With no change to the trim structure from the outgoing model, the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible is available in the similar two levels; the 1SS and 2SS. While the former is priced at $43,800, the latter charges a $5,000 premium for the additional features it adds over and above the standard list. Both trims make use of a similar engine setup and are channeled as rear-wheel-drive variants only. 

You get a comprehensive set of features with the base variant itself which include and are not limited to a rearview camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, and heated mirrors. Both trim options get a number of optional packages, but with the 2SS trim, the additional options tend to increase the price incessantly. 

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Among the trim options, the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro 2SS Convertible feels like a viable option considering the features that it packs. It comes equipped with some class-leading specifications including a blind-spot monitor, ventilated front seats, and a set of heated mirrors. Additionally, it also gets better package options that help increase the level of customization that can be done to your vehicle. However, if you’re buying the muscle car purely for its performance, the base variant that shares a similar powertrain will be a better and inexpensive option. 

Under the hood of the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible, sits a mammoth 6.2L V8 engine that outputs 455hp and 455lb.-ft of torque. It gets mated to a 6-speed manual transmission as standard and for those looking for less autonomy and more comfort, an automatic transmission is available as optional. Power is transferred to the rear wheels of the vehicle and an AWD setup is unfortunately not available, even as optional. 

The 2021 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible can sprint from 0-60 mph in 4 seconds; potent for a car of its class. Furthermore, it can complete a quarter-mile sprint in 12.2 seconds recording a top speed of 165 MPH. Power delivery feels undoubtedly linear and the availability of a higher torque output ensures that power is available even at lower speeds. The transmission is efficient and quick-shifting and with a growling exhaust note, the SS Convertible is a treat to drive.

In direct comparison with its competitors, the BMW Z4 M40i is the only convertible that matches the prowess of the Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible. It clocks similar timings in the 60mph run and is rather one-tenth second quicker than the latter. On the other hand, the contemporary muscle car, the 2021 Ford Mustang GT, lies next-in-line taking 4.2 seconds to the 60mph mark, despite producing the highest power output of 460hp.

 The Mercedes-AMG C43 Convertible is by far the most distinct yet underwhelming performer in the segment. While it does get a standard AWD setup, it lacks the acceleration capabilities of its competitors and falls last on the table taking almost a quarter of a second more than its rivals to achieve a similar feat. 

How does the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible handle?

The 2021 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible drives appreciably within the city limits and even on the highways. There is ample feedback from the steering wheel and with responsive transmission units at its disposal, the ride quality feels supremely comfortable. However, amongst the two, we would recommend opting for the 6-speed manual option as it is livelier and allows you to be in control of the vehicle and shift gears as per your driving antics. 

Even the handling of the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible is bliss. The intelligent weight distribution and less imposing dimensions of the convertible ensure that maneuverability is never a problem. The suspension system feels adequate and by deriving its power from a potent V8 engine, the Camaro SS clinches on the tarmac to sprint forward as a proper performance car would do. 

2021 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible Braking Performance

For vehicles that produce over 450hp of power, deceleration holds equal importance as acceleration. While the official data pertaining to the brake sizes are not yet known, the Camaro SS Convertible comes to a halt from 60mph at 97ft, making it the best in the class. Moreover, it is the only option in the segment that can achieve the feat in under 100ft and its likable performance can be credited to its lighter curb weight and technologies like 4-wheel ABS and emergency braking assist. 

Surprisingly, the 2021 Ford Mustang GT Premium Convertible ranks second in the segment despite being the heaviest option weighing 4,554 lbs. However, it is only diminutively ahead of the Mercedes-AMG C43 Convertible that gets sizable brake rotors of 14.2 and 12.6 inches at the front and back and comes to a standstill in around 109ft. While the performance potential of the 2021 BMW Z4 M40i is not yet known, it is expected to fair out better than most of its competitors when put to the test.

Perhaps the impressive performance of the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible seems to get blotched by its fuel efficiency. Not a guzzler in the truest sense, the Chevrolet isn’t as efficient as its competitors. It manages 16 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. Combined, it is rated at 19 MPG, which is the lowest in the segment. However, it does benefit from a voluminous tank that can hold 19-gallons of fuel and consequently averages a class-competing range of 304 city and 456 highway miles. 

While Ford’s convertible averages similar mileage as the Camaro, its smallish tank serves as a thorn in the range that it covers. On the other hand, both German competitors, the Mercedes-AMG and BMW, average higher combined mileages of 22 and 25 MPG, respectively. While the former benefits from its 17.4-gallon tank, the latter loses out on range average a meager 301 miles in the city and 411 miles on the highway. 

Absolutely! Chevrolet vehicles are known for their ergonomic cabin designs and the Camaro SS Convertible’s cabin seems to be a fitting extension of the brand’s idea. The interior design is spotless and purposeful, that has been curated to suit the driver dynamics, and feels undoubtedly practical. While the base variant is adequately equipped, the 2SS trim is the real deal and adds ultra-luxurious features for a plusher and opulent experience. As standard, the Camaro SS Convertible comes equipped with cloth upholstery, single-zone climate control, and power-adjustable seats. However, with the higher-placed trim, leather upholstery becomes a standard offering alongside dual-zone climate control and the seats also get memory and ventilation functionalities. 

In terms of space and comfort, however, you might want to consider the competitors. While a cramped rear seat best suited for kids or cargo aptly explains the segment phenomenon, the front seats, surprisingly, are also a cause for concern. Considering its sports car stature, there are no two ways that the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro SS sits close to the ground and even the seats are lowly positioned. But our problem with the seats pertains to their firmness which causes them to feel a bit flat. While you do get power-adjustability for both passenger and driver seats, they do little to help their case.

Typical to Mercedes-Benz, the AMG C43 aims at creating a rather proportionate cabin that provides ample space both upfront and at the back. While it does succeed to an extent, the Ford Mustang is the segment leader when it comes to space for the front-seat occupants. Additionally, it also gets the largest boot in the segment that can hold 11.4 cubic feet, almost 4 cubic feet higher than the Chevrolet. 

The BMW Z4 M40i, however, seems like a misfit. It is devoid of a second row of seats and can accommodate two passengers only. However, by being revamped recently, it sports the most contemporary-looking cabin that reflects German craftsmanship.

Some of the salient interior features of the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible include:

• Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel 
• Electrochromic Rearview Mirror
• 8-way powered driver seat
• 6-way powered passenger seat
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel 
• Front Cupholders

How intuitive is the infotainment system of the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible?

Perhaps the only update with 2021 MY comes in the form of the standardization of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across the trim lineup. Otherwise, the system remains unchanged and is one of the best on the market currently. It’s intuitive and user-friendly and the 8-inch touchscreen unit that sits centrally has sharp graphics and precise response. For easier accessibility, Chevrolet also adds several toggle buttons just below the screen. As standard, you do get a 6-speaker sound system, AM/FM Stereo, and HD Radio, while additionally, the 2SS trim adds wireless charging and replaces the base system with an 8-speaker BOSE Premium sound system. Some other infotainment features include:

• Satellite Radio
• Speed-Sensitive Volume Control
• USB Connection
• Auxiliary Audio Input
• AM/FM Stereo
• Navigation System (available with the 2SS trim only)

Like the Chevrolet Camaro coupe, the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible sports a streamlined design, while upholding elements like aggression and fierceness. Even with its newer elements like a better set of head and taillamps, the car stays true to its roots and carries forward a similar body structure from the previous Bumblebee generation. Consequently, it still looks imposing, and upfront the imposing grille and a carved hood add to the muscular stance. With or without the soft top, the convertible looks eye-catchy.

At the rear as well, the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible looks distinctive and with a small lip spoiler and dual exhaust tips on either side. Despite being bulky and brawny, the Chevrolet is lighter than most of its competitors having a curb weight of 3,937 lbs. It is, however, one of the longest cars on offer in the segment with a wheelbase of 110.7 inches. While its ground clearance is not known, it is wider than most of its rivals, which gives a tad bit extra shoulder room. 

The 2021 Ford Mustang GT Premium Convertible is the heaviest, while the BMW Z4 M40i is the lightest weighing 3,457 lbs. On the other hand, the AMG C43 gets the longest wheelbase of 111.8 inches and has the lowest ground clearance of 3.6 inches. In terms of design, the Merc sports the most sophisticated design. On the other hand, the Ford Mustang looks like a proper muscle car with defined and striking lines, while the BMW looks polarizing with its large kidney grille. Some of the standout exterior features of the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible include:

• 20-inch wheels 
• Dual-exhaust tips 
• Ground Effects Package 
• Rear Spoiler 
• LED DRL’s 
• Camaro Logo Package

While the Chevrolet Camaro SS convertible has not been tested by the federal and non-federal agencies, the NHTSA has rated the coupe variant of the Camaro SS with 5-stars. Since both of the variants share the similar underpinnings, we expect the convertible option to perform similarly when tested. Rest assured, its safety features are adequate and can be trusted for both crash avoidance and crash mitigation. Some of the standard features include a tire pressure monitoring system, traction and stability control, and daytime running lights. Other safety specifications include:

• Engine Immobilizer
• Anti-theft alarm system
• Dusk-sensing headlamps 
• Post-collision safety system 
• Blind-spot Monitoring System and Cross-traffic alert (available with the 2SS trim)
• Auto-delay off headlamps 

2021 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible vs 2021 Ford Mustang GT Premium Convertible

The competition between muscle cars with soft tops is limited to the Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible and Ford Mustang GT Convertible. Both vehicles are equally powerful and deliver almost a similar kind of performance. With similar efficiency, the point of contention between the two is its cabin design and comfort. 

While the Chevrolet comes with a rather unsupportive pair of front seats and restricted cargo space, the Ford shines brightly in these aspects. It also gets a better exterior design and being available as a single trim option only, the Mustang GT Premium does get all the bells and whistles that one could access only by opting for the 2SS trim, making it the better option in the comparison.

2021 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible vs 2021 Mercedes-AMG C43 Convertible

The Mercedes-AMG C43 Convertible is more of a daily driver than a full-blown performance car. It’s slower than the Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible, but is more efficient and has a better range at its disposal. It also gets a better interior design and has a usable set of rear seats with a higher cargo volume. 

On the outside, however, we would prefer the Chevrolet for its imposing design. Amongst the two, either vehicle emerges as a strong performer, and your final decision will depend on how practical and engaging you would want your vehicle to be. 

2021 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible vs 2021 BMW Z4 M40i

The 2021 BMW Z4 M40i is built for those who want to get their hands on a piece of powerful German machinery without having to spend a fortune on it. With the latest redesign, it looks impressive and modern. Thanks to its smaller dimensions and lightweight design, the BMW is the quickest in the segment, and with slightly lower power outputs than the Chevrolet, it is the most efficient vehicle in the lot. 

While it does get the best of features and is filled with premium quality materials, it can only seat two passengers and comes without a rear seat option. However, in the cargo capacity aspect, it does lead over the Camaro SS Convertible. While for us the Z4 M40i has a feature set, the additional row on the Chevrolet makes it a viable proposition. 

Whether to buy the 2021 Camaro SS Convertible or not, will solely depend on how you plan to use your vehicle. If you’re looking for a performance car that can be driven on a daily basis, then the Chevrolet is the best option in the segment. Being available in two trim levels, buyers can opt for the variant that satisfies their feature appetite, while being on a budget. While its cargo capacity and rear-seat space feel constrained, we feel every option in the segment will have a similar story. But considering the rather uncomfortable front seats, we feel the Ford or Mercedes-AMG would make for better options.