Physics
Drift physics explained
Two cars can look identical and drive completely differently. The difference is their physics files, which is why competitions standardize them.
Key takeaway
Physics decide how a car drives. Competitions use one approved standard so results come down to the driver, not the car files.
What "physics" means in Assetto Corsa
Every Assetto Corsa car has two parts: the 3D model you see, and the physics data that decides how it drives. The physics data describes the engine and power curve, drivetrain and differential, suspension geometry, weight, steering lock and, most importantly, the tires.
That's why a mod car can look perfect and still drive nothing like another car of the same model: the physics files decide the handling, not the looks.
Why competitions standardize physics
- Fairness: if everyone could bring their own physics, the best-tuned file would win, not the best driver.
- Consistency: drivers can switch cars, or join a new competition, without relearning everything.
- Close battles: similar performance keeps tandem pairs close and judgeable.
- Inspection: one known standard is much easier to check than hundreds of custom files.
What a physics pack is
A physics pack, or physics suite, is a shared set of physics data that creators and drivers apply to their cars, so different car models drive to the same standard. Many drift communities build on physics data originally created by VDC, one of the most widely used drift physics standards in Assetto Corsa, often referred to by version, such as VDC 5.0.
EFVD's official Physics Suite, part of its Car Tech Kit, is an example: it's assembled by Jason Cote mainly from VDC 5.0 public data, with the original physics credited to VDC. Its technical regulations explain the approved physics and the exceptions.
How inspections check physics
Before an event, competitions usually check that each car uses the approved physics and hasn't been modified. Servers can also enforce it with checksums, which stop a driver joining if their car data doesn't match the server's. Typical checks:
| Check | Why |
|---|---|
| Physics match the approved standard | Keeps every car on equal terms. |
| No hidden edits to key values | Power, weight, grip or steering lock changes would give an unfair advantage. |
| Data matches the server | Checksums block modified files from joining. |
| Required exceptions documented | Some cars need approved adjustments; rules say which. |
Physics vs setup
Physics are the car's built-in behavior; a setup is the adjustments you're allowed to make on top, such as tire pressure or camber. Competitions fix the physics but often allow some setup changes. Our drift setup guide covers those.
Frequently asked questions
- What are VDC physics in Assetto Corsa?
- A widely used community drift physics standard. Many drift cars and competition physics suites, such as EFVD's, are built on VDC data, with the original physics credited to VDC.
- Why do drift competitions require specific physics?
- So every car drives to the same standard and results come down to driving, not who has the best-tuned car files.
- Can I use my own physics in a competition?
- Usually not. Competitions approve one physics standard, check cars before events and can block modified data with server checksums.
- What's the difference between physics and setup?
- Physics are the car's built-in behavior defined in its data files. A setup is the adjustments you're allowed to make on top, like tire pressure and camber.
Your next step
Compete or organize
For drivers
Compete with EFVD
Judged qualifying and tandem battles in an international Assetto Corsa drift championship.
Compete at driftcomp.com →For organizers
Organize with Event Toolkit
Judging, broadcast, registration and Discord tools built from the ones that run EFVD.
Organize at drifttournamentapp.com →