however, it can be tough to hold sharp drift angles for more competitive drift tracks.