The twenty-second game in the Need for Speed franchise has been released on current-generation consoles and has received high praise for the new features and mechanics that have been introduced. Need for Speed Unbound hits the scene as another radical overhaul of the game's core structure adding new racing events, optional visual effects, and the ability to create a racing avatar.

However, the vehicle makes the racer, and players will need top-of-the-line cars to cut it in the competitive racing scene. Specifically, the drift events players will take part in will need vehicles that perform the best in that category. With this in mind, players will no doubt be looking for the best cars for drifting in Need For Speed Unbound.

Updated on February 21, 2024, by C.M Edwards: Need for Speed Unbound is the most recent installment in the Need for Speed franchise and has received high praise from fans of the genre as well as returning players. More than a year after its release, it continues to have a dedicated fan base and consistent updates. Recently at Sony's State of Play event, it was announced that Extra and Premium subscribers of PS Plus would receive Both Assassins Creed Valhalla and Need For Speed Unbound for free. With a new era on the horizon for the racing simulator, here are more of the best cars for drifting in Need For Speed Unbound.

14 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

Powerful A-Class Event Vehicle

• Setup: AWD
• Top Speed: 157mph
• 0-60 Time: 5.2s

Mitsubishi's line of vehicles is a mix of style and performance that is very popular in racing communities both in and out of the professional scene. In Need for Speed Unbound, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X is an available vehicle priced at forty-eight thousand and sitting at B-tier with stock parts.

The Evolution X also comes with a strong base top speed of 157mph and a five-second 0-60. With appropriate tuning, it can make a big impact on any drift track.

13 Ford Crown Victoria

Great Turning Potential

• Setup: RWD
• Top Speed: 135mph
• 0-60 Time: 9.2s

The Ford Crown Victoria is a great vehicle from the motor to the muffler. Made famous as the stock car for most law enforcement agencies that show up in real life and the majority of racing games, the Crown Vic packs a massive amount of power, making it suitable for several setups.

Outfitting the Crown Vic for drifting does take much as its turning potential suits it from the start. At a base price of thirty thousand, it's worth a little elbow grease to pull out some top-notch abilities from the car.

12 BMW M3 Evolution II

Good All-Around Performance

• Setup: RWD
• Top Speed: 151mph
• 0-60 Time: 6.3s

A fusion of style and speed, the BMW M3 Evolution II is a rare sight to behold on the street but is more than capable of holding its own and turning corners with efficient and controlled drifts.

With a strong setup and a close eye to detailed tuning, the M3 will surprise players who decide to give the vehicle a chance. While not as stacked as the rest of the cars on the list, the BMW M3 Evolution II will turn some heads and fill some pockets in Need for Speed Unbound.

11 Dodge Challenger SPRT8

Powerful Acceleration

• Setup: RWD
• Top Speed: 186mph
• 0-60 Time: 4.5s

Dodge has a long history of racing both on official tracks and street-level competitions. While not represented thoroughly in the drift scene, the Dodge Challenger does have a presence, hitting curves across the asphalt and keeping pace with some of the top contenders in the sport.

With a top speed of over 180 miles per hour, the acceleration of the Challenger is more than enough to hit a turn with maximum velocity and keep a smooth glide with the right build.

10 Honda S2000

Great Compact Construction

• Setup: RWD
• Top Speed: 150mph
• 0-60 Time: 5.9s

The Honda S200 is a great all-around vehicle with a powerful punch wrapped in a small package of pristine steel and acceleration. Thanks to its size, the Honda 2000 can make a big impact on the street in a number of events but can shine bright in drifting.

Able to hit a fast top speed, especially with the right parts equipped, the Honda 2000 can slide around a turn and get back on the straightaway at the driver's discretion.

9 BMW M4 Coupé (2018)

Solid Performance In All Factors

• Setup: RWD
• Top Speed: 179mph
• 0-60 Time: 4.5s

BMW's line of vehicles is not well known for their racing capabilities. However, they are seen more often in drift competitions for their speed and control. The BMW M4 Coupe has a sleek modern design similar to most modern cars, which sets it apart from other BMW vehicles.

In Need for Speed Unbound, the M4 Coupe performs exceptionally in multiple events but will reach its full potential in the drift category. Having a top speed of 186 miles per hour, the M4 Coupe has superb handling and a 20% drift handling value that makes it perfect for hitting corners.

8 Buick Grand National GNX (1987)

Great Foundation For Surprising Performance

• Setup: RWD
• Top Speed: 160mph
• 0-60 Time: 4.6s

To maximize the number of points scored in drifting events in Need for Speed Unbound, players will need to optimize the amount of slide without losing control of their vehicle. A vehicle that can quickly rev up to top speed and fishtail on command is therefore ideal for such events, and players could do a lot worse than the Buick Grand National GNX.

The Grand National GNX is a tuned-up Grand National with more power than its predecessor. In the game, the GNX has a top speed of 185 miles per hour with a 20% drift value. With the acceleration of the GNX, drivers will reach the perfect speed right before hitting a corner, faster than most of the other great drifting cars in the game.

7 Mazda RX-7 Spirit R (2002)

A Classic Vehicle With High Potential

• Setup: RWD
• Top Speed: 159mph
• 0-60 Time: 4.8s

The Mazda RX-7 is a well-known legend on the drift circuit. It is the former main car of drift star Youichi Imamura and is featured in the widely celebrated racing manga, Initial D. In addition, the RX-7 has an extensive history in street racing and is beloved by most car enthusiasts as one of the best cars to take on a track.

The RX-7 has unique capabilities that require it to be specially tuned to handle quick turns thanks to its rear-wheel drive. In Need for Speed Unbound, the RX-7 has a top speed of 159 miles per hour with excellent traction and a 40% drift value in handling.

6 Nissan 180SX Type X (1996)

A Strong Performer Out The Gate For A-Tier Events

• Setup: RWD
• Top Speed: 152mph
• 0-60 Time: 5.7s

Nissan is another line of vehicles that many racers, both pro and recreational, trust to give them an edge on the track with the right parts. The Nissan 180SX is a highly used classic that can perform incredibly well on multiple types of tracks but is common in drift events.

Acquiring the 180SX in Need for Speed Unbound won't break the bank and will provide a powerful vehicle that players can take through the majority of the game. With a top speed of 146 miles per hour, the 180SX can compete admirably with just a little tuning, thanks to its drift value of 20%.

5 Nissan 350Z (2008)

Great Vehicle For A Number Of Builds

• Setup: RWD
• Top Speed: 155mph
• 0-60 Time: 5.4s

The Nissan 350z is a powerful two-door compact vehicle that is sought after for its wide range of customization options and above-average acceleration. Because of the 350z's size, it is exceptional at cornering, and it is no different in Need for Speed Unbound.

Able to go from zero to sixty in under six seconds and costing just under sixty thousand in-game currency, an adequately tuned 350z will glide across the streets in Need for Speed Unbound and take corners like nothing else on the market thanks to its starting 20% drift value.

4 Nissan Silvia Spec-R Aero (2002)

A Sleek Sniper For A-Tier Events

• Setup: RWD
• Top Speed: 155mph
• 0-60 Time: 5.6s

The Silvia Spec-R Aero is a wide-body two-door with excellent horsepower and handling. Many Nissan vehicles are prominent in street and circuit racing, and the Aero is no different. However, players who prefer drift races will want a car that can maintain its speed while skating around corners and accelerating to get back in the race.

Being able to go from zero to sixty in under six seconds and with a top speed of 155 miles per hour, the Aero is a wonderful choice to take into Need for Speed Unbound. It boasts a 20% drift value too, making it one of the best drift cars in the game.

3 Subaru BRZ Premium (2014)

Feels Great Behind A Controller

• Setup: AWD
• Top Speed: 143mph
• 0-60 Time: 6.2s

The Subaru BRZ is a vehicle well known in the drifting community as one of the main cars used by Dai Yoshihara, a champion in many Drift competitions. The BRZ has excellent control around corners and acceleration that has a lot of potential when tuned properly.

Players will need to modify the engine and transmission accurately to awaken this beast and rule the drift competitions Need for Speed Unbound has to offer. The BRZ has a base top speed of 144 miles per hour and a 20% drift value.

2 Nissan Skyline GT-R V·Spec (1993)

Great Combination Of Speed And Control

• Setup: AWD
• Top Speed: 155mph
• 0-60 Time: 5.2s

The Nissan Skyline is a fan favorite of the racing community and car enthusiasts. The Japanese-made car rose to a higher tier of popularity in the Fast and Furious movie series, where it was featured multiple times. The GTR is also a favorite and common unit in most Need for Speed games.

Of course, not many cars can compete with a well-modified Skyline GTR on the streets or the track, but when drifting around tight bends, the GTR excels at powering through with all-wheel drive and well-rounded handling and traction values. It's an amazing automobile and one of the very best cars for drifting in Need For Speed Unbound.

1 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Strong S Class Contender

• Setup: RWD
• Top Speed: 198mph
• 0-60 Time: 3.7s

Corvette is another name synonymous with racing, along with having a significant movie career with James Bond behind the wheel. The Z06 model of the Corvette is available for purchase in Need for Speed Unbound and is a great piece of machinery that can hold its own among the other models available in the game.

Sitting at stock S-tier, the ZO6 can be a fun pick for drifting events and can look good while hitting corners. With a top speed of 198mph and a 3-second acceleration stat, it is a beast in its own right.