2020 Ford Mustang vs 2021 Chevrolet Camaro

The 2020 Ford Mustang Bullitt was a nod to the iconic 1968 Mustang GT fastback driven by Steve McQueen in the film "Bullitt." This special edition captured the essence of the original with its Dark Highland Green paint, subtle chrome accents, and retro-style wheels. Inside, the Bullitt featured unique green stitching, a serialized plaque, and a white cue-ball shifter knob, all contributing to its classic yet modern appeal. Despite its high price, the Mustang Bullitt was considered a bargain compared to the original movie car, which sold for millions at auction.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro offered both coupe and convertible body styles, with a design that was both fierce and ready for leisurely drives. The Camaro came in multiple trim levels, with the 2SS Coupe being a popular choice. While the exterior design was subjective, the Camaro's interior left much to be desired, with parts-bin specials and a design that raised functionality questions. The Camaro's Wild Cherry design packs added unique styling elements, but the overall look was more about performance than luxury.

The 2020 Ford Mustang lineup offered a range of performance options, from the 310-horsepower EcoBoost to the 760-horsepower Shelby GT500. The Mustang Bullitt, based on the Mustang GT, delivered 480 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, thanks to enhancements like an intake manifold from the Shelby GT350. The Bullitt's performance was further enhanced by a four-mode active exhaust system and a six-speed manual transmission, making it a thrilling drive for enthusiasts. Fuel economy varied across the lineup, with the Bullitt achieving 16.4 L/100 km in the city and 10.2 on the highway.

The 2021 Chevrolet Camaro offered a standard 275-horsepower turbocharged engine, with options to upgrade to a 335-horsepower V6 or a 455-horsepower V8. The supercharged V8 variant delivered an impressive 650 horsepower. While the Camaro's manual transmission was less fuel-efficient than its automatic counterparts, it provided a unique driving experience. The Camaro's drive mode selector allowed for customization, with modes like Tour, Sport, and Track available. However, the manual transmission's design and GM's skip-shift technology detracted from the driving experience, making the automatic transmission a more appealing choice.

The 2020 Ford Mustang prioritized style and performance over practicality, with a rear seat suitable only for small children and limited storage space. However, the Mustang Fastback offered a comfortable ride for two adults and a trunk with 383 litres of cargo space. Standard black leather seats provided comfort, while optional Recaro seats offered better support for spirited driving. The Mustang's interior was designed for driving enthusiasts, with features like a heated steering wheel and adjustable seats enhancing comfort.

The 2021 Chevrolet Camaro's interior featured standard cloth upholstery and front bucket seats, with options for leather and Recaro sport seats. The front seats were comfortable, but the narrow windscreen and oversized hood limited visibility. The rear seats were best suited for small children, and the trunk's high load height and narrow opening limited usability. The Camaro's steering wheel and climate control system were functional, but the design of the vents and cupholders posed challenges for manual transmission drivers.

The 2020 Ford Mustang excelled in performance technology, with features like adjustable steering effort, active exhaust modes, and multiple driving modes. Track Apps allowed drivers to monitor performance metrics, while the 12-inch digital instrumentation cluster provided a sophisticated interface. The Sync 3 infotainment system, though aging, offered Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with a premium sound system. Separate stereo and climate controls minimized interaction with the touchscreen.

The 2021 Chevrolet Camaro came equipped with a 7-inch infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system. Optional features included a head-up display, navigation, and a Bose premium audio system. The Camaro's driver-information centre and infotainment touchscreen were functional but suffered from a forward lean that affected visibility. USB ports and a wireless charging pad were conveniently located, though the latter encroached on rear seat space.

The 2020 Ford Mustang Bullitt lacked advanced safety features, appealing to purists who preferred a more traditional driving experience. Standard safety features included a reversing camera and MyKey technology, with optional blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warnings. The Mustang received good crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, providing reassurance in the event of an accident.

The 2021 Chevrolet Camaro's safety ratings were mixed, with the IIHS and NHTSA providing a range of scores. Available safety features included rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and forward-collision warning. However, some features were not available on convertible models, limiting the Camaro's safety offerings.