I think it's obvious that most of us here (this being a Focus RS forum and all) will immediately jump to the conclusion that the RS is a better car and that we're glad to have put our orders down on them. However, if you sit back and think for a minute about the comparison we're making this becomes a much more interesting proposition.
Clearly, the SS and RS are totally different cars, having been created with different visions and having entirely separate histories (although both have excellent stories to tell over the last 40 years or so). So, saying that the RS is a better car because of its practicality, flexibility or visibility is missing the point of the comparison. So, you ask, how can we possibly compare these cars? A comparison can be made when we simply look at these two cars as nothing more than that, cars. Remove your own biases and reasons for buying a car, this then becomes an interesting comparison.
The RS:
A European derived car born out of the desire for a small racing car for the everyday road. It's emphases are on quick handling, tight grip, visceral feel, and speed through corners to provide real thrills to automotive and racing enthusiasts. The RS is a car with amazing engine and AWD technology built on the sensible platform of a four door family hatchback. With 350 hp and lb/ft, it has the power to work with the (hopefully) excellent handling to be a true track star, which still provides excellent daily usability.
The Camaro SS:
A true American muscle pony car created in the 1960s to go faster in a straight line than a Mustang (to....varied success) and look damn cool while doing it. Until now, handling, cornering, and driver comfort never really mattered much to the Camaro. Yet, the 2016 Camaro has been transformed into a world class sports car (see Motor Trend COTY) with an excellent chassis/platform, improved exterior and totally redesigned and upgraded interior (plus one of the most ergonomic HVAC systems on the market), and the ability to handle the way a true RWD sports car should with loads of grip and tight cornering. All this is topped off with the powerful 455 hp and lb/ft V8 pulled straight from the Stingray Corvette. With improved (but not perfect) usability for most parts of the world, the Camaro offers sublime and addictive American power with European sports car handling characteristics to create a much more sophisticated car which should thrill average and enthusiast drivers alike.
When looked at as just cars, this becomes a more difficult comparison. Both cars have been created to thrill the driver, albeit in totally different ways. Both have excellent and hilariously fun handling (thank GM for using the fantastic Alpha platform), but one being RWD and the other being an innovative AWD system, the overall feel of the cars' handling will be different. Also, one being a pony car coupe while the other being a four door hatchback means that the cars have been created for different purposes and usability, yet both will function fantastically for their designed purpose - the RS will be versatile and practical for a family, while the SS will cruise and thrill a passenger and a friend.
Both are amazing cars, the Camaro being the COTY is simply stunning with how many excellent cars are on the market today, and I think both will be historically important cars in the future. And honestly, this is why if I wasn't able to purchase the RS, I was going to head straight over to the nearest Chevy dealership and buy an SS (as it's basically the same price as the RS.
I would just have to get my rusty old 72 Camaro out of my parent's garage first.....