2021 Ford Mustang vs 2021 Chevrolet Corvette

The 2021 Chevrolet Corvette delivered an unforgettable visual presence, especially when viewed in Torch Red like the 2LT model that many tested. Its design was marked by audacious flying buttresses behind each seat in the convertible version, an allusion to its high-performance prestige. This difference made people wonder if the extra $7,500 for the convertible was worth it compared to the coupe with a removable targa roof panel, an allure difficult to quantify but easy to appreciate. The retractable hardtop of the convertible dropped in just 18 seconds and rose in 22 seconds, making it easy to enjoy without ever leaving the driver’s seat.

Driving with the top down, the Corvette convertible felt unexpectedly open, magnifying the roar of the engine and the exhaust, a sonic symphony bouncing off canyon walls. Convenience was another reason to opt for the convertible, as it spared owners the hassle of managing the targa panel—no risk of scraping paint or dealing with a loose roof panel in the trunk. However, the convertible’s high rear deck did obstruct the rear view, complicating traffic scans for California Highway Patrol’s tell-tale lights, an issue further exacerbated when the rear camera mirror became unusable with the top down.

Inside, the Corvette coupe offered an illuminated engine bay visible from the rear, an enchanting detail lost in the convertible. Despite this, both models shared compelling characteristics, offering excellent performance and exotic mid-engine design at a surprisingly accessible price point.

Meanwhile, the 2021 Ford Mustang carried its heritage with a blend of modernity and classic design traits. Its flowing lines and aggressive front end signaled its driving prowess. The cabin offered a mix of retro-styled switches and modern digital screens, creating a unique but easy-to-use environment. Higher trims like the EcoBoost Premium and GT Premium featured enhanced interior materials and soft-touch surfaces, setting it apart from competitors like the Camaro, known for its excessive use of hard plastics.

The Ford Mustang came in several trims from the base EcoBoost to the high-performance Mach 1 and Shelby GT500. The new Mach 1 combined classic Mustang elements with modern performance upgrades, including a fully digital instrument panel and performance-focused components from the discontinued Shelby GT350 and GT350R.

The 2021 Chevrolet Corvette had a remarkable performance, especially with its Z51 Performance Package and performance exhaust system, boosting the 6.2-liter V8 engine's output to 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. This made the already fast car even more exhilarating. Unlike what one might assume from its sporty exterior, the Corvette was nearly as manageable for daily use as a family sedan or SUV, albeit with a few caveats. Reversing with the top down required some spatial faith, and the absence of the front suspension lift function could result in frequent nose scrapes without its use. Nonetheless, its eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) added character and a dynamic driving experience.

The Z51 Package included performance-tuned Magnetic Ride Control dampers, performance brakes, a high-performance rear-axle ratio, electronic limited-slip rear differential, and a robust cooling system. These features ensured maximum driving enjoyment, making the Corvette's mid-engine layout highly gratifying. The car’s forward visibility and dynamic cornering prowess further highlighted its exceptional handling.

The 2021 Ford Mustang offered diverse engine options; the base was a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder producing 310 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, enhanced to 330 hp with the High-Performance Package. However, the Mustang’s GT and Mach 1 variants, focused on the V8 experience, prioritized power with the GT's 460 hp and the Mach 1’s 480 hp using the same 5.0-liter engine. Both versions provided exhilarating straight-line speed and responsive acceleration out of turns. The 10-speed automatic transmission maintained high revs effectively, a feature preferred, though the manual transmission was missed by many for a more tactile driving experience.

Drive modes in the Mach 1 included Normal, My Mode, Sport Plus, Track, Drag Strip, and Snow/Wet, the latter proving useful in adverse weather conditions by softening throttle response. The Mustang's inclination to loosen up, combined with powerful Brembo brakes and GT350-derived MagneRide, sway bars, and Torsen limited-slip differential, ensured a balanced mix of agility and safety in corners and challenging roads.

The 2021 Chevrolet Corvette’s interior showcased a distinctly driver-centric design. The 2LT model's cockpit included substantial digital instrumentation, intuitive infotainment technology, and high-quality materials. Though entering and exiting required some agility due to its low-slung nature, the cabin’s unique layout, top-notch climate controls, and heated elements, like the premium Nappa leather GT2 seats, enhanced driving comfort. Storage, although modest, offered large cupholders and a wireless smartphone charger, albeit less accessible. The 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space, spread between a rear trunk and a front storage well, was ample for three suitcases, though care was needed with heavy items due to a high liftover.

Conversely, the 2021 Ford Mustang provided 13.5 cubic feet of trunk space in the fastback coupe, while its convertible offered 11.4 cubic feet. Though not as generous as the Dodge Challenger’s 16.2 cubic feet, it outperformed the Camaro coupe and convertible. The Mustang’s rear seats were better suited for small children or extra cargo, offering nominal space behind adults. The power-adjustable front seats offered good support and bolstering, yet the combination of partially manual adjustments felt incongruous and subpar in quality.

Every 2021 Chevrolet Corvette came equipped with a 12-inch configurable digital display that adapted based on driving mode, complemented by a head-up display (HUD) standard in the 2LT trim. The 8-inch infotainment system, angled towards the driver, included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual smartphone pairing via Bluetooth, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Enhanced system versions added navigation and a Bose Performance Series audio system for superior sound. The Performance Data Recorder, functioning as an embedded dash-cam or a monitor for valet usage, added significant tech utility.

Meanwhile, the 2021 Ford Mustang featured a basic 4.2-inch color display in its base trim, with higher trims and options offering the superior Sync 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen. Sync 3, though intuitive with clear graphics and easy navigation, lacked a home button, complicating the switch between CarPlay/Android Auto and other controls. The absence of such a button was a notable miss compared to the Chevrolet’s physical home button above its screen, a feature critical for ease of use.

The 2021 Chevrolet Corvette’s safety features included the Teen Driver technology, enabling monitoring and setting parameters for young drivers. Chevrolet Connected Services offered automatic collision notification and emergency calls through subscription. Visibility was enhanced with features limited to 2LT and 3LT trims, including a front-facing camera, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. However, it lacked modern ADAS features like adaptive cruise control or automatic emergency braking, emphasizing driver control over automated aids.

The 2021 Ford Mustang included the CoPilot360 suite as standard, featuring automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Rain-sensing wipers and automatic high beams were also standard, with optional adaptive cruise control and parking sensors. The Mustang’s visibility advantages over competitors like the Challenger and Camaro were significant, offering better sight lines and overall driver awareness.