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rubicon vs sport

42K views 130 replies 72 participants last post by  2013 Moab 
#1 ·
So Fella's-

In real world terms, what can the rubicon do that the other models cant in stock platforms. So basically can a regular model keep up with a rubicon, on the same trail, with the drivers of equal skill level?

Again REAL world conditions.
 
#44 ·
If I was buying today, I'd get a Rubicon in Commando green with no extra options other than a hard top and connectivity (great to have with a 6 speed). That said, I still love my plain ol' Sport with '13 Rubicon wheels/tires added. 7k difference on the window sticker between mine and a Rubicon equipped like mine is a lot.
 
#48 ·
Shocks yes, springs no, ride height no. Same engine, frame, body, transmission, brakes, rear axle.

Different front axle, transfer case, sway bar system
and differential gears.
 
#46 ·
What a controversy indeed

This is a great thread from two basic points.
First off, there have been over 30 replies in just as many hours since the original post- this is amazing as to how many people read and participate on this forum.
Second, with all the posts, no one has hijacked it, or engaged in serious trash talking nonsense which again still shows this thread has some promise in truly being helpful. Thanks everyone for being so helpful to the original question.

Now, for my two cents, which will hopefully not violate the second point. If you are looking for a Jeep JK, (sport or Rubicon) either will treat you well right off the lot. So just go for what you can afford and what you want. Most people buying a car will think ahead "What will I be using this for", If your situation is daily driver, out on forest roads, driving on primitive roads for hiking/biking/camping trails, then the Sport will do just great. 4-Wheel drive and a two speed transfer case will do wonders with the stock tire and wheel clearance. If you decide to get rid of it, fine, just trade it in for the higher 4% value as stated in an earlier post.
Now, let's say you become a Jeep junkie like me and about 1,000,000 other people on this forum, and get the itch to go 4-wheeling or further out into nowhere. No problem, the aftermarket support is phenomenal for the Jeep and you can evolve into "Your Jeep Version 2.0" by adding maybe a rear locker and a winch, maybe some sway bar disconnects. This will give you even more confidence to go where you want. If you fall out of favor with off-roading, no big deal, it's not like you are invested too far into your rig, and the next guy/gal will pick up where you left off when you sell it.
If you are confident and know for a fact you want to "go nuts" into the great sport of off-roading, then the Rubicon will be a great place to start. Factory lockers front and rear with electronic sway bar disconnects and a lower geared transfer case will give you a great place to start, and you can readily invest in a winch or other important recovery aids. If you don't want these features or don't think you need them, why buy them? There are plenty of used Rubicons out there where the locker or sway bar switch has never been turned on at all. If all you want is the Rubicon glitz, why not buy a Sport and just get the Rubicon decal and glue it to your hood?:)
(BTW, I agree with an earlier post that lift and tires for better ground clearance, (not just looks) will be important for Sport or Rubicon, but not essential up front since the ground clearance is great already)

Technology and engineering in four-wheeling is essential, but as with all motorsports, the skill of the driver has to be present to do what you want your Jeep to do. One can certainly compensate for the other to varying degrees. We all know of people who can take on serious trails in a stock Sport while a new guy in a Rubicon holds up the group getting stuck all the time. Ultimately, there will be trails that both are required, but only serious off-roaders drive on them, and for these drivers, they already know what they want in a rig and have the moxie to make it work. One could argue a perfect world would be an experienced/skilled driver in a Rubicon (or other Jeep with a lo-gear transfer case, lockers, and sway bar disconnects) to take on some of the toughest trails, i.e. the Rubicon itself, but that is just an extrapolation, not argumentative.:)
In the end, I feel the classic adage is, "We all started from somewhere, so just simply start and see where your Jeep takes you (literally)."

Now the next thread will be "How one can start a local Jeepers Anonymous support group", members will find therapy/support because they have difficulty staying on paved roads and an overzealous desire to add random mechanical and cosmetic upgrades to a perfectly normal vehicle.:)
-skjeeper
 
#64 ·
This is a great thread from two basic points.
First off, there have been over 30 replies in just as many hours since the original post- this is amazing as to how many people read and participate on this forum.
Second, with all the posts, no one has hijacked it, or engaged in serious trash talking nonsense which again still shows this thread has some promise in truly being helpful. Thanks everyone for being so helpful to the original question.

Now, for my two cents, which will hopefully not violate the second point. If you are looking for a Jeep JK, (sport or Rubicon) either will treat you well right off the lot. So just go for what you can afford and what you want. Most people buying a car will think ahead "What will I be using this for", If your situation is daily driver, out on forest roads, driving on primitive roads for hiking/biking/camping trails, then the Sport will do just great. 4-Wheel drive and a two speed transfer case will do wonders with the stock tire and wheel clearance. If you decide to get rid of it, fine, just trade it in for the higher 4% value as stated in an earlier post.
Now, let's say you become a Jeep junkie like me and about 1,000,000 other people on this forum, and get the itch to go 4-wheeling or further out into nowhere. No problem, the aftermarket support is phenomenal for the Jeep and you can evolve into "Your Jeep Version 2.0" by adding maybe a rear locker and a winch, maybe some sway bar disconnects. This will give you even more confidence to go where you want. If you fall out of favor with off-roading, no big deal, it's not like you are invested too far into your rig, and the next guy/gal will pick up where you left off when you sell it.
If you are confident and know for a fact you want to "go nuts" into the great sport of off-roading, then the Rubicon will be a great place to start. Factory lockers front and rear with electronic sway bar disconnects and a lower geared transfer case will give you a great place to start, and you can readily invest in a winch or other important recovery aids. If you don't want these features or don't think you need them, why buy them? There are plenty of used Rubicons out there where the locker or sway bar switch has never been turned on at all. If all you want is the Rubicon glitz, why not buy a Sport and just get the Rubicon decal and glue it to your hood?:)
(BTW, I agree with an earlier post that lift and tires for better ground clearance, (not just looks) will be important for Sport or Rubicon, but not essential up front since the ground clearance is great already)

Technology and engineering in four-wheeling is essential, but as with all motorsports, the skill of the driver has to be present to do what you want your Jeep to do. One can certainly compensate for the other to varying degrees. We all know of people who can take on serious trails in a stock Sport while a new guy in a Rubicon holds up the group getting stuck all the time. Ultimately, there will be trails that both are required, but only serious off-roaders drive on them, and for these drivers, they already know what they want in a rig and have the moxie to make it work. One could argue a perfect world would be an experienced/skilled driver in a Rubicon (or other Jeep with a lo-gear transfer case, lockers, and sway bar disconnects) to take on some of the toughest trails, i.e. the Rubicon itself, but that is just an extrapolation, not argumentative.:)
In the end, I feel the classic adage is, "We all started from somewhere, so just simply start and see where your Jeep takes you (literally)."

Now the next thread will be "How one can start a local Jeepers Anonymous support group", members will find therapy/support because they have difficulty staying on paved roads and an overzealous desire to add random mechanical and cosmetic upgrades to a perfectly normal vehicle.:)
-skjeeper
Great comments! And about that support group...... Haha
 
#49 ·
I'm sure most people have seen it already but just in case some haven't, another good place to go for comparison's sake is the Capability section of the Jeep website. Plenty of cool little videos n junk that show the basic differences in the 4wd systems/lockers/LSD, etc... I referred to that a few times not only when I bought my Rubi but also when she got her Compass.
 
#70 ·
Yes, there is a tag with some numbers on one front and one rear spring. The last two numbers/digits on the tag will tell you which springs you have! :thumb:
 
#55 ·
If you ask a yj guy he will tell you every yj is far superior to any jeep period. and a jk is a mini van and couldn't make it through a mud puddle. Lol.
 
#58 ·
So Fella's-

In real world terms, what can the rubicon do that the other models cant in stock platforms. So basically can a regular model keep up with a rubicon, on the same trail, with the drivers of equal skill level?

Again REAL world conditions.
Everyone defintion of "real world" is different.

The stock Sport is well equipped to handle most trails (not rock crawling). A Rubi (by locking up) will be able to do it slower and safer.....and not tear up the trail.
 
#60 ·
I got the Rubi so I wouldn't have Jeep envy at most traffic lights.

Seriously though, for me it was a mixture of "I can afford it" and "I won't do these mods by myself" and "I might use these features it once in a long while". I have gone off-road in Moab and have NOT used the disco or even lockers yet in the field.
 
#65 ·
I have gone off-road in Moab and have NOT used the disco or even lockers yet in the field.
This is a great example that everyone has a different idea of what "off-road" is.

Say there are two guys with bone stock rubis shooting the bull and one guy says he hardly ever uses his lockers or discos, while the other guy might have to switch his lockers on and off 100 times a day and is always disconnected. Odds are very good that these guys don't run the same trails, and have a very different idea in there heads as to what they call off-road.
 
#61 ·
Well let me throw this in- what about the MOAB? What does it have that the regular sport does not?

That said, for me and my needs and budget, The sport will suffice. Any mods I do will be cosmetically and to aide in hunting. So, I will get a carrier of sorts, upgrade to HID lights, off road lights and maybe a new number. The only other thing I might add is a fastback soft top and rubi wheels :) or maybe MOAB wheels.
 
#62 ·
If I'm not mistaken, the MOAB is essentially all the "toys" that they put on the Call Of Duty last year, but thrown onto a Sahara platform instead of a Rubicon. So you get the upgraded rock rails, better wheels/tires and heavy duty AEV bumpers. And of course the power dome hood which looks awesome but adds nothing for function. In fact it kinda takes away function since you can't really drop the windshield with that hood.
 
#66 · (Edited)
Always an interesting topic...that inspires a lot of passionate responses.

My two cents:

  • The Sport is a very capable offroad vehicle...as is
  • The Sport can be upgraded to be a Rubicon-killing monster
  • The Rubicon is a fantastic turnkey offroad package...and also allows you to get some standard features and options that are not available on a Sport
That's pretty much it. If cost is a concern, you probably should get a Sport...and then later on you can upgrade. Just make sure that you get 3.73 gearing to hold you over until you do decide that you need to regear. ;)

Another reason to get a Sport may be because you know that you will be doing some serious upgrades...perhaps including regearing...so why blow the extra cash on a Rubi?

On the other hand, if you want a Rubi and have the cash, then buy it. I said want...not need. This is America. Do I need a Corvette? Do I need a 70" TV? ;)

People justify Rubi purchases based on their own priorities...and that is perfectly fine. Some want the upgraded off-road capabilities (lockers, disco, 4:1 xfer case). Others may be motivated more by the factory 4.10 gearing and front D44. Heck, others may want the trim and comfort options only available on the Rubi and Sahara and go for the Rubi due to the fact that they like the fender flares and seat stitching better. Whatever. This is America...and we don't need to prove that we need anything...assuming we can afford it. :)

Good luck with whatever you decide to do! :thumb:
 
#76 ·
^ X2
take a look at all the options and what you want/need/can afford

I ordered my 2011 Sport late in 2010 ( I never even drove a rubicon )
not until this week. test drove a 10th anniversary.
I Must say, I still love my 2011 sport ( only 20K miles on her and I was able to do the mods I wanted ( even If I got a rubi, I would have changed the same things )

With my 33's and Synergy Suspension, my Rig rides awesome and was able to make it my own!

good luck, either way you cannot lose.
when I test drove the rubi, the dealer was ready to buy my Sport back :)
 
#67 ·
I'm not trying to hate on this thread it's just as others have pointed out "off road" means something different to everyone. The one off stories I don't think are helpful as its just a single example. It would be cool to do an objective test is a variety of terrain with the same driver etc.. I think to the op if your idea of off roading is going 10mph or slower in 4 low then the rubi has an advantage with the lockers and automatic sway disconnect if not the sport will preform equally well in 4 hi and 2wd
 
#71 ·
Thanks! The 13' JKUR that I just picked up is my fifth Jeep, second Rubicon (the other was a 2dr 04'). I've had a dozen 4x4s but have not put any of them through what I've done in the first week with this one. I'm blown away by what this thing can do stock in 4L with e-disco and lockers. Seems like it'll crawl over anything it contacts that is less than axle height.
 
#78 ·
i'm actually glad i found this thread. i've gotten to the point where im continplating which should i get ? im currently trying to hunt down a 10th ann model, but with all the frustration with the stealerships trying to get top dollar for them, my thoughts have came to regular rubicon and even the base sport model.

i really didn't want a bare bones model, even though the pricing is great and you can find them everywhere. yet the rubicon is decently priced but will i get most use out of it ??

I'm most of the time going to be taking it out on weekends, cruising around with the top off, probably taking it to work here and there. and later on the line maybe lifting it and throwing some nice wheels on it, possibly one of those bad ass front bumpers.

Will i ever off road? idk honestly maybe down a dirt road , possibly mud, we have no rocks to climb here in SOFLA and possibly take her down to daytona next year and drive on the actual beach.

Any other thoughts or takes on this situation ? what about the other model wranglers ?

Sport S
sport RHD whatever comes with that trim
Sahara
Freedom edition

I already know the moab and 10th ann models are more pricey and more exclusive, yet besides the fancy hoods and graphics on both of them. Is there really anything better about them ?
 
#80 ·
Why would you lift it if youre not offroading it? Infact, any wrangler, bone stock, can do any of that well. You wouldnt get any use out of the extra features the rubi has. But they are badass and you might get hooked on it. Thats what happened to me, i didnt intend to off road it. So, i would say get the rubi if you have the money...

The dealer should let you take one off road. Atleast a used one. You'll be shocked at what it can do.

By the way we dont have rocks here either. But lift kits and big tires still help...
 
#87 ·
Take note............one can not always "pick" your lines. There is only one line at this point on this trail (rated 3 out of 5). The YJ is locked on both axles, running 35's and had to be winched over the top here. I had one of my lockers malfunction once and had a hell of a time getting over this one on 37's with 12psi in them.

Also, when on Forest Service land in this area, they require one to stay in the tracks, run a minimum of 33" (actual measure) tires and have at least one locking axle.
So, if you are going to wheel your rig, you might want to get with local 4X4 clubs in your area to see what the requirements are needed to do what you want to do before making any decisions. Good Luck! :thumb:
 
#130 ·
Question about lockers as used in the illustration below. With the idea behind a locker to "not slip" don't rocks like this provide enough traction that you can break something from side to side? I would think a locker would be real useful in the slick but in what appears to be a high traction situation like this, will a locked axle not be more prone to breaking?

NC
 
#90 ·
I am a noob who knows next to nothing about off roading and jeeps. All I know is I want a jeep and hopefully will be getting one soon.
I am going with a sport because it is cheaper. I Will use saved money on tires, wheels, and lift. Also with the same setup, the sport with the 3.73 gearing may get better gas mileage and be a better setup for daily driving.
IMO I would rather have a sport lifted with wheels and tires and a stock Rubi. The Rubi may be more capable but for me, I will not be taking it off road more than 5 times a year and the trails will be not be too advanced. Maybe I am just a poser but thats fine with me.
 
#91 ·
I am a noob who knows next to nothing about off roading and jeeps. All I know is I want a jeep and hopefully will be getting one soon.
I am going with a sport because it is cheaper. I Will use saved money on tires, wheels, and lift. Also with the same setup, the sport with the 3.73 gearing may get better gas mileage and be a better setup for daily driving.
IMO I would rather have a sport lifted with wheels and tires and a stock Rubi. The Rubi may be more capable but for me, I will not be taking it off road more than 5 times a year and the trails will be not be too advanced. Maybe I am just a poser but thats fine with me.
Your not a poser. Just another jeep guy who does his own thing. And that my friend is the way to be.
 
#95 ·
Great thread. I have been looking at the rubi's as of late. For the reasons stated before, the Lockers, 4:10 gears and discos. I have been patiently waiting for the 14's, a decision i made earlier this year so i could pay off my current vehicle and save some money for tire, wheels and a 2.5" lift. That and i'm hoping the Hydo blue comes to fruition. I can't see myself going bigger than 35's for tires or more than 2.5" lift. This will be my DD. Since the stock rubi comes without power windows or door lock, 6speed comes standard with 4:10 gears and it comes with AC, the only thing i would add would be the premium soft top. I could hold off on the lift as the rubi sits higher and i can put 33x12.5 Duratracs on it with no issues. I might be able to sell the stock rubi tires & wheels for about $1000 according to a few craigs list post (listings for $1200-1700, which i think is high). That would pay for over half my tires and wheels i want (MC Thompson Classic Lock 15x10 & Goodyear Duratrac 33x12.5). Ok, now it's time to wait for the 14 wrangler information thread so i can see some 14 pricing.
 
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