for best performance go lipo.
The Novak 8.5 is pretty fast and has great power for drifting.
The mamba max 5700 is also really good for drifting but doesnt have as good throttlle response as the novak because of the sensorless design. What little bit the mamba lacks in initial punch, it makes up for in top end. If you go with a mamba u wont miss the initial punch of the novak because it has more than enough.

Me personally i run a novak 10.5 in my drifter and mamba 7700 in my racer both are quick, but the mamba is balls to the wall fast.