I have a series 1 SSS, and i looked into it all before i bought the SSS. Like series 2 vs series 1 and SSS, TI, LX etc...
Basically the series 1 do not have ABS or Airbags as opposed to the series 2. The series 2 sss's came standard with polished mags. Same mags as the series 1, just polished. The series 2 have a slat grill as opposed to the honeycomb grill of the series 1. The bootlid badge is also different.
The sss has the velour interior and leather parts (steering wheel, gearstick knob and gearstick boot), woodgrain strip on the dash, the HUD, fog lights, side skirts and rear spoiler, CD & tape player and 6 speaker stereo, climate control.
The lx has cloth interior and vinyl parts (steering wheel, gearstick knob & gearstick boot), black plastic on dash, no HUD, no fog lights, no kit (unless it was purchased as optional extra, tape player and 4 speaker stereo, air con (not climate control).
Both have cruise control standard, i think... And they all have power windows.
The ti as far as i know only came standard in auto, and i think some of them had sunroof. Dunno much else about it and can't say i've seen too many around. I've got the original series 2 bluebird catalogue somewhere.
I personally preferred the series 1, and thought the extra $1k or so for the SSS was well spent above the going prices for an LX, for the extras.
I've never had any problems with rust in mine, and it's pretty much been a trouble free car for me. The only problems i've had are the rear brake callipers leaking fluid and the starter motor shat not so long ago. Mine's got 246,000kms on the clock and it's still going great. Mine's a manual and the gearbox is still really nice in it. I'm getting rid of mine soon, but it's only because i've upgraded to something a little faster... They are notorious for oil leaking from the o-ring to the dizzy, and mine had been replaced by the previous owner.