Why I prefer the '16-'18 Camaro
 

Comparing my '16 Camaro SS2 with a '22 Camaro SS2 that I test drove, and found some things that I preferred from the original 6th gen Camaro: 1) Homelink garage door opener is available, 2) Rear view mirror instead of camera, 3) No crackle and pops NPP exhaust, 4) prefer the previous tail lights design. What I like from the '20-'24 redesign: 1) Hood bulge with the center intake and 2) the front bumper's intake redesign.

I’ve owned both and while I agree with some of the bullets from above, the last version is still better.
1) I don’t miss Homelink much because it never worked that well for me and was more difficult to program
2) My 2024 has both with the option to switch
3) Not a big fan of the rice krispy exhaust either
4) I like the original 6th gen taillights, but the new ones have grown on me

Other things that are improved is CarPlay works far better now. The seats are better. The backup camera is better.

Seats are better? Explain please? Wasn't aware they made changes.

The seats are exactly the same. Screens and cameras were indeed upgraded from 720p to 1080p, and the rear view camera is a nice addition IMO, wish GM had retained auto dimming functionality in its "normal" mode.

The built-in homelink controller works exceptionally well for me, programming is a breeze and I can open the garage from any (reasonable) distance I've tried.

And, subjectively speaking, the front/rear bumper and light body redesign is a non-starter for me, if I ever buy a 2019+ Camaro, I'll customize those back to the original, properly integrated design.

camaro difference
 

i have a 2021 camaro..had a 2017 camaro....i love everything about my 2021 better...the engine, transmission, color, the front fascia on the 2017 was a little better looking...thats it..both great cars

I have a 23 and a 24. I prefer the earlier taillights because they look like they belong. The later taillights look like an afterthought. Regarding the Recaro seats, they do feel different in my SS 1LE vs my ZLE. I like the comfort of the SS seats better and my wife likes the comfort of the ZLE seats better.

I like the redesigned rear (I'm a sucker for quad tail lights, even if they are technically fake) however I'm with you on the front fascia, the 16-18 looks way better.

Also, by "hood bulge with center intake" do you mean this thing? If so this is an air extractor, not an intake.

I can live without homelink, BUT, it would be nice if there was a storage cubby forward of the cupholders and/or clipping a garage remote to the visors didn't leave marks. I made that mistake on a GM truck and it was forever indented. Camaro visors appear to be the same material, so now my garage remote lives in a cupholder. Not ideal.

NPP crackle/pop...I've noticed it will do it a little ewhen the engine is cold (using more fuel) and when the temperature is cold (higher temperature differential, exhaust gas v outside air). It reminds me of my '11 2SS, the stock exhaust on LS3's did pop quite a bit with a manual, even though it was quiet. The NPP isn't too raucous for me, just about right.

I much prefer the updated tail lights.

I vastly prefer the 2018 front end. The "happy face" front end that came after was the worst. The most recent version that slimmed down the happy face and is closer to the 2018 is a significant improvement, but not as good as the original. The move towards giant gaping intakes/front ends is ugly as hell for the most part. There are some exceptions, but the front ends have gotten worse IMO, not better.

No LT1 trim offered '16-'19...

The engine is unchanged as is the manual transmission.

Looks are subjective. And generally people tend to like what they have or are used to. Personally, I prefer the look of the 2019/20 refresh to the pre refresh version, including the front facia, hood and the rear tail lights. 1) I do wish the refreshed version had Homelink. 2) I could take or leave the rear view camera so I'm neutral as to that change. 3) I do like the crackle and pops of the newer cars with the NPP.

The seats in my 2024 feel much better than my 2018. Could be different foam used or the older ones got compressed, but I definitely felt a difference.

Apparently you can install homelink yourself: https://youtu.be/FdfglslHQIk?si=kGeY8AS4D7PanlGS