Compare the2019 Chevrolet CamaroVS 2018 Lexus RC

Both the Camaro and the RC have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available collision warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

There are almost 13 times as many Chevrolet dealers as there are Lexus dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Camaro’s warranty.

The camshafts in the Camaro’s engine are driven by a hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs. The RC 300 2.0 turbo 4 cyl.’s camshafts are driven by a rubber belt that needs periodic replacement. If the RC’s cam drive belt breaks the engine could be severely damaged when the pistons hit the opened valves.

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the Camaro has a standard 700-amp battery. The RC’s 580-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

The battery on the Camaro is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the Camaro’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The RC’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2018 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are better in initial quality than Lexus vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet 6th in initial quality, above the industry average. With 2 more problems per 100 vehicles, Lexus is ranked 8th.

The Camaro has more powerful engines than the RC:

As tested in Car and Driver the Chevrolet Camaro is faster than the RC 350 3.5 DOHC V6 (automatics tested):

An engine control system that can shut down half of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Camaro V6/V8 Auto’s fuel efficiency. The RC doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Chevrolet Camaro uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended with the 2.0 turbo 4 cyl. engine for maximum performance). The RC requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The Camaro has 1.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the RC (19 vs. 17.4 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Camaro has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The RC doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

The Camaro offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and fuel economy. The RC doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

A 10-speed automatic is available on the Chevrolet Camaro, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the RC.

For better stopping power the Camaro ZL1’s brake rotors are larger than those on the RC:

The Camaro stops much shorter than the RC:

For better traction, the Camaro has larger standard tires than the RC (245/50R18 vs. 235/40R19). The Camaro ZL1 1LE Coupe’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the RC (F:305/30R19 & R:325/30R19 vs. F:235/40R19 & R:265/35R19).

The Camaro SS 1LE/ZL1’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 30 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the RC’s optional 40 series front and 35 series rear tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Camaro offers optional 20-inch wheels. The RC’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the Camaro can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The RC doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Camaro’s wheelbase is 3.2 inches longer than on the RC (110.7 inches vs. 107.5 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Camaro is 1 inch wider in the front and .4 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the RC.

The Camaro ZL1 1LE Coupe handles at 1.18 G’s, while the RC 350 pulls only .85 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Chevrolet Camaro may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs up to about 400 pounds less than the Lexus RC.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the Camaro Coupe a Compact car, while the RC is rated a Subcompact.

The Camaro Coupe has 9.2 cubic feet more passenger volume than the RC (93 vs. 83.8).

The Camaro Coupe has .6 inches more front hip room, .3 inches more front shoulder room, .2 inches more rear headroom and 2.6 inches more rear legroom than the RC.

The Camaro has a maintenance free battery for long life without checking the battery’s water level. The RC doesn’t have a maintenance free battery, so the water level in the battery’s cells must be checked often to prevent damage.

The Camaro Auto has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The RC doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The Camaro offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed and other key instrumentation readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The RC doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The Chevrolet Camaro comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Lexus RC isn’t available as a convertible.

Insurance will cost less for the Camaro owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the Camaro with a number “1” insurance rate while the RC is rated higher at a number “10” rate.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Camaro is less expensive to operate than the RC because typical repairs cost much less on the Camaro than the RC, including $202 less for a water pump, $453 less for a starter, $191 less for fuel injection, $15 less for front struts, $647 less for a timing belt/chain and $985 less for a power steering pump.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Camaro second among midsize sporty cars in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The RC isn’t in the top three in its category.

The Camaro was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 3 of the last 3 years. The RC has never been a Car and Driver “Top Ten” pick.

Motor Trend selected the Camaro as their 2016 Car of the Year. The RC has never been chosen.

The Camaro was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” in 2013. The RC has never been an “All Star.”

The Camaro was selected by Automobile Magazine as their 2010 Car of the Year. The RC has never been chosen.

The Chevrolet Camaro outsold the Lexus RC by over 9 to one during 2017.