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2013 Sport unlimited vs 2013 Rubicon unlimited

19K views 33 replies 22 participants last post by  DIXIEDOG 
#1 ·
Hey guys I'm new to this forum. Just wondering what the differences in capability of the '13 sport UL and '13 rubicon UL are?

I guess I'm wondering if I can go anywhere in the sport and save money instead of thinking I have to have a rubicon to do any off roaring? Thanks guys.

By the way, sorry if this question had already been asked...
 
#2 ·
Hey guys I'm new to this forum. Just wondering what the differences in capability of the '13 sport UL and '13 rubicon UL are?

I guess I'm wondering if I can go anywhere in the sport and save money instead of thinking I have to have a rubicon to do any off roaring? Thanks guys.

By the way, sorry if this question had already been asked...
Hey and welcome to the forum. This is a very very very common question. Actually there is a thread Sport vs Sahara vs Rubicon on this first page. Google search "2013 sport vs rubicon" and you will find a bagillian threads.

BTW, I think you can roar wherever you want and you probably don't even need a Jeep for that;)

Again, welcome to the forum and my vote is RUBICON!
 
#4 ·
Well, if someone can tell me that a sport will do all that I need that most average people need to do, then that will help make my decision in buying one.

I'm not big about lifts and wheels. I plan adding a few small accessories if I get the sport but want to know what the sport CAN'T DO that rubicon can in each's stock build.
 
#5 ·
Welcome to WF. :wavey:

As you can imagine, this question has been asked a million times. But the answer really depends on how you plan on using the Jeep. What is an "average" person?

The Rubi has a D44 upfront, lockers, standard MT's, edisco's, available 4.10's and 4:1 transfer case. If you know what that means, you understand the cost/benefits over a Sport/Sahara (and possible LSD).

If you don't know what it means, you probably don't need a Rubi.

If you asking what a Sport can do.....damn near anything on the right tires. But again, what you need depends on how you plan on using the Jeep.
 
#8 ·
I'll put it like this.

A Sport can do "most" things a Rubi can do....especially on better tires. A stock Jeep Wrangler (yes, the Sport) is one of the most capable vehicles in the world.....and is far more vehicle than the "average" person will ever need.

However, a Rubi can do every thing easier, and has more potential right out of the box. But if you are not climbing boulders, or doing serious off-roading....and especially if you plan on staying close to stock.....you won't really use a lot of the Rubi's extra features.
 
#9 ·
I have a 2013 sport unlimited and have put just over 14,000 miles on it in the last 10 months. It does fine for what it is. I have spent a week in Moab and did some moderate rated trails no problem. I have did some local trails that were rated 2.5 out of 4 1 being easy 4 being extreme. When I bought I figured it would do anything and everything I cared to do. I mostly wanted it for off the beaten path camping etc. Since getting a little taste of actual offroading I really want a Rubicon just for the heavier front axle and lockers. I say if you have the extra money get the Rubicon as it will be cheaper to pay the money now vs taking a loss on your trade like I am looking at.
 
#10 ·
I might add that had I not went off-roading with two guys that had Rubicons I might not be so motivated lol. I went every where they did but there were places that their 4.1 transfer cases just gave them a better crawl ration then mine, they both also had 4.10 gears as well. Not that I was not able to go the same places just not as controlled.
 
#11 ·
I bought a jk rubicon and I can honestly say that I'm glad I did for a bunch of reasons. The biggest reason is I am not that good of a driver and the extra features like the lockers give me a little more confidence that I can make it were I'm wanting to go on the trail, but on the down side I feel like I am not learning the true capability of my jeep because I'm using my lockers when a lot of times I didn't need to. With that being said FOR ME at least I am glad I have the extra features that the rubi has,even if its overkill. Oh ya and disconnecting the sway bar with a button is just cool to me
 
#13 ·
Not long ago I was asking the same question you are. If you can afford the Rubi, go for it, you won't regret it. If you buy the sport and then decide later on you want to upgrade the axles or start getting into anything more extreme, you have a more cost efficient base to start with.

For me personally I was all set to buy a Sport 2dr as a toy. I don't feel "right" if I don't have a Jeep to tinker with and love. Then my wife decided she wanted to get rid or her car, and that changed things. Now she'll be driving my car for the most part and I'll be driving the Jeep, except in the winter because she's got further to go to work (I work from home :) ) The considerations that took me from 2dr to 4d were towing capacity and seating capacity. If the 2drs had a third seat in the rear to install a booster seat for my 4 year old, I probably would have taken a 2dr, however I don't quite feel comfortable with him on either side with the top down.

One thing is for sure.. Jeep has definitely made the decision of Sport vs. Rubicon much tougher in light of adding the d44 rear to the Sport and having essentially the same drive train (except for the t-case).

For me personally, I could probably survive with a Sport, 2" BB and 33's, throw in a winch and bumper and call it a day and probably save some $$ over a Rubi.. but I wanted a little bit more offroad ready platform to start with. I figure it may save me some money in the long run when this addiction fully kicks in :)
 
#15 ·
I had the same debate when i bought mine, except for me it was between a new 2013 sport and a used 06 rubicon with 40k miles , a 2 1/2 in lift and 33's on it for about the same price. I went with the new one as i am new to jeeps, and it is my DD and will only see trails once a month or so. I have taken it over some pretty difficult trails and have not had a problem. Mine is stock except i am running 31 in duratracs on some nicer wheels. By far the low point of the new sports is the factory wheels and tires, they come with steel wheels and 29 in highway tires. I am happy with mine, but in a few years when i can get one in a diesel i will probably trade it in on a diesel rubicon, by then i will know enough about off-roading to appreciate the 4:1 low range, lockers, sway bar disconnect and 4.10 rear axel
 
#16 ·
Hard to Pick

Like others have mentioned, it really depends on how you plan on using your Jeep. If you plan to take it off-road occasionly, and do moderate to easy runs, then get the sport. The Jeep sport is incredible. You'd be surprised what it can do just stock. If you plan to do a little more aggresive stuff, get it raised and put bigger tires on it. Now, if you plan to do some major rock crawling, the Rubi is the way to go.

Some Rubi owners will get upset by what I am going to say here. Many Rubi owners buy that Jeep for status, "It's the best". Not true. It really depends on what you want to do with your Jeep.

The Rubi has the 4:1 transfer case. That is much better than the Sport. When going down a hill, you usually won't have to touch your brakes if you have it in 4 Lo. The Rubi has a D44 front diff vs the D30 on the Sport. I get tired of hearing this is such a pro for the Rubi. They both use the same housing and the tube and wall thickness are the same. The only difference are the center section and the stock spline count. If you plan on building up this area, then the D44 is better due to the spline count.

The Rubi has lockers - these are great, especially if you are rock crawling or going over shale, or other very tough areas. You can put lockers on your Sport if needed. The Rubi has the e-diff (electronic sway bar disconnect). That is a nice feature if you need some major articulation. And it is a push of the switch. However, I know many Rubi owners that have had to replace the electronics once it has gotten wet. If it goes after warranty, you're looking at some major dollars to replace. If you really need a disconnect, you can put a manual one on your Sport. You have to go under you Jeep and disconnect but how often are you going to do this or will you ever need it?

The Rubi has 4.10 gears. These are nice, especially if you plan on lifting and going with 35" tires or larger. If you go really large, even the 4.10 gear will have to be changed out. However, the Sport has either 3.21's or 3.73's. Great gearing for on the road. If you plan on a little towing and some medium off-roading, possibly lifting your Jeep and putting on 33's, go with the 3.73 gears.

The bottom line is, figure out how much and how tough your wheeling is going to be. For some tough wheeling Jeepers, they get the bare minimum Sport and build from there, replacing diffs, and everything - major major dollars for this. Others that do recreation off-roading, go for the Sport or Sahara (nicer options and interior) and lift it and put on wheels and possibly some lockers, bumpers, and a winch. Others that really go to major rock crawls go for the Rubi.

They are all great off-roaders.
 
#19 ·
Like others have mentioned, it really depends on how you plan on using your Jeep. If you plan to take it off-road occasionly, and do moderate to easy runs, then get the sport. The Jeep sport is incredible. You'd be surprised what it can do just stock. If you plan to do a little more aggresive stuff, get it raised and put bigger tires on it. Now, if you plan to do some major rock crawling, the Rubi is the way to go.

Some Rubi owners will get upset by what I am going to say here. Many Rubi owners buy that Jeep for status, "It's the best". Not true. It really depends on what you want to do with your Jeep.

The Rubi has the 4:1 transfer case. That is much better than the Sport. When going down a hill, you usually won't have to touch your brakes if you have it in 4 Lo. The Rubi has a D44 front diff vs the D30 on the Sport. I get tired of hearing this is such a pro for the Rubi. They both use the same housing and the tube and wall thickness are the same. The only difference are the center section and the stock spline count. If you plan on building up this area, then the D44 is better due to the spline count.
The Rubi has lockers - these are great, especially if you are rock crawling or going over shale, or other very tough areas. You can put lockers on your Sport if needed. The Rubi has the e-diff (electronic sway bar disconnect). That is a nice feature if you need some major articulation. And it is a push of the switch. However, I know many Rubi owners that have had to replace the electronics once it has gotten wet. If it goes after warranty, you're looking at some major dollars to replace. If you really need a disconnect, you can put a manual one on your Sport. You have to go under you Jeep and disconnect but how often are you going to do this or will you ever need it?

The Rubi has 4.10 gears. These are nice, especially if you plan on lifting and going with 35" tires or larger. If you go really large, even the 4.10 gear will have to be changed out. However, the Sport has either 3.21's or 3.73's. Great gearing for on the road. If you plan on a little towing and some medium off-roading, possibly lifting your Jeep and putting on 33's, go with the 3.73 gears.

The bottom line is, figure out how much and how tough your wheeling is going to be. For some tough wheeling Jeepers, they get the bare minimum Sport and build from there, replacing diffs, and everything - major major dollars for this. Others that do recreation off-roading, go for the Sport or Sahara (nicer options and interior) and lift it and put on wheels and possibly some lockers, bumpers, and a winch. Others that really go to major rock crawls go for the Rubi.

They are all great off-roaders.
The photos of I have seen of the ring and pinion between the two is what makes me want a 44 up front. Like comparing Shaq to kobe size wise.
 
#17 ·
To us the biggest advantage is the lockers(we have them in our TJR, JKUR and XJ). The first time you can't get over something(without breaking something or being strapped, etc.) you will wish you had them. Of course they can be added to most any Jeep-but sure nice to have them straight off.
 
#18 ·
I am going to tell you why I didn't buy a rubicon.

I am not a rock crawler so I deemed the 4:1 transfer case not needed for what I do.
I am not a fan of the edisco, so there wasn't any benefit in my eyes there.
I wouldn't mind the lockers and 4:10's.
Rims and tires were to be replaced.
Lift would negate any diferences in suspension. And most come with quick discos.


But all the extra money just for the lockers and 4:10s. I didn't see the benefit to it.
 
#20 ·
#21 ·
Hey guys I'm new to this forum. Just wondering what the differences in capability of the '13 sport UL and '13 rubicon UL are?

You could probably read for a few hours by searching the topic.

The big differences are: electronic lockers, electronic sway bar disconnects, a 4:1 crawl ratio, 4.10:1 gear ratio, dana 44 front, and more aggressive stock tires. ( Together, these things add capability. )

But, a stock Sport is an exceptionally capable off-road vehicle right out of the box. The first limitation just about anyone would notice is the stock tires.

If you really got into off-road, the initial expenses of increasing the Sport's capability wouldn't be all that expensive. More aggressive tires, recovery gear, a few Jeeps to go with you to help learn (that's free!), and the addition of rock rails and maybe a few skids.

In my own experience with multiple off-road vehicles a smart driver with others around to help and teach is probably the most important capability to have.
 
#23 ·
if you don't need all the bells and whistles,and of course the fancy rubicon sticker then i would think a sport would be a better option for you.

im about to order a 2014 wrangler and this keeps coming up into my head whether i should go with the sport or rubicon. for my needs i doubt i'll need all of the rubicon features because 99% of time it'll be on driving on roads. mine will mostly be used for driving with the top off on nice days and of course when i decide to take some road trips here and there.

i live around the ft lauderdale area, around here we don't have woods, desserts, or mountains to climb. can i get to them if i decide to take a trip sure... but doubt i'll be off roading it too much.

figure out exactly how you'll be using your wrangler and that should give you the idea of which you should buy... good luck and keep us informed :thumb:
 
#24 ·
I would rather have capabilities I did not need then need capabilities i did not have but that is just me. I like my 2013 sport unlimited but I think i will like a rubicon more.
 
#27 ·
Teraflex recently made a really good video showing the benefit of having lockers which many people have said is the biggest benefit of a Rubicon. http://www.teraflex.biz/news/open-locked-differentials/


For a bit more reading, here's a thread I found a long time ago that, while not specifically addressing your question, does help exemplify the benefits of the "better" transfer case that comes in the Rubi, and played a big part in convincing me that a Rubi was the right choice. http://www.jkowners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=60339

But you will also see that if you plan to ever go hardcore, you might want to upgrade beyond the point of a Rubicon in which case a Sport would mean you're replacing cheaper parts than if you had gone with a Rubi.

So now it's up to you to decide what you'll use vs how long you'll keep the vehicle during your learning curve if you really start to get into the hobby. For me, I'm a total noob when it comes to wheeling but I also intend to keep this Jeep until it dies. So where others might see a benefit in getting a Sport first and trading it in for a Rubi or continually modding when their skill level increases, it made more sense to me to go bigger up front and learn to fill the Jeeps shoes throughout our time together.
 
#31 ·
Here is my 2 cents... If buying a 2 door, I think there is little difference between the sport and rubi, lockers aside, you can get a set cheaper then you'll get with the rubicon label. If going for a 4 door or Jk unlimited, the Rubicon is the obvious choice. The added weight needs a beefier front axle, plus you get a slight lift and of course the lockers, 4:1 t-case, and edisco... The 2 door has ALWAYS been a capable off road vehicle, the short wheel base is the guts of the wrangler. The 4 door added variables that just don't add the same as a 2 door does. My general feeling is, a 4 door Rubicon and a 2 door sport are almost equal in terrain navigation, a 2 door rubicon is the most capable production vehicle on the planet!
 
#32 ·
The biggest reason why I went with a Rubicon was the gearing. My first Jeep, a '92 Wrangler, was the base model with (I think) 3.07 gears. I tried putting 31" tires on it and needed to keep it in 3 gear to go through the various mountain highways in Pennsylvania.

Yes, you can regear, but who wants to spend 900-1500 bucks right out the door with a brand new vehicle. Then while you're in there, you might as well have them throw in lockers and a compessor, ect. Now we are talking closer to 2K.
 
#33 ·
If you're going to mod it all out get the sport...
 
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