As cars become more and more tech advanced, the tools we have to utilize them become more and more expensive. It's a double edged sword for sure. We have more built in monitoring and control over the ECM/BCM, but at the cost of a learning curve. Having dealer specific scan software isn't exactly cost efficient as opposed to a "mechanics tool set" you could get by with in an 80/90's car.
But for the new kids getting into drifting, buying a 25+ year old japanese car also isn't always cost prohibitive. Let's say you are 18 years old and just getting into drifting. What do you recommend?
My short list is: 350/370Z, G35/37, FRS/BRZ/GT86, S197/S550 Mustang, Genesis, E46 BMW, E9X BMW, and C5/C6 Corvette.
Personally, I think the ZN6 (FRS/BRZ) and S550 Mustang will become the dominate chassis as time goes on. They both have amazing aftermarket for drifting, and one day I hope to see them fill pit spaces the way AE86 and S13/14 used to.
With how many modern cars came automatic only, I wonder if automatic drifting is going to become more prominent. That opens the door for 3GS and newer, 3IS and newer, Q50/60, Mercedes (W211s are super cheap and came V6 and V8, W204s did come manual but are rare, otherwise they’re plentiful and cheap), etc.