Is a donut the same as a 'trompo'?

They are close relatives. The classic 'trompo' is usually a more involuntary half or full rotation; a donut is a voluntary, sustained version where you choose to keep spinning in circles. In practice many people use both words for the same thing.

What is the difference between a donut and drift?

A donut spins on the spot, tracing circles around a fixed point with the car barely moving forward. Drift is a controlled slide in motion: the car goes sideways but advances along a line on the track. Both rely on the rear losing grip, but the goal is different.

Can I do a donut with any car?

The classic donut is done in a rear-wheel-drive car, because the rear wheels are the ones that need to spin. Still, it is not a good idea with your everyday car: it punishes tires, clutch and transmission. The ideal is a car prepared for this, on track, with guidance.

Is it legal to do donuts on the street?

No. On public roads it is dangerous and illegal. The maneuver is done in a closed, private space, with no traffic or pedestrians. At TROMPO you do it at El Picódromo, a private, closed circuit in Esteban Echeverría (south of Greater Buenos Aires), with a helmet and an instructor beside you.

What is it called when a car spins in circles?

In Argentina it is called a trompo; in drifting and in English, a donut. If the car spins without you wanting it to, it is an involuntary spin: a slide that got away from you.

Can you do a trompo with an automatic car or with the handbrake?

A short, firm pull on the handbrake can start the rotation: in a rear-wheel-drive car the throttle keeps it going, while a front-wheel-drive car swings its rear but cannot hold the spin the same way. With an automatic it is only possible if it is rear-wheel drive, lets you force downshifts and lets you switch off the stability controls; most road automatics do not qualify. Either way it is illegal on the street: it is done on a closed track.

How much does it cost to try it with an instructor?

The Drift Intro lasts 30 minutes and costs 300 USD (≈ $504.000 ARS), all included (car, one-on-one instructor, helmet, tires and fuel). Any questions, we coordinate via WhatsApp at +54 9 11 6833-3342.

Jun 20, 20261 min readUpdated: Nov 8, 2026

How to Do a Donut With a Car (and How It Differs From Drift)

By Dmitrii McCarthy

How to do a donut with a car (and how it differs from drift)

A donut (or 'trompo' in Argentina) is spinning the car in place, tracing circles as the rear loses grip and the tail sweeps around. In a rear-wheel-drive car you do it with the steering locked to one side plus steady power, so the back wheels spin and the car rotates. The key difference from drift: a donut spins on the spot, while drift is a controlled slide in motion along a line on the track. Always do it in a closed, private space — never on the street.

This article is currently available in Spanish; a native English version is coming soon. Read the Spanish version, or see types of drift. To try it with an instructor beside you in a BMW E36 on a closed circuit from 300 USD (≈ $504.000 ARS), message WhatsApp +54 9 11 6833-3342.

Frequently asked questions

Is a donut the same as a 'trompo'?: They are close relatives. The classic 'trompo' is usually a more involuntary half or full rotation; a donut is a voluntary, sustained version where you choose to keep spinning in circles. In practice many people use both words for the same thing.
What is the difference between a donut and drift?: A donut spins on the spot, tracing circles around a fixed point with the car barely moving forward. Drift is a controlled slide in motion: the car goes sideways but advances along a line on the track. Both rely on the rear losing grip, but the goal is different.
Can I do a donut with any car?: The classic donut is done in a rear-wheel-drive car, because the rear wheels are the ones that need to spin. Still, it is not a good idea with your everyday car: it punishes tires, clutch and transmission. The ideal is a car prepared for this, on track, with guidance.
Is it legal to do donuts on the street?: No. On public roads it is dangerous and illegal. The maneuver is done in a closed, private space, with no traffic or pedestrians. At TROMPO you do it at El Picódromo, a private, closed circuit in Esteban Echeverría (south of Greater Buenos Aires), with a helmet and an instructor beside you.
What is it called when a car spins in circles?: In Argentina it is called a trompo; in drifting and in English, a donut. If the car spins without you wanting it to, it is an involuntary spin: a slide that got away from you.
Can you do a trompo with an automatic car or with the handbrake?: A short, firm pull on the handbrake can start the rotation: in a rear-wheel-drive car the throttle keeps it going, while a front-wheel-drive car swings its rear but cannot hold the spin the same way. With an automatic it is only possible if it is rear-wheel drive, lets you force downshifts and lets you switch off the stability controls; most road automatics do not qualify. Either way it is illegal on the street: it is done on a closed track.
How much does it cost to try it with an instructor?: The Drift Intro lasts 30 minutes and costs 300 USD (≈ $504.000 ARS), all included (car, one-on-one instructor, helmet, tires and fuel). Any questions, we coordinate via WhatsApp at +54 9 11 6833-3342.

Reading about it is one thing, driving it is another

Try it yourself: 30 min at the wheel, no experience needed. From 300 USD (≈504,000 ARS at the P2P dollar rate), Monday to Thursday. 1-on-1 instructor in a BMW E36 and a 50% deposit to book.

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