2012 Sahara or 2012 Rubicon?

apocalight · 08-21-2011, 08:39 PM

Hey all,

Well it looks like I might be ordering a new 2012 after all. Was going to get a 2012 Sahara, as personally I like the name of it more, and I can't seem to find anything the Rubicon has that the Sahara doesn't (that I care about).

That said, the 2012 literature is limited. I have seen the thread with options and pricing, but aside from the 4.10 gear option, what does the Rubi have over the Sahara models?

Thanks all!

**Washi** · 08-21-2011, 08:41 PM

Lockers, Swaybar Disco, Tires, better springs...... check out the FAQ for all of these same style threads!

Moto4x4 · 08-21-2011, 08:44 PM

In a nutshell, Sahara is a good setup for a mall crawler, rubi is a good setup for offroad use.

apocalight · 08-21-2011, 09:06 PM

Thanks for the info. I was just going off of what I could find on the 2012's, which isn't much at the moment it seems.

JKRolling · 08-21-2011, 09:07 PM

Will you ever take it offroad? If so, get the rubi.

apocalight · 08-21-2011, 09:22 PM

Yeah, thought it will be 90% DD. But the other 10% I'll be following some friends up some moderate trails. Probably no rock crawling though.

I assume I should get the 4.10 package then too?

jdunn501 · 08-21-2011, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apocalight

Thanks for the info. I was just going off of what I could find on the 2012's, which isn't much at the moment it seems.

The 2012 Wrangler is improved over the 2011 because of the new engine and automatic transmission. Otherwise it is largely the same.

If you don't really care about the items that are different, that you have heard about then, my advice is to drive both and then decide. Both Sahara and Rubicon are better offroad then anything else on the market. Sahara may, because of the different front axle, tires, and suspension setup may have a more "car-like" feel then the Rubicon. If you plan on going on serious offroad trails, putting on a significant suspension lift, and putting much larger tires on it, then I would only look at the Rubicon. The Rubicon's Dana 44 front axle is stronger and can handle more stress associated with bigger tires.

JKRolling · 08-21-2011, 10:19 PM

The rubicon will give you the best out of the box offroad performance. If you want to lift it and add bigger tires as jdunn501 stated, then I would get a base model sport and build up the drive train. Yes the d44 front is stronger than the d30, but not by much. The housing will bend just as easily as the d30, and if you go upgrading to bigger tires you'd lose the 4.10s you already paid extra for. I have no purpose for the Sahara. Just an overpriced jeep with a few creature comforts. The rubicon is slightly more expensive, but performance wise is worlds apart. Am I to understand that you can now get a rubicon with gearing other than 4.10?

apocalight · 08-21-2011, 10:22 PM

At least according to the options for the 2012 Rubicon, it's listed as a no-charge option for the automatic. Not sure what else would come as a choice, or perhaps it was just poor wording on Jeep's options breakdown.

Charles · 08-21-2011, 11:05 PM

Why are you even asking? If you don't see the difference, why would you pay the extra money? It's a "no brainer".

tennistom1 · 08-21-2011, 11:12 PM

If you have to ask then get the Rubi. It's like in golf, better over then under. Even if you only mall crawl it, you'll be able to negotiate higher curbs. You don't pay any penalty as a DD, it handles well on the hiway. Resale will be better. When on the trail you'll be able to pull your friends out. You'll be proud of your Rubi and need to buy a larger size jock-strap for your snatch to protect the wood, (around trees).

apocalight · 08-21-2011, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbloyer81

Why are you even asking? If you don't see the difference, why would you pay the extra money? It's a "no brainer".

Because I questioned what things are available that aren't listed on the material for the 2012s. Nor did I know what from 2011 stayed the same, and what changed.

Guess it's not cool anymore to use the forum as a resource?

davidsonlaw · 08-21-2011, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tennistom1

If you have to ask then get the Rubi. It's like in golf, better over then under. Even if you only mall crawl it, you'll be able to negotiate higher curbs.

I bought a used 08 Rubicon that I think was never used off road. The guy I bought it from thought he would look cooler with the Rubicon on the hood, despite he had no idea what any of the extras did. I appreciated being able to get a Rubicon without the new car premium that hadn't been wailed on.

apocalight · 08-21-2011, 11:51 PM

One of the things that turned me off of the Rubi was the hood lettering actually. Not that I don't appreciate what it can do, but it's enough for me to know it. I'd probably take them off to be honest. The first mod I did to the Saleen was strip the gawdy letters off the windshield.

davidsonlaw · 08-21-2011, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apocalight

Guess it's not cool anymore to use the forum as a resource?

We're guys, and we will give people a ribbing. You've been a member of the forum for a little over a week and you're questioning whether it's no longer cool to use the forum as a resource to ask stupid questions? Take a minute and scroll through the topics in the "JK Wrangler Technical Forum." You'll notice that most of the topics deal with how to go about DIY customization and repair work. The guys in this forum are swapping out engines and suspension systems for fun. The guys in this forum actually use their jeeps in the manner they were intended, and yet, you come into the forum and say:

Quote:

Originally Posted by apocalight

I can't seem to find anything the Rubicon has that the Sahara doesn't (that I care about).

This tells me you are in the wrong place. If the Rubicon doesn't have anything you care about that isn't already in the Sahara, then do yourself a favor and buy a Liberty.