Matchbox and Greenlight 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible’s

As mentioned before last year was fifty years of the Chevrolet Camaro and with that plenty of models to celebrate the anniversary.  One of them was a bit late, but still on time and nicely done was the long-needed Matchbox Camaro convertible for 2016, so it was time to compare it to the Greenlight version to see how the new one stacks up to a premium level.

The sixth-generation Camaro was an evolutionary design to the fifth-generation revitalization when it was released in 2016, but underneath the car you’ll find a new platform from the Cadillac ATS that was lighter and more rigid to give the Camaro the quickness and speed it desires.  The interior was upgraded with better materials and up-to-date technology.  Under the hood is the 6.2L V8 that produces 455 horsepower through an eight-speed automatic transmission.  Both Camaro’s shown here have the same engine and transmission configuration, but only the Greenlight version has an opening hood to show off the engine details: merely an engine cover and air box.  Greenlight released the coupe last year first, but later on also released the convertible version as an entirely new tooling with the top removed and using a separate tonneau cover piece that matches the color of the body, though on my tester the cover was not properly seated and sticks up in one spot.  As for Matchbox the brand never touched the fifth-generation as their blue relatives went through countless variations.  The 2016 convertible is the first modern Camaro since the 1998 SS convertible and the fourth Camaro for the Matchbox brand.

On the Matchbox version the red paint with blacked-out 5-spoke chrome wheels (with a strange green tint) is beautifully done and will remind many of the first release of the Mazda Miata from 2016.  The front has detailed headlights with signal lights and LED strips inside, center grille with gold bowtie, and larger lower grille that is part of the base with side scoops and LED foglights.  The hood has dual vents with a nice curve to them, the windshield has a proper stance, and even the doors have exterior mirrors.  The sides show a nice clean profile with fenders that are more pronounced at the rear, a rear spoiler on the trunklid, and sharkfin antenna on the trunk.  The rear has detailed taillights, gold bowtie, CAMARO plate, and dual exhausts.  Obviously the Greenlight version has far better detailing in a gorgeous Blue Velvet with tan interior that looks great on this car.  The front has separate piece headlights, fully-detailed grille that is larger and has SS logo in it, hood scoops, and frame around the windshield with sunvisors that have the visible vanity mirrors.  The sides have mirrors that are not well-integrated, side badging, 5-spoke wheels that are correct despite the higher stance, and separate rear spoiler.  The rear has separate taillights, detailed bowtie, SS badge, GM plate, and quad round exhaust tips.

The base on both cars show off the exhaust system and automatic transmission pan with the Greenlight offering more detailing at the rear portion of the car.  The interiors are also vastly different between the two models, yet each have some nicely-done detailing for their price range.  The Matchbox version has seating for four with detailed door patterns, center console with cupholders and shifter, and dashboard with visible center stack and air vents, and as a nod to the Miata the pedals are also visible on the floor.  The Greenlight version has four seats in tan to contrast the black interior, 3-spoke steering wheel, and a clearly visible dashboard with center stack controls, gauge pod, and air vents.  A few miscues are visible on the Greenlight as the door panels lack detail and the shifter is rather bulky, while the Matchbox version has no door panel detailing, round disc for a steering wheels, and three pedals for a two-pedal car.  Finally, another deciding factor is handling as while both are fast and swift, the Greenlight version has a collector feel as the wheels are chunky and do not roll smoothly while the Matchbox version has a nice, smooth roll to it.

Which is better?  Depends on your opinion as both are very nice offerings of the latest Camaro convertible, yet each one offers details on a different price point:  The collector will go for the Greenlight version solely for the details, while the kid collector will likely go for the Matchbox for simplicity, smooth rolling, and affordable price point.

Update 4/8/20:  Joining the Matchbox convertible is the 2016 Camaro coupe introduced in the 2019 Moving Parts series.  The coupe has the same level of detailing on the outside as the coupe with the addition of a roof over the interior and the antenna cover is relocated to the roof.  The interior and base are also the same, but the other difference is the opening hood up front to show off the 6.2L V8 and it looks good as you can only see much of the engine cover and the resovior containers.  The hood design is smooth when closed and opens very smoothly; this coupe is a nice addition to the Matchbox line.