Sahara Unlimited vs Rubicon Unlimited
 

Hi everyone...very new to the REAL Jeep family, (unless you think the Patriot is a Jeep...)
Have finally decided to go ahead with a Wrangler Unlimited, (pretty much loaded with Leather and Nav and all.
This will be mostly for my daughter, and she insists on a White one.
Having said this, unless I put in an order for a new one...the only remaining Wrangler Unlimited's in White, with the comparable options that we want is the Rubicon Unlimited.
We test drove the Sahara Unlimited and were very impressed with the comfort of the e ride and noise level (next to none) in the cabin...
Question is...Is the Rubicon a sportier ride than the Sahara?
Is the suspension stiffer on the Rubicon?
Is the ride noisier because of the different tires on the Rubicon?

I sort of understand all the benefits of front and rear differentials, plus the other off-road features on the Rubi...so it is a good to have in case it is needed.

But essentially, she like the aesthetics of the Rubicon with the Black Fenders and Black top.

SO can someone answer the suspension and drive comfort questions.
Mucjh appreciated....

PS...all things equal...if none of the Rubi's added features are used, will the gas mileage be the same as the Sahara's.

Thanks a lot guys!!

Re: Sahara Unlimited vs Rubicon Unlimited
 

well the Rubicon is build a little tougher for the off road, more agressive look. As far as I know the insides are the same but the rubi has different gear, different suspension/higher lift. so with the different gearing your fuel mileage would lesson but to how much im not sure. Next would be cost rubis are more.

Re: Sahara Unlimited vs Rubicon Unlimited
 

Between the two, they ride vey similar in terms of sound, stiffness ect...The M/T tires have less rolling resistance on the Rubi vs the A/T on the Sahara....this means the Rubi tires will take away some fuel milage, and can be a bit louder.

Fuel milage is worse on the Rubi thanks to the 4:10 gearing and tires vs the Saraha which comes stock with 3:21 or optional 3:73.

Comes down to what you really want to do with the Jeep (be honest). Daily driver made a trail or two a year...trail riding once a month ect.

If hard core wheeling is not in your plans, the Rubi maybe too much Jeep, and added cost for things you may or may not use.

Some say the 4:1 Rock Track is not as good as the 2:73:1 Command Track T-case when wheel spin is needed. IE in sand, mud, even snow...The Rubi has a increadble 73:1 final craw ratio....wicked rock crawling capabilities.

Take your time drive both one right after the other, and do your homework.

Good luck, either one is a Real Jeep as you say, you win best ride on or off road.

Re: Sahara Unlimited vs Rubicon Unlimited
 

Off the roads A LOT Rubicon, 1 - 2 times a year, Sahara. Remember this as well. If you go off-road, even in a Rubicon, the warranty if voided!!! In my opinion, get the options you want and use the differential in the price in 3 years to upgrade parts.

Re: Sahara Unlimited vs Rubicon Unlimited
 

Thanks very much for your responses.
Finally decided and Took the leap!!!
White with Black top Sahara Unlimited it is!!!
Fully loaded except for the Chrome Packages.
Leather, GPS, the works!!!
Figured there aren't enough white ones out there.
And I could see her coming from a distance.

Re: Sahara Unlimited vs Rubicon Unlimited
 

Congrats! White is nice and the options are great.You've made a fine choice and welcome to the family!

Re: Sahara Unlimited vs Rubicon Unlimited
 

Congratulations!

Re: Sahara Unlimited vs Rubicon Unlimited
 

Congrats.. Your daughter will love it (if she gets a chance to drive it).. If you get the bug you'll have to buy another one.