35 years of power, performance, and style

1981 – Last Classic

By the time the second-generation Chevy Camaro was finally retired after the 1981 model year, the standard inline-six was dropped in favor of a 229-cid V6 making 110 horsepower. A new 267-cid V8 made just five horsepower more than the V6, but added torque for a livelier feel off the line. The 155-horse 305 V8 continued (and became standard on the 1981 Camaro Z28), but the optional 350 V8 for the Z28 model dropped from 1980’s 190-hp rating to 165 ponies. That means that even if you brake-torqued a brand-new 1981 Camaro Z28 and floored it from a traffic light, your grandma could whip your ass in a stock 2006 Honda Civic LX sedan with an automatic transmission. Ugh.

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