2021 Chevrolet Camaro SS Coupe

The SS lineup comes equipped with a 6.2L V8 engine, a sensual-looking fascia, a well-built interior, and a decent amount of features. Muscle cars have high popularity among Americans, and many are ardent fans of them. So customarily, American carmakers are in a dogfight to offer the market the best muscle cars. The 2021 Chevy Camaro SS Coupe faces a tough rivalry from the popular Ford Mustang GT Coupe, Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Coupe, and Nissan 370Z NISMO.

The 2021 Chevrolet Camaro SS Coupe is offered in 2 trims: the 1SS and 2SS, which are powered by a 6.2L V8 engine coupled to a 6-speed manual transmission. There is a generous amount of features that come standard, which includes dark-tinted tail lamps, Brembo Performance 4-piston front and rear calipers, auxiliary engine cooling system, dual-outlet stainless steel exhaust with polished tips, dual-zone climate control with individual climate settings, and so on. 

Which trim should you buy?

Among the two, we would recommend going for the 2SS as it comes equipped with added important safety features, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering, dual-zone automatic AC, and many others. Moreover, it is compatible with several add-ons and additional packages. Since the price difference is only minimal, we recommend the 2SS trim.

Since its introduction, the Camaros are known for their robust and vigorous engines. They are not only good in terms of performance but sound thunderous as well. The 2021 Chevrolet Camaro SS comes equipped with a 6.2 L V8 engine that churns out 455 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque. By default, it is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and RWD drivetrain configuration. The mighty V8 engine helps the car cover 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds and reach a quarter-mile in 12.4 seconds.

The V8 engine sounds great and exhilarating, and you can feel that by the grunt it offers. The standard 6-speed manual transmission is responsive and smooth, but you can also upgrade to a 10-speed automatic transmission, which may enhance your driving experience. Despite the optional automatic transmission on offer, people prefer the manual as it offers the raw and original experience of driving a legendary muscle car.

Despite being the most expensive in the comparison, the Nissan 370Z NISMO offers the least performance. Dodge, being Dodge, equipped the Challenger with a monstrous 6.4 L V8, and sure, it is going to burn the tarmac. It is the most powerful on paper, but when it comes to on-road performance, the Ford Mustang GT takes the lead here. All vehicles in comparison come with a standard 6-speed manual transmission and RWD drivetrain setup, setting up the category for intense competition.

How well does the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro SS Coupe handle?

As the word “muscle car” would suggest a hefty weight with a sturdy body structure, the 2021 Camaro SS follows suit. The base curb weight of the Camaro SS is 3,685 lbs, which is much lesser compared to its rivals. The light bodyweight translates to better handling characteristics and gives you more control when you drift. The body roll is well controlled in the corners, and the car remains loyal to the direction it is steered towards.

The steering feels composed, light, and responsive. The vehicle comes equipped with performance suspension as standard, which adds to the excellent stability. Among the optional features, “Magnetic Ride Control” helps it stick to the roads and adds stability. An optional Dynamic Performance Suspension can also be equipped further to enhance the handling dynamics.

Braking Performance

The 2021 Camaro SS Coupe can attain blazing speeds within a few seconds, so it must be fitted with capable brakes which bring it to a safe and quick stop. All the wheels come fitted with Brembo 4-piston rotors, 13.6-inches up front and 13.3 inches at the rear. These performance-oriented brakes aid the car to come to a stop from 60mph in just 117 feet. An optional 6-piston front and 4-piston back calipers can also be equipped, which will improve the braking performance significantly.

The Nissan 370Z NISMO is the lightest car here in the comparison and also happens to come equipped with respectable braking hardware. These give it an advantage in braking, resulting in the shortest braking distance of just 113 feet. The Dodge Challenger is significantly heavier than the rest, and the large brake rotors should help it stop within 130 feet, not the best but decent considering its heavyweight.

You can’t expect fuel efficiency when you’re driving a legendary American muscle car like the 2021 Camaro SS. Still, the car manages to return 16,24,19 MPG in the city, highway, and combined driving cycles, respectively. It comes built with a 19-gallon fuel tank which helps it offer a range of 456 miles on the highway. These numbers are not great, but considering the fact that these are mainly built for track days, the fuel economy is good.

Though the 2020 Nissan 370Z comes powered with the least powerful engine, which is almost half as powerful as the other cars, it offers a little bit better MPG figures. On the other hand, the Camaro SS, despite being powerful, reaps nearly class-leading fuel efficiency. Its efficient nature makes it a preferable car for occasional commutes as well.

The interior of the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro SS Coupe is an amalgamation of retro design language, modern features, and comfort. The interior trim consists of jet black leather with suede microfiber inserts in the 1SS and the same for 2SS but with aluminum accents in the door trim. The seats are cushioned well and comfortable, wide and upright, and come covered with jet black cloth as standard. Though the rear row can accommodate 2 people, the space seems cramped and narrow. 

The 2SS, being more expensive by 5 grand, brings in dual-zone automatic climate control, head-up display, optional carbon-fiber interior trim, heated seats and steering wheel, and many other features. Moreover, you can additionally personalize the cabin in the 2SS with adrenaline red and ceramic white interior packages which will significantly spice up the grandeur. You also get 9.1 cubic feet of cargo space, which is less considering what is offered in the Dodge Challenger and Ford Mustang.

These can only be used to store small bags and luggage. An optional folding seat can be added to further increase the cargo space.

The Camaro and the Mustang are 4 seater cars, while the Challenger is the only 5 seater of the lot. On the other hand, the Nissan 370Z is a 2 seater. In terms of passenger space, the Dodge Challenger offers the best passenger room and standard trunk space, while the Nissan being a smaller car, not only offers lesser accommodation but despicable passenger space and a small trunk. Standout interior features include:

• Leather-wrapped front sport seats
• 8-way power adjusted, Heated, and ventilated front seats
• Dual-zone automatic AC
• Heated and leather-wrapped steering
• Head-up display
• Carbon-fiber instrument panel molding

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The 2021 Chevrolet Camaro SS comes equipped with an 8” touch HD display which has built-in Alexa, voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The infotainment is coupled with a 6-speaker audio system for your music needs. Apart from the above, you also get SiriusXM all-access 1-year subscription and Chevrolet Connected Access.

There are added infotainment features that come standard in the 2SS but are optional in 1SS like a 9-speaker premium sound system by Bose and wireless charging. However, to bring more customization, one can load an optional premium infotainment system which includes navigation, in-vehicle apps, a performance data and video recorder, and a 4G hotspot. Standout infotainment features include:

• 8” HD touch display
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• 9-speaker premium audio by Bose
• Wireless Charging
• SiriusXM all-access 1-year package
• Built-in Alexa
• Chevrolet Connected Access (10-year subscription)
• Performance Data and Video Recorder
• 4G hotspot (3GB trial data)

The 2021 Chevrolet Camaro SS Coupe is one hell of a car to own in the States. The unique exterior styling is what makes it one of the most distinct and loved cars. The front fascia looks bold, handsome, muscular, and uncommon. Moreover, at the front, you get LED headlamps with a smirk-styled grille design, and a sharp, aggressive-looking bumper that adds to the sporty and bold appeal. 

At the rear, dark-tinted tail lamps along with a rear spoiler add to its aesthetics. Additionally, there is a long list of wheel choices. Finally, you can paint optional graphics on the car which will significantly spice up the Camaro’s appeal and make it look striking. We recommend getting the optional white pearl center stripe or rally stripes, which will do justice to the brawny engine inside and give it a sports car appeal.

The 2021 Dodge Challenger is the heaviest car in the comparison, but its large size makes it the only 5-seater car here. The Nissan 370Z NISMO, on the other hand, is the lightest and the smallest car which accommodates only two. In terms of ground clearance, the Mustang and the Challenger have the edge. The Camaro is of modest dimensions. Standout exterior features include:

• 5-spoke Bright Silver-Painted Aluminum wheels
• Automatic LED headlamps
• Gold Chevrolet Bowtie Emblems
• Dark-tinted tail lamps
• Rear Spoiler
• Heated and Power adjustable mirrors
• 20” Black-Painted Aluminum with Red Accented wheels
• Rally Stripes in White Pearl

The 2021 Camaro SS is based on GM’s Alpha Platform which is made out of high-grade steel and aluminum, further coupled with performance suspensions both in the front and rear. All the wheels come fitted with Brembo 4-caliper disc brakes which are further assisted by ABS, EBD, Automatic Emergency Brake Assist, and brake drying. The cabin comes fitted with a standard airbag system, and there is a plethora of driver assistance and active safety systems. Standout safety features include:

• Forward Collision Alert
• Lane Change Alert
• Side Blind Zone Alert
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• HD Rear Vision Camera with Park Assist
• Teen Driver technology
• Theft-deterrent system
• Tire Pressure Monitor

2021 Chevrolet Camaro SS vs 2021 Ford Mustang GT

Both the cars offer seating for four, but they are distinct in their own ways. The Mustang GT features a 5L V8 engine which churns out more power. The Mustang offers a modern cabin that hosts better features, compared to the Camaro’s arguably aged cabin. On the contrary, the Camaro SS offers better fuel efficiency than the latter. It also features a large tank that gives it an edge in terms of driving range. Camaros are known for their handling, and the 2021 Camaro SS has stayed true to its name as it handles like a battle-ready horse and is engaging.

2021 Chevrolet Camaro SS vs 2021 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack

The most significant edge which you will notice here is that the Dodge offers a 5-person seating capacity, where everyone is pampered with adequate room. In terms of performance, it is close to the Camaro but loses by a blink. It also has the largest trunk and wheelbase in the segment. But as it is also the heaviest car in the class, it is challenging to maneuver. The Camaro SS offers better performance, fuel economy, and an arguably better cabin. It also has a vast list of standard features, and if you are willing to spend more money, the Camaro is willing to enjoy a makeover. 

2021 Chevrolet Camaro SS vs 2020 Nissan 370Z NISMO

It’s a matter of taste here, some may prefer the sleek and smaller Nissan 370Z or some may prefer the big and brawny. But according to us, the Camaro wins in all aspects, right from performance, fuel economy, interior, and standard features. The Nissan 370Z NISMO is more expensive than the Chevy, and the car has stopped production in 2020 to make way for the new Nissan 400Z.

In short, the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro SS Coupe looks fabulous, muscular, and manly. Though it is fitted with an apparently aged cabin, some do like it still. It has a good amount of comfort features and an intuitive infotainment unit. You also get lots of safety and driver-assistance features on offer. The Camaro is an aged player in the States, and the SS coupe does look forward to prolonging its legacy.