This is a summer that many people are looking forward to. It might be a nice summer to go for a drive in a new sports car too. Don’t worry; not all sports cars will break the bank. There are options if you’re looking for a sports car under $40,000. The 2021 Chevy Camaro LT1 is a great one to consider.

MotorTrend recommends the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro LT1 and other affordable sports cars

MotorTrend recently recommended eight affordable sports cars, and the 2021 Chevy Camaro LT1 falls in the middle of the list based on price. MotorTrend does point out that a few affordable sports cars aren’t on the list just because they still need to be tested out. Those are the 2022 Nissan 400Z, the 2022 Subaru BRZ, and the 2022 Toyota GR 86.

The sports cars that are on MotorTrend’s list include the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata (starting at $27,825), 2021 Subaru WRX (starting at $28,420), 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI (starting at approximately $31,000), and 2021 Hyundai Veloster N (starting at $33,255).

Additionally, the list also features the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro LT1 (starting at $37,895), 2021 Honda Civic Type R (starting at $38,890), 2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost High Performance package with EcoBoost Handling package (starting at $39,085), and the 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus (starting at $39,690).

The performance of the 2021 Chevy Camaro LT1

MotorTrend proclaims the 2021 Chevy Camaro LT1 as “one of the best driving” V8 sports cars. This trim was introduced for the 2020 model year. It has one of two V8 engines, a 6.2-liter V8 engine, producing 455 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque. It has rear-wheel drive, and MotorTrend recommends getting the standard six-speed manual transmission, but a 10-speed automatic is available.

The Camaro LT1 trim is the least expensive of the three Chevrolet Camaro trims that offer the two V8 engines. The LT1 also has a performance suspension and Brembo brakes. With its engine, the LT1 goes from 0 to 60 MPH in 4.1 seconds. It can do a quarter-mile in 12.2 seconds, says CarIndigo.

What the 2021 Chevy Camaro has to offer

The Chevrolet Camaro LT1, starting at $37,895, is priced less than $40,000, the average price of a new car sold in 2020, according to MotorTrend. There are less expensive Camaros, but they don’t come with V8 engines.

The 2021 Chevy Camaro has eight trim levels and four different engine options. The Camaro has four-cylinder, V6, and V8 engines. The larger ones give it great acceleration along with its responsive steering. The base engine, standard in the 1LS, 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT trims, is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, generating 275 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

The second engine is a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 335 hp and 284 lb-ft of torque. This engine is optional on the 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT trims. The third engine is standard in the LT1 as well as the 1SS and 2SS trims. It is the 6.2-liter V8 with 455 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque. The fourth engine comes in the ZL1, which has a much higher starting price of $63,000. It is a supercharged V8, generating 650 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque.

The Camaro comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, but an eight-speed automatic and a 10-speed automatic are available. It’s also available as either a coupe or a convertible.

There are definitely highs and lows to the 2021 Chevy Camaro. U.S. News points out that the 2021 Camaro has plenty of engine power along with great handling, but it’s snug in the rear seats and the finishes aren’t as nice as its competitors.

The front seats are quite ergonomic, though, and the infotainment system is easy to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have been added for 2021. The Ford Mustang has a nicer interior and a little more space in the trunk. The Dodge Challenger has more room in the rear seats and a lot more space in the trunk.

The 2021 Chevy Camaro LT1 provides plenty of performance without hurting your wallet too much. It doesn’t have the space or comfort of some of its rivals, but that isn’t necessarily the point of getting a sports car.