Straight answer: The main difference between Camaro RS and SS is in their engines. The Camaro RS has a 3.6-liter V6 engine, whereas the SS has a 6.2-liter V8 engine.
If you’re looking to buy a car or are generally interested in cars, you might wonder about the differences between the two models. Don’t worry. I’ve got you covered!
I’ll provide a detailed account of the differences between a Camaro RS and an SS in this article.
So, let’s dive right in!
What do RS and SS Stand for?
In the Chevrolet Camaro models, RS stands for “Rally Sport,” and SS stands for “Super Sport”. The new Camaro SS can go from 0 to 60 mph in about four seconds. This is because it has a horsepower of 455.
However, the company stopped the production of the Camaro RS. The RS had 335 horsepower and would go from 0 to 60 mph in approximately six seconds. Therefore, the difference between the two model’s speed times was only two seconds.
Here’s a table listing the differences in features and packages between Camaro RS and SS:
| Camaro RS (Appearance Package) | Camaro SS (Performance Package) |
| Projector headlights with LED daylights | Projector headlamps with LED daylights |
| Leather interior with RS badge | Leather interior with SS badge |
| 3.6L V6 Engine | 6.2L LT1 V8 Engine |
| 21mpg combined, 18mpg city, and 27mpg highway | 18mpg combined, 15mpg city and 24mpg highway |
| 20-inch wheels | 20 -inch wheels |
What are the differences between the SS and the RS?
Here’s a table summarizing the main differences between the Chevy Camaro RS and SS:
| Feature | Camaro RS | Camaro SS |
| Horsepower | 335 horsepower | 455 horsepower |
| Acceleration (0 to 60 mph) | About six seconds | About four seconds |
| Performance Focus | Street-focused | Track-focused |
| Aesthetics | Hideaway lights and special grille treatment | Special badge, trim, and V8 engine |
| Appearance Package | Yes (special grille treatment) | No (performance-oriented) |
| Transmission Options | Six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic | Six-speed manual or ten-speed automatic |
| Suspension | Sport-tuned suspension | Upgraded suspension |
| Brake System | Brembo brakes | Brembo brakes |
| Engine | 3.6-liter V-6 | 6.2-liter V8 |
| RS Badging | Yes (special chrome and blackout trim) | Yes (special chrome and blackout trim) |
These differences highlight how the Camaro SS is geared towards high-performance driving, while the Camaro RS emphasizes aesthetics and street driving more. It depends on your choice.
What makes a Camaro an RS SS?
During its early years, ordering both the SS and the RS options in a Camaro was possible. This would make the “Camaro RS/SS” model. It was launched in the year 1969, and it was an SS model with RS trim.
The Camaro SS features a non-functional air inlet on the hood. It also has special striping and SS badging on the grill. The car includes front fenders, a gas cap, and a horn button.
The LT and LS models came with standard eighteen-inch wheels. However, the LT and SS models are also available with the RS package. This adds 20-inch wheels, body-color roof moldings, an antenna, and discharge headlamps.
Take a look at this video describing the features of the Camaro SS:
How can you tell if a Camaro is an RS?
You’ll have to inspect older Camaro models to identify an RS Camaro version closely. You can tell by checking the VIN, RPO, or trim tag codes.
An RS Camaro was manufactured in the following years: 1967 to 1973 and from 1975 to 1980. This car offers a more sporty appearance by including spotlights and light covers.
A few physical features can help identify the RS and SS apart from the modern versions. Fortunately, one of the simplest ways to identify the newer versions is by looking at the hood and inside the wheels. The SS trim has vents on the hood, whereas the RS version doesn’t. However, this only applies to the stock models.
Moreover, a modified Camaro RS can have a supercharger and the vents installed. These can be aftermarket add-ons. The SS version comes with Brembo breaks, visible from the outside.
This may help in telling apart the two models. You can also check for the relevant badge on them, which states SS or RS.
Which one is the faster Camaro, an SS or an RS?
The Camaro SS is faster than the RS. This is because it has a bigger 6.2 L V8 engine. This engine is capable of producing a horsepower of up to 455. The RS can only produce a horsepower of up to 335 and has a 3.6 L V6 engine.
Even the previous generation of SS could produce horsepower between 420 and 450. The RS, on the other hand, could punch anywhere between 310 and 335 horsepower.
Moreover, SS can go up to 60 mph in just about four seconds and has a maximum speed of 165 mph. Whereas RS can go up to 60 mph in about six seconds. Therefore, the difference in terms of speed is also quite noticeable.
The SS model was designed for speed. Whereas the RS model was more fancy with vinyl tops and hidden headlights. It wasn’t meant for speeding.
Here’s a list of interior and technological features included in a 2019 Camaro SS:
- LED Headlights
- Slim tail lights
- Smart sound
- Illuminated cabin, including spectrum lights
- Driver information center, which is easy to use
- Teen driver mode
- Head up display
However, the Camaro ZL1 Coupe is the fastest ever made today. It’s a supercar that can go up to two hundred mph quickly.
What is the main difference between the Camaro Z28, SS, and ZL1?
The SS comes right below the ZL1 version as one of the top-of-the-line Camaros. The SS has a naturally aspirated V8 engine of 6.2 Liter and gives 455 horsepower. The ZL1 has a supercharged V8 engine of 6.2 liters and produces a horsepower of 650.
The ZL1 is a superior car in terms of lap times. This is because it has more power and road-holding capability than the SS. Therefore, it’s able to lap a track faster.
If you’re a capable driver, then ZL1 is absolutely better and faster. However, in the hands of an average driver, the access might be a better tracker. This is because ZL1 is significantly more powerful than SS, and extracting performance on track with more powerful cars is harder.
A supercharged engine like that of ZL1 isn’t as linear in throttle response compared to one naturally aspirated engine of a Camaro SS.
The Z/28 is fairly stripped in terms of interior and weight. It has a naturally aspirated 7.0 liter LS7 V8 engine. It’s very close to a race car. It’s advised by the company itself not to drive this vehicle daily.
Regarding track purity, the older Z/28 is probably better than the new ZL1. It’s considered as far superior on the track to the older ZL1. The ZL1 is considered a monster road car. Whereas a Z/28 is designed more as a purist track car.
The SS is of good value; on certain tracks, it’s almost as fast as the Z/28. The Z/28 is more raw, and the SS is more refined.
Final Thoughts
- Camaro RS and SS differ primarily in their engines and performance.
- RS stands for “Rally Sport,” and SS stands for “Super Sport.”
- The Camaro SS boasts a 6.2-liter V8 engine with 455 horsepower and faster acceleration.
- The Camaro RS features a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 335 horsepower and a more moderate speed.
- SS offers improved aesthetics, suspension, and power, making it a high-performance option.
- RS focuses on appearance and aesthetics, including hideaway lights and special badging.
- Modern versions can be identified by examining features like vents on the hood and visible Brembo brakes.
- Camaro SS is faster and designed for speed, while the RS leans toward style and appearance.
I hope this article answered all your concerns about the Camaro RS and SS versions!