What Cars Have Low Grip Tires GTA: Essential Guide
Cars with low grip tires in GTA offer a unique driving experience, perfect for drifting and controlled slides. This guide helps you identify these vehicles, understand their handling, and use them effectively for stunts and fun.
Welcome! If you’ve ever felt a car in Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) slide sideways a little too easily, or perhaps you’re looking for that perfect drift machine, you’ve come to the right place. Many players love the thrill of a controlled slide, the screech of tires, and the sheer fun of making a car dance. But finding the right vehicle can sometimes feel like a guessing game. Don’t worry, it’s simpler than you think! We’ll uncover which cars are naturally equipped with those “slippery” tires that make them ideal for drifting. Get ready to transform your driving experience in Los Santos!
Understanding Low Grip Tires in GTA V
In the world of GTA V, tire grip isn’t just a technical detail; it’s a core part of how a vehicle handles. Think of it like this: high-grip tires stick to the road, giving you maximum traction for quick acceleration and sharp turns. Low-grip tires, on the other hand, release their hold more easily, allowing for slides and drifts.
For beginners, this might sound like a disadvantage. Why would you want a car that’s harder to control? The answer lies in the fun and skill involved. Mastering a drift with a low-grip car is incredibly satisfying. It allows you to navigate tight corners with style, perform impressive stunts, and even outmaneuver pursuers in creative ways. It’s all about understanding the physics of the game and how to work with them, rather than against them.
What Makes Tires “Low Grip”?
Several factors contribute to a car’s low-grip characteristic in GTA V:
Tire Compound: In the game’s code, certain vehicles are programmed with tire types that have a lower friction coefficient. This means they have less “stickiness” on the asphalt.
Suspension and Weight Distribution: A car’s suspension setup and how its weight is shifted during acceleration, braking, and turning significantly impact grip. Vehicles with softer suspension or a higher center of gravity often experience more weight transfer, making them prone to sliding.
Drivetrain: While not directly a tire characteristic, the drivetrain (front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive) plays a huge role in how power is delivered to the wheels. Rear-wheel-drive cars, in particular, are often favored for drifting because they allow the rear wheels to break traction more easily under power.
Stock vs. Upgraded: Sometimes, a car might have decent grip in its stock form but can be made to drift more easily with aftermarket modifications, especially when specific tire types are chosen in Los Santos Customs.
Identifying Low Grip Cars: The Easy Way
While there’s no in-game filter that explicitly says “Low Grip Tires,” there are visual cues and common vehicle types that are known for their sliding capabilities. The best way to identify them is through observation and experience.
Common Characteristics to Look For:
Sports Cars and Tuner Cars: Genres like Sports, Sports Classics, and Tuners often feature vehicles designed for speed, agility, and, yes, drifting. Many of these have rear-wheel drive configurations and lower profiles.
Muscle Cars: Some classic and modern muscle cars, especially those with powerful engines and rear-wheel drive, can be surprisingly good drifters once you get a feel for their power.
Import/Tuner Vehicles: Cars inspired by Japanese tuning culture are almost synonymous with drifting. They usually have a focus on handling and often have rear-wheel drive.
Stunt-Oriented Cars: Vehicles specifically designed for stunts or with a reputation for being challenging to handle often exhibit low-grip tendencies.
The “Drift King” Archetypes:
Think of cars that look like they should slide. Sleek, low-slung designs, aggressive spoilers, and wide rear tires are often hints. They’re built for cornering, and sometimes, that means breaking traction.
The key is to experiment. Visit Los Santos Customs, test drive different vehicles, and pay attention to how they react when you accelerate hard, brake suddenly, or take sharp turns. You’ll quickly develop an instinct for which cars are your best bet for a good slide.
Top Cars Known for Low Grip Tires in GTA V
While many cars can be modified for drifting, some come with a natural predisposition. These are the vehicles many players gravitate towards when they want pure drifting fun.
Sports & Tuner Cars
This category is a goldmine for low-grip vehicles. They’re often lightweight, powerful, and have rear-wheel drive setups that are perfect for initiating drifts.
Karin Sultan RS: A fan favorite for its all-around performance and excellent drifting capability when tuned.
Annis Elegy RH8: This high-performance tuner is a staple for many experienced players due to its excellent handling and controllable slide.
Dinka Jester (various models): The Jester series consistently offers good handling and is a solid choice for drifting.
Penumbra FF: A sleek, fast car that can be coaxed into impressive drifts.
Pfister Comet SR: A powerful rear-wheel-drive sports car that handles well and drifts nicely.
Vulcar Warrener HKR: Based on the classic R32, this car is built for performance and can be a drift beast.
Sports Classics
Sometimes, the old school can hang with the new school when it comes to sliding. These classic icons offer a different kind of character to your drift sessions.
Albany Roosevelt Valor: Despite its luxury appearance, this car has a surprising amount of power and can be made to slide for a more dramatic effect.
Declasse Vigero: A classic American muscle car that, with the right touch, can put on a smoky show.
Imponte Dukes O’Malley: A special edition of the Dukes that offers a more raw, powerful experience.
Stafford: A classic supercar that, while perhaps not the most obvious choice, can be driven into a controlled slide.
Muscle Cars
The raw power of muscle cars can be a double-edged sword. While they can spin their tires easily, controlling that power for a sustained drift requires skill and often specific modifications.
Bravado Gauntlet Hellfire: A modern muscle beast that can easily break traction.
Declasse Sabre Turbo Custom: A classic muscle car that, when modified, can deliver a potent drifting experience.
Imponte Dukes: The standard Dukes is a potent machine, and its rear-wheel-drive setup makes it a candidate for drifting.
Supercars
While most supercars are designed for ultimate grip and stability at high speeds, some can be surprisingly controllable for drifts, especially with modifications.
Grotti Itali RSX: This car is known for its powerful engine and agility, making it capable of controlled slides.
Pegassi Zorrusso: A high-performance vehicle that, with practice, can execute stylish drifts.
Remember that these are just starting points. The beauty of GTA V is the customization. You can often turn a car that’s okay at drifting into a champion with the right upgrades at Los Santos Customs. Keep an eye out for vehicles with RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive) configurations, as these are generally the easiest to get sideways.
Modifying for Maximum Drift Potential
Visiting Los Santos Customs (or your personal garage workshop) is where the magic truly happens. Even a car with naturally good grip can be enhanced, and a less-than-ideal car can be transformed.
Key Upgrades to Consider:
Tires: This is the most obvious upgrade. While the game doesn’t have a direct “drift tire” option, selecting performance tires or sometimes even sport tires can alter the grip levels. Experimentation is key! Sometimes, a slightly less aggressive tire offers more slip.
Suspension: Lowering the suspension can improve handling generally, but a slightly softer suspension setup can encourage more weight transfer, which is vital for breaking traction.
Transmission: Upgrading your transmission can improve acceleration, helping you power out of drifts.
Engine: A more powerful engine gives you the torque needed to spin the rear wheels more easily.
Brakes: Better brakes allow you to initiate a drift by braking hard and turning in simultaneously (a “brake drift” or “Scandinavian flick”).
Spoiler: While mostly cosmetic, some spoilers can subtly affect a car’s aerodynamics and handling.
The “Drift Tune” Strategy:
Many players develop specific “drift tunes” for their cars. This involves a delicate balance of upgrades to maximize slide. Often, this means prioritizing engine power and transmission upgrades for RWD vehicles, and potentially using certain tire types that offer a bit less immediate grip but a more predictable slide.
Don’t be afraid to spend a little money on upgrades. For a few dozen thousand GTA$ dollars, you can often turn a mediocre car into a drifting dream. The return on investment for pure fun is immense!
How to Practice Drifting in GTA V
You’ve got your car; now it’s time to learn the art of the slide! Drifting in GTA V takes practice, but it’s incredibly rewarding.
Step-by-Step Drift Initiation:
1. Find an Open Area: Look for large, empty parking lots, unused industrial areas, or even long, sweeping roads without much traffic. The Los Santos International Airport tarmac at night can be a great spot.
2. Choose Your Car: Again, opt for a rear-wheel-drive sports car, tuner, or muscle car that you’ve modified for performance.
3. Get Up to Speed (Moderate): You don’t need to be at maximum speed. A good starting point is around 40-60 mph.
4. Initiate the Drifting Sequence: There are a few popular methods:
Handbrake/E-Brake Drift (Most Common): As you approach a corner, tap the handbrake button briefly. This will cause the rear wheels to momentarily lose traction. While holding the handbrake, steer into the turn. As the rear slides out, counter-steer (turn the opposite direction of the slide) to keep the car from spinning out. Release the handbrake once you’re around the corner, and adjust your steering.
Power Oversteer: In a powerful RWD car, simply accelerate hard into the corner. If the car has enough power, the rear wheels will spin, initiating a slide. You’ll need to use throttle control (feathering the accelerator) and counter-steering to maintain the drift.
Brake Drift (Scandinavian Flick): This is a more advanced technique. As you approach the corner, briefly tap the brakes to shift weight forward, then sharply turn away from the direction of the corner. Immediately counter-steer into the corner. This weight transfer helps break rear-wheel traction.
5. Counter-Steer: This is the most crucial part of controlling a drift. If the rear of your car slides to the left, you steer slightly to the left. If it slides to the right, you steer slightly to the right. The amount of counter-steer depends on the angle of your slide.
6. Throttle Control: Use the accelerator to control the degree of your slide. More throttle often means a wider, more pronounced slide. Less throttle can help you straighten out or reduce the slide.
7. Feathering: Gradually releasing and reapplying the accelerator can help maintain a consistent drift angle.
8. Practice, Practice, Practice: Don’t get discouraged! It takes time to get the feel for each car and master throttle control and counter-steering. Watch videos of skilled GTA V drifters for inspiration.
Tips for Success:
Start Slow: Begin in an empty area with slower speeds to get a feel for the car’s reactions.
Listen to Your Car: The sound of the tires and the engine can give you feedback on traction.
Focus on Smoothness: Jerky movements will cause you to spin out. Aim for fluid transitions.
Experiment with Different Cars: Each vehicle has a unique feel. The Sultan RS will handle differently than a Dukes.
Use Third-Person View: Most players find it easier to drift and judge angles using the third-person camera perspective.
Consider a Controller: If you’re playing on PC, many find a game controller offers more precise analog input for steering and throttle than a keyboard.
The key is to accept that you will spin out. A lot. Every time you do, you learn something new about the car and how to correct it the next time. It’s all part of the fun and learning process!
Low Grip Tires vs. High Grip Tires: The Trade-offs
Understanding the difference between these tire types is essential for appreciating why you’d choose one over the other.
Low Grip Tires (Drift-Oriented)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent for drifting and stunts | Reduced traction for acceleration |
| Allows for stylish cornering | Less stable at high speeds |
| Fun and challenging to master | Difficult to control in wet conditions (in mods) |
| Can be used tactically for evasive maneuvers | Increased tire wear (in realistic simulations) |
High Grip Tires (Performance-Oriented)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Maximum traction for acceleration and braking | Difficult to initiate drifts or slides |
| Superior stability and control | Can feel “stuck” to the road |
| Better for racing and evasive driving | Less forgiving during sudden steering inputs |
| Predictable handling in most situations | Less exciting for stunt driving or casual fun |
For most everyday driving and racing, high-grip tires are generally preferred for their stability and performance. However, if your goal is to master the art of the slide, chase down difficult stunt jumps, or simply have a blast in a way that feels very “automotive,” then low-grip tires are your friends.
Where to Find Low Grip Cars and Practice Areas
Los Santos is your playground, and some areas are better suited for finding low-grip cars and practicing your skills.
Key Locations for Acquisition and Practice:
Los Santos Customs Garages: The best place to buy and modify cars for low grip. You can upgrade any suitable vehicle here.
Docks/Industrial Areas: Areas like Elysian Island, La Puerta, and the various warehouses often have plenty of open space and long, unobstructed roads perfect for practice. The area around the Merryweather docks is a classic.
Sandy Shores Airfield: A vast, empty space that’s perfect for learning the basics without worrying about traffic or obstacles.
Mount Gordo / Scenic Routes: For more advanced players, the winding mountain roads and coastal highways offer challenging drift opportunities.
Vinewood Racetrack: While designed for racing, the large turning radius and open infield can be used for practicing drifts.
The Airport (LAX Equivalent): The main tarmac and surrounding service roads offer extended flat areas for getting a feel for your car.
Don’t overlook the power of the in-game map. When you’re looking for a large, empty space, zoom out and look for expanses of gray asphalt. These are usually your best bet for a private practice session.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can any car in GTA V be made to have low grip tires?
While you can’t change a car’s fundamental programming to be inherently low-grip, you can certainly modify many cars to handle as if they have low-grip tires. Upgrading the engine, transmission, and suspension on a rear-wheel-drive vehicle can make it slide much more easily. However, some cars are just naturally predisposed to it.
Q2: What is the easiest car to drift in GTA V?
The Karin Sultan RS, Annis Elegy RH8, and Dinka Jester are often cited as some of the easiest and most rewarding cars for drifting, especially after receiving performance upgrades at Los Santos Customs. They offer a good balance of power, handling, and responsiveness.
Q3: Do low grip tires affect normal driving?
Yes, if you were to permanently equip a car with “low grip” settings (primarily through mods that alter handling parameters), it would reduce your traction for everyday driving. This means less grip for acceleration, braking, and turning, making normal driving less stable and potentially more dangerous.
Q4: Is it better to buy a car specifically known for low grip, or modify one?
It depends on your budget and goals. Buying a car already known for good drifting performance is a great shortcut. However, modifying a more affordable or aesthetically pleasing car can be very rewarding and often allows you to fine-tune the drift characteristics to your exact preference. For beginners, starting with a car like the Elegy RH8 or Sultan RS and upgrading it is a solid strategy.
Q5: How do I prevent my car from spinning out when I drift?
Mastering counter-steering is key. As the rear of your car slides out, you must turn the front wheels in that direction. The amount of counter-steer depends on the angle of your slide. You also need to modulate your throttle – too much gas will spin you out, too little will make you stop sliding. It’s a delicate balance that comes with practice.
Q6: Are there specific tire upgrades at Los Santos Customs that increase drift ability?
Los Santos Customs doesn’t have a tire option explicitly labeled “drift tires.” However, certain performance tires can affect the overall grip coefficient of the vehicle.
