Need for Speed Unbound: 5 Best Drift Cars, Ranked

Contrary to popular belief, winning a race in Need for Speed Unbound doesn't necessarily boil down to the power of your engine and how fast you can exceed its limitations, but more so its ability to drift without colliding into just about every obstacle between the chalk and the checkered flag. Like many racing games that have come before it, drifting is often the key to succeeding in the local circuit. And boy, if you can't get your head wrapped around it, then the only thing you'll come to find is the infuriating glow of a dozen or more taillights fizzling out in the distance.

Fortunately, Need for Speed Unbound does come with its admirable share of quality vehicles—ones that are built for drifting, as luck would have it. Question is, which cars pack the biggest punch when it comes to conquering the drift-based events? Here's everything we've pulled together on the game's best ranking vehicles to date.

5. Mazda RX-7 Spirit R

When it comes to scoping out roadworthy vehicles that are destined to conquer drift events, the one attribute you're going to want to look out for is the value in handling. In the case of the Mazda RX-7 Spirit R, the handling puts out a solid 40%, making it a definite contender on the field. And yes, it may not sound like a whole lot of bite on paper, but 40% is actually quite high, all things considered.

The Mazda RX-7 Spirit R comes loaded with not only great traction control, but also a top speed of 159mph, making it a lightweight and relatively speedy diamond in the rough. It's an ideal mid-range vehicle with plenty of perks to boot, and it can be obtained fairly early on, too. So, if you're after an all-rounder with enough drift power to ignite asphalt, then be sure to unlock the RX-7 blueprint as soon as you get the opportunity to do so.

4. Buick Grand National GNX

At face value, the Buick Grand National GNX doesn't really shed the wow factor, nor does it appeal to those wanting a modern car with all the flashy gadgets to boot. Take a gander under the hood, though, and you'll actually spot quite a number of beneficial qualities, including but not limited to its 20% boost in handing and top speed of 185mph.

It doesn't look like much, but the GNX is far superior to its previous Grand National model, and actually stacks high as one of the best-performing street cars on the circuit overall. And not only that, but it's also surprisingly versatile, and can provide a cheap yet effective solution for tackling some of the tougher drift events in and around Lakeshore City. The point is, you should invest your spare funds into the GNX, so long as you don't mind losing out on some of the more customizable alternatives.

3. BMW M4 Coupe

Of all the 150+ vehicles that flesh out the Need for Speed Unbound showroom, only few come as close to attaining the same quality as the BMW M4 Coupe. Thanks to its modern design, 20% handling boost, and top speed of 186mph, owners can throw down in nearly any event in Lakeshore City and have an immediate advantage right off the bat.

Of course, the BMW range does come with its fair share of well-oiled machines and what have you, though only few of them strive for the same level of excellence as the M4. It's effortlessly sleek, swift, and beyond worth tweaking out if you have the cash to spare between events. An alternative to the M4 would be the Nissan Silvia Spec-R Zero, another drift car that retains just about all the same benefits, but for a much cheaper price. Either choice in this situation works fine, to be honest.

2. Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec

As made famous by The Fast & Furious franchise, the Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec serves as one of the most popular returning cars of its kind, and therefore immediately solidifies its place in the Unbound showroom as a go-to fan favorite. Why the spike in popularity, though? Well, as it turns out, the Skyline is not only one of the best drag cars, but also one of the best drift wagons on the market, hence its frequent appearance in the Need for Speed series.

The Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec comes with a twin-turbocharged engine, a sleek and fully customizable body, and a high-powered traction control system that lets its driver navigate the deadliest of bends with little to no roadside interference. Moreover, it also has a top speed of 165mph, which again, makes it one of the best all-rounders on the Unbound circuit.

1. Subaru BRZ Premium

If tuned properly, the Subaru BRZ Premium can quite easily sling its way to the top of the list as one of the greatest obtainable vehicles in Need for Speed Unbound. Why? Well, because of its lightweight design, 20% drift boost, and its comfortable but incredibly effective top speed of 144mph, of course. Meshed together, the BRZ Premium stands tall as an definitive contender on the circuit, which also makes you, the driver, far more capable of handling the tougher events around Lakeshore City.

In all fairness, you can't really go wrong with a Subaru, regardless of the model or year. That said, if you're after an all-round type of vehicle that can pull its weight in just about every event type outside of drifting, then the BRZ Premium won't ever do you wrong. It's also surprisingly affordable, too, which makes it slightly more appealing than the vast majority of other stock cars on the carousel. So there's that to consider.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Are there any cars you'd recommend picking up? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.