What Cars Have Low Grip Tires GTA: Essential Guide
In GTA V, low grip tires are found on specific vehicles designed for drifting or off-road performance. These tires offer less traction, making them ideal for slides and controlled skids. If you’re looking to master drifting or find vehicles with this characteristic, certain sports cars and off-roaders are your best bet.
You’ve been driving around Los Santos, maybe trying to make a quick getaway, or perhaps attempting a stylish drift around a corner. Suddenly, your car spins out! It’s a frustrating, all-too-common experience in Grand Theft Auto V. Knowing which cars come equipped with low grip tires can transform your driving and racing game. These special tires are a key feature for certain types of vehicles, and understanding them will help you handle your ride like a pro. We’ll break down exactly what low grip tires do and which vehicles you should be looking for.
Understanding Low Grip Tires in GTA V
In the world of GTA V, tires are more than just rubber circles; they’re a crucial part of how your vehicle handles. Tires affect your car’s acceleration, braking, and most importantly, its grip on the road. Low grip tires are specifically designed to have less friction with the surface they’re on.
Why would you want less grip? It might seem counterintuitive, but for certain driving styles, less grip is a good thing:
- Drifting: This is the primary reason players seek out low grip tires. When you have less grip, it’s easier to intentionally slide the rear of your car sideways around corners, a maneuver known as drifting. This is popular in racing and for showmanship.
- Off-Roading: Some vehicles with low grip tires also excel in off-road conditions. While it might seem odd, a certain type of “less sticky” tire can sometimes allow for better sliding over loose surfaces like dirt or gravel, helping the vehicle maintain momentum rather than getting bogged down.
- Unique Handling: Certain cars are programmed by Rockstar Games to have less-than-optimal grip from the factory, giving them a more challenging or unique handling characteristic that some players enjoy experimenting with.
It’s important to distinguish between stock low grip tires and tires you might buy in-game. Most vehicles come with standard tires. However, custom shops like Los Santos Customs allow you to modify your tires. If you go for the “off-road” or sometimes “sports” tire options, some of them can simulate lower grip characteristics, especially when combined with certain vehicle types. But for the purpose of this guide, we’re focusing on cars that naturally exhibit low grip behavior due to their design and default tire properties, or those that are commonly modified to have this effect for gameplay purposes.
What Makes a Tire “Low Grip”?
In the real world, tire grip is influenced by many factors: the rubber compound, tread pattern, tire pressure, and the surface it’s on. In GTA V, these real-world mechanics are simplified for gameplay. Generally, tires that are:
- Thinner or have less aggressive tread: These can have less contact with the road, reducing friction.
- Designed for specific performance: Think of drag slicks (though less common on street cars in GTA) or tires meant for loose surfaces where predictable sliding is key.
- Associated with lighter, more powerful cars: Less weight and more power can easily overcome the available grip, making any tire feel “low grip.”
Rockstar Games’ game physics engine assigns specific tire properties to each vehicle. Some cars are simply programmed to have less inherent grip, making them prone to sliding, especially during acceleration or sharp turns.
GTA V Cars Known for Low Grip Tires (Stock or Easily Modded)
When players talk about “low grip tires” in GTA V, they’re often referring to cars that are either factory-set with less traction or cars that are commonly upgraded with tires that enhance their sliding capabilities. Here’s a look at some popular examples.
Sports Cars and Supercars
Many high-performance vehicles in GTA V are designed with powerful engines that can easily overwhelm their tires, leading to a natural tendency for low grip, especially when pushing them hard. While some of these also have good grip when driven cautiously, their default setup makes them prime candidates for drifting.
The Dominator (and its variants like Dominator GTX, Dominator ASU
The Dominator is a classic muscle car in GTA V, reminiscent of American pony cars. It’s known for its V8 power and a tendency to break traction. Its rear-wheel-drive setup combined with its engine output means that even standard tires can easily skid. When modified with performance tires, it becomes a drifting machine.
The Comet (and Comet SR, Comet Retro Custom
Inspired by the Porsche 911, the Comet series in GTA V are rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports cars. They have a reputation for being a bit twitchy, meaning they can lose grip suddenly. This makes them excellent for players who enjoy a challenge and want to practice control during slides.
The Sultan (and Sultan RS
This four-door sedan, inspired by Mitsubishi Lancers, is surprisingly capable. The Sultan RS, in particular, is a highly tunable vehicle that can be modified to excel at rally-style driving and drifting. Its stock handling can be a bit tail-happy, setting it up for low-grip scenarios.
The Elegy RH8
The Elegy RH8 is a fantastic all-around performer, often compared to the Nissan GT-R. It’s a powerful, all-wheel-drive car, but when pushed to its limits, especially during aggressive cornering or acceleration, it can certainly exhibit moments of reduced grip, particularly from its rear wheels.
The Annihilator (Helicopter, not a car, but known for unstable landing grip)
While not a car, it’s worth a humorous mention that the Annihilator helicopter’s landing gear can sometimes exhibit amusing low-grip physics when touching down on certain surfaces, leading to unexpected skids! Back to cars…
The Feltzer
A stylish German convertible sports car, the Feltzer, inspired by the Mercedes-Benz SL, offers a balance of power and luxury. It’s rear-wheel-drive and can easily get its rear tires loose, making it a popular choice for casual drifting.
Drift-Focused Vehicles
Some vehicles in GTA V are almost built with drifting in mind, or their design principles lend themselves heavily to it. These are often cars where modifying the tires to “Sports” or “Off-Road” types dramatically enhances their low-grip characteristics.
The Bravado Yosemite Rancher
This classic pickup truck, when modified with off-road tires and perhaps even lowered, can have a surprisingly good time sliding around. Its higher center of gravity and RWD setup make it prone to oversteer, which is exactly what you want for classic drift maneuvers.
The Declasse Sabre Turbo
A classic muscle car with a powerful engine and a strong rear-wheel-drive bias. The Sabre Turbo is known for its raw power, meaning it can easily break traction and slide. Perfect for that retro muscle car drift style.
The Benefactor Stirling GT
A beautiful, classic convertible inspired by old Mercedes-Benz models. While it looks elegant, its powerful engine and rear-wheel-drive layout mean it’s quite capable of a controlled slide when you want it to be.
Off-Road Vehicles (with a twist)
You might not immediately think of off-roaders for low grip, but some are designed to handle loose surfaces by allowing controlled slippage.
The Karin Rebel (and Rebel TRX**
These rugged trucks are built for tough terrain. While they are designed for off-road traction, on loose surfaces like dirt or sand, their tires can behave in a way that facilitates sliding, especially if modified.
The Dune Favors / Dune Buggy
These lightweight vehicles are often rear-wheel drive and can be quite lively. On sand or dirt, they are notorious for easy spin-outs and controlled drifts due to their minimal weight and tire design.
How to Maximize Low Grip for Drifting
If your goal is to chain together epic drifts, simply picking the right car is only half the battle. Here’s how to optimize your vehicle and driving for low grip scenarios in GTA V.
Visiting Los Santos Customs
This is your primary hub for vehicle modification. When you take your chosen car to Los Santos Customs, you can enhance its low-grip potential:
- Tires: Navigate to the “Wheels” or “Tires” section.
- Sports Tires: Often have a good balance of grip and the ability to break traction. These are usually a safe bet for many cars.
- Off-Road Tires: For vehicles with an off-road tire option, these can sometimes offer surprisingly good sliding characteristics on dirt and dusty surfaces, a unique kind of low grip.
- Bulletproof Tires: While not directly related to grip, they offer a significant durability boost, which is great for extended drifting sessions where you might bump into things!
- Engine Upgrades: More power means it’s easier to break traction. Maxing out your engine upgrades is almost always beneficial for drifting.
- Transmission (Gearbox): Upgrades here can improve acceleration and how power is delivered, making it easier to initiate and maintain slides.
- Suspension: Lowering your suspension can improve handling and make it easier for the tires to grip, but some players prefer a slightly softer suspension for more predictable sliding. Experimentation is key!
- Brakes: Performance brakes are crucial for controlling your speed during drifts.
Understanding Tire Wear in GTA V
It’s a common misconception that tires “wear out” in GTA V by losing grip. While tires can be damaged visually and lose structural integrity (leading to flats), they don’t degrade in their grip performance over time from general driving. The grip level is an inherent property of the tire type and the car’s physics, not a dynamic variable affected by mileage or abuse. So, you don’t need to worry about your “low grip tires” becoming “even lower grip” due to wear.
Vehicle Handling Attributes in GTA V: A Deeper Look
The game’s underlying code dictates how each vehicle behaves. While we can’t easily see the raw data without mods or data mining, experienced players observe patterns. Cars with a higher “Traction Curve” value in their physics files tend to have better grip. Conversely, cars with lower values in these areas, or those designated as having “loose” handling, are more likely to exhibit low grip characteristics.
For instance, the physics for a Bugatti Veyron equivalent (like the T20) is tuned for maximum grip and stability at high speeds. The physics for a muscle car like the Dominator are tuned for power and a more tail-happy, RWD feel. This is why even with the same “Sports” tires, a Dominator will feel much more prone to low-grip situations than a T20.
External Resources for GTA V Vehicle Information
For those who want to dive even deeper into the mechanics of GTA V vehicles, there are excellent community-run resources:
- GTA Wiki: This is an invaluable resource for detailed information on every vehicle in the game, including their inspirations, stats, and common handling characteristics observed by the community. You can often find discussions about which cars are best for drifting. Visit GTA Wiki for comprehensive lists.
- GTA Forums and Subreddits: Communities like r/GTAV or dedicated GTA forums often have threads where players discuss vehicle performance, favorite drift cars, and optimal modifications. These discussions are a goldmine of player experience.
Understanding the game’s physics can be complex, but often, the most effective way to learn is through trial and error and by observing how other players handle their cars.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What are the absolute best cars in GTA V for drifting?
The “best” is subjective, but cars frequently recommended for their low grip and drifting prowess include the Karin Sultan RS, Declasse Drift Tampa, Bravado Dominator GTX, and the Maibatsu Penumbra FF. These vehicles offer a good balance of power, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, and manageable slide characteristics.
Q2: Can I make any car have low grip tires in GTA V?
You can significantly alter a car’s handling by visiting Los Santos Customs and selecting “Sports” or “Off-road” tires, especially on rear-wheel-drive vehicles. However, some cars are fundamentally designed with high grip and stability, meaning even with modifications, they won’t become true drift machines. Some cars have inherent handling limitations that can’t be entirely overridden.
Q3: Do low grip tires affect braking in GTA V?
Yes, generally, tires with less grip will also have reduced braking performance. This means you’ll need to brake earlier and more gently, especially when initiating or recovering from a slide. Balanced braking is key to maintaining control.
Q4: Is it better to buy a car known for low grip or modify a standard car?
It depends on your goals and budget. Cars specifically designed for drifting or with naturally loose handling (like the Sultan RS or certain muscle cars) often provide a better starting point and a more rewarding experience with fewer modifications. However, with enough upgrades, many standard RWD cars can be made to drift effectively.
Q5: How do I prevent my car from spinning out unintentionally?
Gentle acceleration, smooth steering inputs, and understanding your car’s tendencies are key. Avoid sudden jerky movements, especially on slippery surfaces or during high-speed turns. If you’re in a car prone to unintended slides, practice driving it slowly and carefully at first.
Q6: Can I change tire types in GTA Online?
Yes, in GTA Online, you can visit Los Santos Customs or a Personal Vehicle Workshop in your Agency, Arcade, or other properties to change tire types. Options like Sports tires, Off-Road tires, and custom rim colors are available for most vehicles.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of driving in Los Santos is a rewarding journey, and understanding vehicle handling, especially with “low grip tires,” is a massive step in the right direction. Whether you’re aiming to drift like a pro around Vespucci Beach, navigate challenging off-road trails, or simply want to understand why your favorite car sometimes goes into a wild skid, this guide has equipped you with the knowledge. Remember, many sports cars and muscle cars in GTA V are naturals at losing traction, and with a few well-chosen modifications at Los Santos Customs, you can turn almost any rear-wheel-drive vehicle into a delightful slide machine. Experiment with the cars we’ve mentioned, visit your local tuner shop, and most importantly, have fun finding your own perfect low-grip ride. Happy driving, and may your slides be ever so controlled!
