2020 Chevrolet Camaro vs 2021 Ford Mustang

The 2020 Chevrolet Camaro LT1 was a car that didn't flaunt its power. Its hood vents, dual exhaust rumble, Brembo front brake calipers, and LT1 badges hinted at the 455-horsepower V8 engine under the hood. Despite these features, it maintained a low profile, looking much like a standard rental car, especially in 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 interior, however, was a letdown with its cheap materials and occasional issues like the center console trim popping off.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Mustang had a more modern and refined look. Its design was an evolution of the retro-styled Mustangs of the 2000s, with a blend of classic and contemporary elements. The cabin featured a mix of classic-style switches and modern digital screens, with a noticeable step-up in quality compared to the Camaro. The Mustang's trims ranged from the base EcoBoost to the high-performance Mach 1 and Shelby GT500. Standard features included 17-inch alloy wheels, pushbutton start, and a six-speaker stereo, with higher trims adding more luxury and performance features.

The 2020 Chevrolet Camaro LT1 was equipped with a 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 455 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque. It featured a limited-slip rear differential, 4-piston Brembo front brakes, a performance-tuned suspension, and 20-inch wheels. This setup allowed the Camaro to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 4 seconds and complete the quarter-mile in approximately 12.5 seconds. The Camaro's Alpha platform, shared with Cadillac's ATS and CTS, provided excellent handling and a dynamic driving experience. The 10-speed automatic transmission performed flawlessly, and the car averaged 20 mpg on a mixed driving loop.

The 2021 Ford Mustang offered a range of engines, starting with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 310 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. The GT trim featured a 5.0-liter V8 engine with 460 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. The new Mach 1 trim added 20 horsepower to the GT's V8, totaling 480 horsepower. The Mustang's 10-speed automatic transmission kept the engine in the desired rev range, and the car featured various drive modes, including Normal, Sport Plus, and Track. The Mach 1 also included performance upgrades like Brembo brakes, MagneRide control, and a Torsen limited-slip differential.

The 2020 Chevrolet Camaro's compact dimensions improved its handling but compromised practicality. The front seats offered good adjustability, but getting in and out was challenging, especially in tight spaces. The back seats were cramped, suitable only for small children. The Camaro's trunk provided 9.1 cubic feet of space in the coupe and 7.3 cubic feet in the convertible, with a high liftover height and small opening.

The 2021 Ford Mustang offered better cargo space, with 13.5 cubic feet in the fastback coupe and 11.4 cubic feet in the convertible. However, like the Camaro, the Mustang's rear seats were not suitable for full-size adults. The front seats in the Mustang provided good support, but the power adjustment options were limited. The Mustang's interior featured a mix of classic and modern elements, with a more refined feel compared to the Camaro.

The 2020 Chevrolet Camaro LT1 came with the standard Chevrolet Infotainment System 3, featuring a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, OnStar connected services, and a 6-speaker Bose sound system. Optional upgrades included an 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 Ford Mustang's base model included a 4.2-inch color display and voice controls. The Premium trim and higher offered the Sync 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Sync 3 had a user-friendly layout, but the lack of a home button was a drawback. The Mustang's technology package was more advanced and user-friendly compared to the Camaro's.

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 advanced driver-assistance systems. The Camaro coupe received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA but had some lower individual ratings.

The 2021 Ford Mustang included the CoPilot360 suite of driver assistance features as standard, offering automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional features like adaptive cruise control and parking sensors were available as options. The Mustang's visibility was better than the Camaro's, making it a safer choice overall.