Drifting a car with all-wheel drive requires a different set of skills compared to drifting a rear-wheel drive car. With more grip from the front wheels, the car reacts differently to inputs, making it a bit more challenging to initiate and control a slide. In a step-by-step guide from the Team O’Neil Rally School, instructor Wyatt Knox demonstrates how to drift an AWD car, using a Subaru WRX as an example.
To start, it’s important to note that drifting an AWD car requires more speed and commitment than a rear-wheel drive vehicle. The power going to the front wheels means that the car naturally wants to stay straight, so you need to be more aggressive in throwing the weight of the car to induce a slide. This requires higher speeds and quicker movements to get the car sideways.
In drifting an AWD car, the key is to lift off the throttle and turn the wheel to initiate the slide. Following this, you should apply a small amount of braking to tuck the nose of the car. It’s crucial to be patient during this process, allowing the car to rotate before getting back on the gas for a smooth exit. Unlike drifting a rear-wheel drive car where you can rely on powering out of a drift, mashing the gas in an AWD car will often result in understeer, losing control of the slide.
Overall, drifting an all-wheel drive car is a skill that can be learned with practice and patience. With the right techniques and understanding of how the car handles, you can enjoy the thrill of sliding a high-performance AWD vehicle like a pro.