2020 Chevrolet Camaro vs 2021 Chevrolet Corvette

The 2020 Chevrolet Camaro LT1 was a car that didn't flaunt its power. Its hood vents, dual exhaust system, Brembo front brake calipers, and LT1 badges hinted at the 455-horsepower V8 engine beneath the hood. Despite these features, it maintained a low profile, looking much like a standard rental car, especially with its Satin Steel Gray paint and plain gray cloth seats. The Camaro LT1 was available in both coupe and convertible configurations, with the coupe starting at $34,000. The test car, equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a dual-mode exhaust system, had a final price of $37,585.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible was a head-turner with its dramatic flying buttresses and sleek design. The power retractable hardtop could be operated from the driver's seat, adding convenience. The Corvette Convertible offered an open-air experience that amplified the engine's roar and exhaust notes. However, it did come with some trade-offs, such as reduced rear visibility and the loss of the engine view under glass. The base 1LT trim started at $66,400, with the 2LT and 3LT trims offering additional features and higher price tags.

The 2020 Chevrolet Camaro LT1 was a performance beast, thanks to its 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 455 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 4 seconds and complete a quarter-mile in approximately 12.5 seconds. The Camaro's Alpha platform, shared with Cadillac's luxury sport sedans, provided excellent handling and dynamic capabilities. The car averaged 20 mpg on a mixed driving loop, with official EPA ratings of 16 mpg city, 27 highway, and 20 combined. The optional 10-speed automatic transmission performed flawlessly, especially in Sport mode, where it selected the right gear at the right time.

The 2021 Chevrolet Corvette, equipped with the optional Z51 Performance Package, delivered 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque from its 6.2-liter V8 engine. This setup allowed the Corvette to offer exhilarating acceleration and a thrilling driving experience. The eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) provided smooth and quick gear changes, enhancing the car's performance. The Z51 Package also included performance-tuned Magnetic Ride Control adaptive dampers, performance brakes, and high-performance run-flat tires. The Corvette's mid-engine layout and excellent forward visibility contributed to its outstanding handling and driving dynamics, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads and highways alike.

The 2020 Chevrolet Camaro's compact dimensions improved its agility but compromised practicality. The front seats offered good adjustability and comfort, but the rear seats were cramped and difficult to access. The interior featured a retro design with unique climate controls and an infotainment system that some found challenging to use. Storage space was limited, with a small trunk offering just 9.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the coupe. The Camaro's interior materials were also criticized for their lack of quality.

The 2021 Chevrolet Corvette's interior was a blend of modern technology and unique design elements. The cockpit featured a digital instrumentation panel, a squarish steering wheel, and a dramatic strip of climate controls. The GT2 seats in the test car were comfortable and offered heating and ventilation. Storage space was more generous than expected, with a total of 12.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity split between the rear trunk and the front well. The Corvette's interior materials were of high quality, and the overall design was both functional and visually appealing.

The 2020 Chevrolet Camaro LT1 came with the standard Chevrolet Infotainment System 3 package, featuring a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, OnStar connected services, and a 6-speaker Bose sound system. The system provided essential features and decent sound quality. Optional upgrades included a larger 8-inch display, additional stereo speakers, and a connected navigation system. Higher trims offered advanced features like a head-up display, rear camera mirror, and Performance Data Recorder.

The 2021 Chevrolet Corvette boasted a 12-inch digital instrumentation display and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system angled toward the driver. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual smartphone pairing, and Chevrolet Connected Services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The 2LT trim added a head-up display and an upgraded infotainment system with navigation and enhanced voice recognition. The available 14-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system provided excellent sound quality. The Corvette also featured a Performance Data Recorder, which could be used as a dash-cam or in valet mode.

The 2020 Chevrolet Camaro LT1 lacked advanced safety features. It came with standard stability control, a reversing camera, and OnStar connected services. However, it did not offer blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, or other modern advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). The Camaro coupe received a 5-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) but had a 4-star rating for frontal impacts. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it top marks in frontal- and side-impact testing but rated its roof strength as Acceptable.

The 2021 Chevrolet Corvette included Teen Driver technology, which monitored young drivers and provided a report card. Chevrolet Connected Services offered automatic collision notification and emergency calling. The 2LT and 3LT trims added a front-facing camera, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. However, the Corvette did not offer adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, or lane-keeping assistance. The Corvette's safety features focused more on visibility enhancements and driver monitoring rather than advanced ADAS.