Chevrolet Camaro has maintained the status of an icon in the automotive industry since the first model was rolled out of the factory in 1966. The admiration it has enjoyed over time has largely been due to its striking aesthetics and impressive engine performance.
With the release of Camaro RS and SS Models, Chevy fans are presented with two excellent options to choose from. While this is obviously a good thing, it could also leave you wondering which one would be worth your money the most as both models have lots of impressive features and capabilities.
Since you’re here, we believe you’ve most likely found yourself in that dilemma where you need to choose between the RS and SS Camaro models. So in this post, we’ll be doing a Camaro RS vs SS side-by-side comparison. We’ll explain the differences in their engine specifications, design elements, and overall value.
By the time you’re done reading this post, you’ll be armed with more than enough knowledge to be able to make an informed decision between these two beasts. Let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
What Does RS Mean on a Camaro?
‘RS’ on a Camaro stands for ‘Rally Sport’. This designation was introduced on the Camaro in 1967 with the intention of identifying models that offered a range of cosmetic upgrades like revised exterior trim, unique badging, and special wheels.
These upgrades were designed to give the Chevy Camaro a more aggressive and sporty appearance. And also to help in setting it apart from other models on the market.
What Does SS Mean on a Camaro?
‘SS’ on a Camaro stands for ‘Super Sport’. It is a designation that was first introduced in 1966 with the intention of identifying models that offered enhanced engine performance and handling capabilities.
SS models typically featured high-performance engines, such as the legendary 396 cubic inch V8, as well as suspension upgrades and other enhancements to improve handling and braking.
Features of Camaro RS
Exterior Design
One of the most distinctive features of the Camaro RS is its unique exterior design. The RS model typically features a more aggressive and sporty look, with a revised front fascia, a unique grille design, and specific LED headlamps.
Wheel Options
The Camaro RS also offers a range of different wheel options to choose from, including 20-inch aluminum wheels with painted finish, and 20-inch black-painted aluminum wheels.
Engine Performance
The Camaro RS comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 275 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic transmission.
Technology
It is equipped with a range of advanced technology features, including an infotainment system with a seven-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a six-speaker audio system.
Interior Design
The RS also features a range of interior design elements, including premium cloth or leather-appointed seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a driver information center with a color display.
Safety Features
The Camaro RS is equipped with a range of advanced safety features, including a rearview camera, rear park assist, and lane change alert with a side blind zone alert.
Pros of Choosing a Camaro RS
1. Affordable Price
The Camaro RS is a more affordable option compared to the higher-end Camaro SS, making it a great option if you’re on a budget and still want a sporty and stylish car. The starting MSRP for a 2023 Camaro RS coupe is around $30,000, while a 2023 Camaro RS convertible starts around $35,000.
It’s important to note that prices may vary depending on the location and dealership. It’s always a good idea to research and compare prices from different dealerships to get the best deal possible.
2. Fuel Efficiency
Its four-cylinder engine offers better fuel efficiency compared to the V8 engine of the Camaro SS. This can result in significant cost savings on fuel expenses in the long run.
3. Smooth Ride
The Camaro RS has a smoother ride compared to the Camaro SS, thanks to its softer suspension system. This makes it a great option for you if you prioritize comfort over raw power.
4. Sleek and Stylish Design
The Camaro RS boasts a sleek and stylish exterior design that’s sure to turn heads on the road. Its sleek profile and sporty features, such as the LED headlamps and RS appearance package, make it an attractive choice if you’re one of those who value style and aesthetics.
5. Advanced Technology
The Camaro RS comes with a range of advanced technology features, including an infotainment system with an eight-inch touchscreen display, smartphone integration, and a premium sound system. This can make the driving experience more enjoyable and convenient.
6. Safety Features
The Camaro RS is equipped with advanced safety features, including a rearview camera, rear park assist, and rear cross-traffic alert, ensuring a safer and more secure driving experience.
Read: Does a Cold Air Intake Increase MPG?
Cons of Camaro RS
1. Less Power
The Camaro RS has a less powerful engine compared to the Camaro SS, resulting in lower performance capabilities. This can be a disadvantage if you prioritize speed and power.
2. Limited Customization Options
The Camaro RS has fewer customization options compared to the Camaro SS, which may limit the ability to personalize the car to individual tastes and preferences.
3. Less Aggressive Styling
While the Camaro RS has a sleek and stylish exterior design, it may not be as aggressive-looking as the Camaro SS. This may be a disadvantage if you want a car that makes a bold statement on the road.
4. Less Impressive Sound
The Camaro RS engine does not produce the same rumble and roar as the Camaro SS’s V8 engine. This results in a less impressive sound profile which may be a disadvantage if you want a car that sounds as good as it looks.
5. Limited Availability of Certain Features
Some of the advanced features that are available on the Camaro SS, such as the Magnetic Ride Control suspension system and Recaro performance seats, are not available on the Camaro RS.
Features of Camaro SS
Exterior Design
The Camaro SS features a more aggressive and muscular exterior design compared to other Camaro models, with a unique front grille, air extractor hood, and a quad-tip exhaust system. The SS also features unique LED headlamps with an RS appearance package.
Engine Performance
The car is equipped with a powerful 6.2-liter V8 engine that delivers an impressive 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission or an optional ten-speed automatic transmission.
Performance Suspension
The Super Sport also features a performance-tuned suspension system with magnetic ride control, allowing drivers to adjust the suspension settings to their liking.
Brembo Brakes
The Camaro SS is equipped with high-performance Brembo brakes that provide exceptional stopping power.
Technology
It is also equipped with a range of advanced technology features, including an infotainment system with an eight-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a premium nine-speaker Bose audio system.
Interior Design
The Camaro features a range of interior design elements, including sports seats with leather trim, a flat-bottomed leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a heads-up display.
Safety Features
The Camaro SS is equipped with a range of advanced safety features, including a rearview camera, rear park assist, and forward collision warning.
Pros of Choosing Camaro SS
1. Powerful Engine
The Camaro SS comes with a 6.2-liter V8 engine that delivers 455 horsepower, making it a beast on the road. With this engine, the Camaro SS can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.0 seconds, providing a thrilling driving experience.
2. Enhanced Performance Capabilities
The Camaro SS comes with a range of performance-enhancing features, including Brembo brakes, a sport-tuned suspension, and a limited-slip differential. These features work together to provide superior handling, acceleration, and braking.
Aggressive Styling
The Camaro SS’s aggressive and intimidating exterior design gives it a beast appearance on the road. Its muscular body lines, large air intakes, and quad exhaust tips give it an unmistakable presence.
Lots of Customization Options
There’s a high range of customization options for the Camaro SS. This allows you to personalize your car to your preference. You can carry out a range of custom fits such as color changes, trims, and packages, as well as options like a sunroof, spoiler, and dual-mode performance exhaust.
Advanced Features
The SS comes with a range of advanced features, including a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, a Bose premium audio system, and a heads-up display. These features provide added convenience, comfort, and entertainment.
Cons of Choosing Camaro SS
1. It’s More Expensive
The Camaro SS is a high-performance sports car, which means it comes with a higher price tag than the Camaro RS. This can be a factor you should consider if you’re on a tight budget or looking for a more affordable option.
The starting MSRP for a 2023 Camaro SS coupe is around $43,000, while a 2023 Camaro SS convertible starts around $48,000. However, you should note that prices may vary depending on the location and dealership.
2. Lower Fuel Efficiency
Due to its powerful engine and performance capabilities, the Camaro SS has lower fuel efficiency compared to other cars in its class. This can result in higher fuel costs over time, especially if you’re going to be using it for your daily commute.
We conducted a little survey where drivers reported that their SS consumed an average of 17 – 20 MPG while driving fully within streets, 27 – 30 MPG while driving fully on the highway, and 22 – 25 MPG while driving on a mix of highways and streets.
3. Harsh Ride Quality
The sport-tuned suspension and performance-focused design of the Camaro SS can lead to a harsher ride quality compared to more comfort-oriented vehicles. This can be uncomfortable for passengers, especially on longer trips.
4. Limited Cargo Space
While the Camaro SS has a spacious interior for a sports car, its trunk space is limited. This can make it difficult to carry larger items or luggage on extended trips.
5. Lower Visibility
The Camaro SS has a low profile and narrow windows, which can result in lower visibility for you. This can be especially challenging when backing up or changing lanes. And it may require extra caution and attention from you.
Camaro RS vs SS – Side-by-Side Comparison
| Features | Camaro RS | Camaro SS |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder or 3.6L V6 | 6.2L V8 |
| Horsepower | 275-335 HP | 455-650 HP |
| Torque | 295-284 lb-ft | 455-650 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic | 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic |
| Performance | Good acceleration, good handling | Excellent acceleration, excellent handling |
| Suspensions | Touring suspension | Sport-tuned suspension |
| Wheels & Tires | 18-inch wheels with all-season tires | 20-inch wheels with high-performance tires |
| Brakes | 4-piston front and rear Brembo brakes | 6-piston front and 4-piston rear Brembo brakes |
| Fuel Efficiency | 22-30 mpg combined | 16-19 mpg combined |
| Price | Lower price point [$30k – $35k] | Higher price point [$43k – $48k] |
The Camaro RS has a smaller engine with less horsepower and torque but is still capable of good acceleration and handling. It comes with a touring suspension and smaller wheels and tires but has better fuel efficiency and a lower price point compared to the Camaro SS.
On the other hand, the Camaro SS has a larger, more powerful V8 engine with excellent acceleration and handling. It comes with a sport-tuned suspension, larger wheels and tires, and bigger brakes for improved performance. However, it has lower fuel efficiency and a higher price point compared to the Camaro RS.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Camaro RS and SS
If you’re torn between making a decision on which Camaro model to go for, there are various factors you’ll need to consider. These include:
1. Performance
Both models offer impressive performance capabilities, but the SS model has a more powerful engine and advanced performance features. If you prioritize speed and acceleration, the SS may be the better option.
2. Price
The SS model is generally more expensive than the RS, so your budget may be a deciding factor. However, the RS still offers impressive features at a more affordable price point.
3. Design
The RS and SS models have slightly different design elements, such as unique grilles and spoilers. If aesthetics are important to you, consider which design you prefer.
4. Driving Preferences
The RS and SS also have different suspension and handling features. The RS has a smoother ride, while the SS is more responsive and agile. Consider your driving style and preferences when making a decision.
5. Intended Use
Think about how you plan to use your Camaro. If you’re looking for a daily driver with some added performance, the RS may be the better choice. If you want a high-performance sports car for racing or track use, the SS may be the way to go.
6. Fuel Efficiency
The SS model has a larger engine and lower fuel efficiency than the RS. You’ll be spending less money filling up an RS tank with gas than you would with an SS. If fuel economy is a concern for you, the RS may be a more practical option.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Camaro RS and SS models ultimately comes down to personal preference and priorities. While both models offer impressive features and capabilities, they have their own unique advantages and disadvantages.
The Camaro RS offers a more affordable starting price, good fuel economy, and comfortable ride quality. However, it may not have the same level of power and performance as the Camaro SS, and some drivers may find its styling to be less aggressive.
On the other hand, the Camaro SS boasts a powerful engine, sporty handling, and a more aggressive design. But, it comes with a higher price tag and lower fuel economy, and the ride quality may be less comfortable for some drivers.
When choosing between these two models, it’s important to consider factors such as budget, performance needs, and driving preferences. Take into account the pros and cons of each model and consider what is most important to you.
Whether you choose the Camaro RS or SS, both models offer an exciting and thrilling driving experience that is sure to impress.
