Best Drifting Tires 2023 Updated Options
The origins of drifting cars can be traced back to the mountain roads of Japan in the 1970s. Illegal street racing was popular among young Japanese drivers, and drifting emerged as a way to navigate tight corners and hairpin turns at high speeds. The technique involved intentionally oversteering the car and using the rear wheels to slide around corners while maintaining control of the vehicle.
Drifting became more mainstream in Japan in the 1980s and 1990s, with the formation of drifting clubs and competitions. One of the pioneers of the sport was Kunimitsu Takahashi, a professional race car driver who was known for his drifting skills on the racetrack. Takahashi’s influence led to the creation of the D1 Grand Prix, which is now one of the most prestigious drifting competitions in the world.
Drifting gained international attention in the 1990s and 2000s through video games, movies, and television shows. The popularity of the “Fast and Furious” movie franchise, which featured scenes of drifting, helped to popularize the sport in the United States and other parts of the world.
Today, drifting is a recognized motorsport with professional competitions held around the world. The sport has evolved with advancements in technology and safety, with many enthusiasts taking to the track to show off their skills and compete against others. One of the most essential components of any drifting car is the tires.
Choosing the right drifting tires can make a massive difference in the car’s performance and the driver’s ability to execute precise and controlled maneuvers. Looking toward 2023, the competition for the best drifting tires is fierce with a number of strong contenders. This article will provide an in-depth analysis of the 7 top Best Drifting Tires 2023 options and highlight the unique features that set them apart in the drifting world.
characteristics Of Best Drifting Tire
What are the best drifting tires? There is no definitive answer to this question, as different drivers may have different preferences and styles. However, there are some general characteristics that you should look for when choosing tires for drifting
- High grip: You want tires that can provide enough traction and stability when you initiate and maintain a drift. Tires with a high grip can also help you recover from car drift and transition smoothly between corners.
- Durability: You want tires that can resist wear and tear from the constant sliding and spinning of the wheels. Tires with durable compounds and reinforced sidewalls can last longer and perform better under extreme conditions.
- Responsiveness: You want tires that can respond quickly and accurately to your steering inputs and throttle changes. Tires with responsive tread patterns and stiff carcasses can give you more feedback and control over your car.
- Balance: You want tires that can offer a good balance between grip and slip. Tires that are too grippy may not allow you to initiate a drift easily, while tires that are too slippery may not give you enough stability and predictability during a drift.
Based on these criteria, we have compiled a list of the top 8 best tires for drifting in 2023. These tires are all performance summer tires that are designed for high-speed driving on dry and wet roads. They are not intended for winter use or off-road driving. They are also not specifically made for drifting, but they have proven to be popular and effective among drifters.
We have divided the list into two categories
- Extreme-performance summer tires are the most aggressive and grippy tires in the market, but they also wear out faster and have less comfort and noise levels.
- Max-performance summer tires are slightly less grippy but more durable and comfortable than extreme-performance summer tires. They also tend to be more affordable and available in more sizes.
Here are our top picks for the best-drifting tires in 2023
Extreme-Performance Summer Tires for Drifting
These tires are the ultimate choice for hardcore drifters who want the highest level of grip, handling, and performance. They are ideal for track use or competitive drifting events.
1. Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R
The Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R is one of the most popular and highly rated extreme-performance summer tires in the market. It is widely used by drifters, auto crossers, and track enthusiasts who seek exceptional grip, responsiveness, and stability.
The Potenza RE-71R features an asymmetric tread pattern with large shoulder blocks, wide circumferential grooves, and a continuous center rib. These elements work together to provide excellent cornering grip, steering precision, wet traction, and straight-line stability.
The tire also uses a special compound called Ultimate Network of Intelligent Tire Technology (UNI-T) that enhances its performance at high temperatures and speeds. The compound is reinforced with silica and carbon black to improve its durability and resistance to wear.
The Potenza RE-71R is available in various sizes ranging from 15 to 20 inches in diameter, with aspect ratios from 25 to 55. It has a speed rating of W or Y, which means it can handle speeds up to 168 mph or 186 mph respectively.
The main drawbacks of this tire are its high price, short tread life, low comfort level, and loud noise level. It is also not very suitable for wet or cold conditions, as it may lose some of its grip and performance.
Cons
2. Falken Azenis RT615K+
The Falken Azenis RT615K+ is another excellent option for extreme-performance summer tires for drifting. It is an improved version of the
previous Azenis RT615K tire, which was already a great tire for drifting. The RT615K+ has a new nanotech-formulated compound that improves the grip and handling of the tire at high temperatures and speeds.
The Azenis RT615K+ also has an asymmetric tread pattern with large shoulder blocks, wide circumferential grooves, and a solid center rib. These features enhance the cornering grip, steering response, wet traction, and straight-line stability of the tire.
The tire also has a high-tension carcass that improves the durability, handling, and high-speed stability of the tire. The sidewalls are stiff and strong, which helps to resist deformation and flexing during drifting.
The Azenis RT615K+ is available in various sizes ranging from 14 to 20 inches in diameter, with aspect ratios from 35 to 60. It has a speed rating of W or Y, which means it can handle speeds up to 168 mph or 186 mph respectively.
The main drawbacks of this tire are its high price, short tread life, low comfort level, and loud noise level. It is also not very suitable for wet or cold conditions, as it may lose some of its grip and performance.
Cons
3. Toyo Proxes R1R
The Toyo Proxes R1R is another popular and highly-rated extreme-performance summer tire for drifting. It is designed for drivers who want a street-legal tire that can also perform well on the track.
The Proxes R1R features an aggressive directional tread pattern with large V-shaped grooves, tapered center blocks, and multi-width shoulder blocks. These elements provide excellent dry grip, steering precision, wet traction, and hydroplaning resistance.
The tire also uses a silica-reinforced compound that improves the grip and wears resistance of the tire at high temperatures and speeds. The compound is molded into an asymmetric shape that optimizes the contact patch of the tire under different driving conditions.
The Proxes R1R also has a dual steel belt construction that enhances the durability, handling, and high-speed stability of the tire. The sidewalls are reinforced with spiral-wound nylon cap plies that improve the rigidity and strength of the tire.
The Proxes R1R is available in sizes ranging from 14 to 18 inches in diameter, with aspect ratios from 35 to 55. It has a speed rating of W or Y, which means it can handle speeds up to 168 mph or 186 mph respectively.
The main drawbacks of this tire are its high price, short tread life, low comfort level, and loud noise level. It is also not very suitable for wet or cold conditions, as it may lose some of its grip and performance.
Cons
Max-Performance Summer Tires for Drifting
These tires are a good choice for casual drifters who want a balance between grip, durability, and comfort. They are ideal for street use or occasional track use.
4. Firestone Firehawk Indy 500
The Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 is one of the best value-for-money max-performance summer tires for drifting. It is inspired by the Firestone racing tires used in the Indianapolis 500 race, hence the name.
The Firehawk Indy 500 features an asymmetric tread pattern with large shoulder blocks, wide circumferential grooves, and sweeping lateral grooves. These features provide excellent dry grip, steering response, wet traction, and hydroplaning resistance.
The tire also uses a silica-enhanced compound that improves the grip and wears resistance of the tire at high temperatures and speeds. The compound is molded into a wide footprint that optimizes the contact patch of the tire under different driving conditions.
The Firehawk Indy 500 also has a polyester cord body that enhances the durability, handling, and comfort of the tire. The sidewalls are reinforced with two steel belts and a nylon cap ply that improve the rigidity and strength of the tire.
The Firehawk Indy 500 is available in sizes ranging from 15 to 20 inches in diameter, with aspect ratios from 35 to 55. It has a speed rating of W or Y, which means it can handle speeds up to 168 mph or 186 mph respectively.
The main advantages of this tire are its low price, long tread life, high comfort level, and low noise level. It is also suitable for wet and cold conditions, as it has good grip and performance in those scenarios.
The main disadvantages of this tire are its lower grip, responsiveness, and stability compared to extreme-performance tires. It is also not very good for track use, as it may overheat and lose some of its performance.
Cons
5. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is one of the most premium and highly rated max-performance summer tires for drifting. It is the successor of the legendary Michelin Pilot Super Sport tire, which was widely regarded as one of the best tires in the category.
The Pilot Sport 4S features an asymmetric tread pattern with large shoulder blocks, wide circumferential grooves, and variable contact patch 3.0 technology. These features provide excellent dry grip, steering precision, wet traction, and hydroplaning resistance.
The tire also uses a hybrid compound that combines silica and carbon black to improve the grip and wear resistance of the tire at high temperatures and speeds. The compound is molded into a wide footprint that optimizes the contact patch of the tire under different driving conditions.
The Pilot Sport 4S also has a high-density fiber belt that enhances the durability, handling, and high-speed stability of the tire. The sidewalls are reinforced with two steel belts and a polyamide cord that improve the rigidity and strength of the tire.
The Pilot Sport 4S is available in sizes ranging from 17 to 22 inches in diameter, with aspect ratios from 25 to 50. It has a speed rating of W or Y, which means it can handle speeds up to 168 mph or 186 mph respectively.
The main advantages of this tire are its superb grip, responsiveness, and stability. It is also suitable for wet and cold conditions, as it has excellent grip and performance in those scenarios. It also has a long tread life and a low noise level.
The main disadvantages of this tire are its high price and low comfort level. It is also not very good for track use, as it may overheat and lose some of its performance.
Cons
6. Kumho Ecsta PS31
The Kumho Ecsta PS31 is one of the most affordable and underrated max-performance summer tires for drifting. It is designed for drivers who want a sporty and fun tire that can also perform well on the street.
The Ecsta PS31 features an asymmetric tread pattern with large shoulder blocks, wide circumferential grooves, and microgrooves. These features provide good dry grip, steering response, wet traction, and hydroplaning resistance.
The tire also uses a high-dispersion silica compound that improves the grip and wears resistance of the tire at high temperatures and speeds. The compound is molded into a wide footprint that optimizes the contact patch of the tire under different driving conditions.
The Ecsta PS31 also has a dual steel belt construction that enhances the durability, handling, and high-speed stability of the tire. The sidewalls are reinforced with two nylon cap plies that improve the rigidity and strength of the tire.
The Ecsta PS31 is available in sizes ranging from 15 to 20 inches in diameter, with aspect ratios from 35 to 55. It has a speed rating of W or Y, which means it can handle speeds up to 168 mph or 186 mph respectively.
The main advantages of this tire are its low price, long tread life, high comfort level, and low noise level. It is also suitable for wet and cold conditions, as it has good grip and performance in those scenarios.
The main disadvantages of this tire are its lower grip, responsiveness, and stability compared to more expensive max-performance summer tires. It is also not very good for track use, as it may overheat and lose some of its performance.
Cons
7. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2
The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 is another premium and highly rated max-performance summer tire for drifting. It is designed for drivers who want a refined and balanced tire that can also perform well on the track.
The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 features an asymmetric tread pattern with large shoulder blocks, wide circumferential grooves, and active braking technology. These features provide excellent dry grip, steering precision, wet traction, and braking performance.
The tire also uses a race-derived compound that improves the grip and wears resistance of the tire at high temperatures and speeds. The compound is molded into a wide footprint that optimizes the contact patch of the tire under different driving conditions.
The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 also has a lightweight construction that enhances the durability, handling, and fuel efficiency of the tire. The sidewalls are reinforced with two steel belts and a polyamide cord that improve the rigidity and strength of the tire.
The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 is available in sizes ranging from 17 to 22 inches in diameter, with aspect ratios from 25 to 50. It has a speed rating of W or Y, which means it can handle speeds up to 168 mph or 186 mph respectively.
The main advantages of this tire are its superb grip, responsiveness, and stability. It is also suitable for wet and cold conditions, as it has excellent grip and performance in those scenarios. It also has a long tread life and a low noise level.
The main disadvantages of this tire are its high price and low comfort level. It is also not very good for track use, as it may overheat and lose some of its performance.
Cons
8. Nitto NT05
The Nitto NT05 is not your ordinary summer tire. It is a street-legal tire that is inspired by Nitto’s racing tires, such as the NT01 and NT05R. It was developed using advanced computer simulation and extensive on-track testing to provide precise and responsive handling and performance in dry conditions.
The Nitto NT05 is a tire that delivers exceptional performance and fun in dry conditions. It is a street-legal tire that can also handle track use without compromising its durability or treadwear. It is a great choice for drivers who want to experience the thrill of driving at the edge of their car’s capabilities.
However, the Nitto NT05 is not a tire that performs well in wet or snowy conditions. It is also not a tire that offers much comfort or quietness on the road. It is a tire that sacrifices some aspects of driving quality for the sake of performance.
If you’re looking for a max-performance tire that can handle any weather or road condition, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you’re looking for a drag tire for the street that can make your car
Cons
Conclusion
Drifting is a fun and exciting sport that requires a lot of skill and control. It also requires a good set of tires that can provide enough grip, durability, and responsiveness to make your car slide sideways.
In this article, we have reviewed the top 10 best tires for drifting in 2023. We have divided them into two categories: extreme-performance summer tires and max-performance summer tires. Extreme-performance summer tires are the most aggressive and grippy tires in the market, but they also wear out faster and have less comfort and noise levels. Max-performance summer tires are slightly less grippy but more durable and comfortable than extreme-performance summer tires. They also tend to be more affordable and available in more sizes.
Depending on your budget, preference, and style, you can choose the best tire for drifting from our list. We hope this article has helped you find the best drifting tires for your car. Happy drifting!