What's the difference in a base Camaro and an RS?
 

I'm looking at a 1999 Camaro RS, and I think the difference is that there's some suspension parts, but I am not sure. Can someone help me out?

Its a trick question? GM did not make a RS in 99. In the 4th gen it made 96 and 97 and SLP made one 2001 and 2002.

History has show that the RS package is cosmedic only and really not engine or suspension related. In 96 and 97 it was the ground effects and rear fin and RS badges. SLP installed a CAI and exhaust on their version but i dont cont that since it was not GM. Sometime guys get the Y87 package confused with the RS because a lot of RS's have the Y87 but either could be order together or seprate. You could also buy the gound effects in 1999 but it was just that it did not come with the RS badges.

Ik the later fourth gen RS models had the tighter steering ratio, stripes, SLIP front grille, and dual exhaust that gave like +5hp...I'm probably missing a few things

The tighter steering ratio was only with the Y87, AFAIK -- the way to check is RPO codes. Not all RS' got stripes, like my '02. There were other options, to upgrade to SS sways and others from SLP too, above the RS base package.

Also, I have never seen an RS that had an SLP CAI installed... That would have been done by an owner.

In later 4th Gens, the 3.42 rear gear was an RS feature, like in my '02.

The 4th gen RS was a V6 with boy racer frills. For handling, performance and and a more sedate style the Z28 is a better choice. But some people like plastic cladding stuck on the bottom of the car, and each person sees things differently.

Well that's...embarrassing. Glad I asked! The one I'm looking at does have the ground affects, but no badging, which should have made me suspicious about the RS part. Thanks for the info, nonetheless. I was always a bit fuzzy on that.

I just don't have money to insure a V8 on my 20-year-old self. And I know how badly behaved I'd be with a Z. :D

nothing really, unless you have the y 87 package in that case its:

4-wheel disc brakes
dual exhaust
3:42 rear end w/ posi.
14:4:1 Steering ratio(same as v8 cars)
only way to know for sure is to pull the rpo codes..