2009 Sahara to 2007 Rubicon Comparison
Thread Starter
JK Freak
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 676
Likes: 4
From: Vancouver, B.C., Canada
2009 Sahara to 2007 Rubicon Comparison
Ok,
So I went to test drive a used 2007 Rubicon Unlimited (Jan 07 build) Auto with 26000 mi., tow package, hardtop. I am comparing this to the 2009 Sahara (Oct 08 build) 6-speed I had.
First off, it seems like the dash chimes and signal noises are all much louder than 08 and 09's, can I somehow turn down the volume? The Yes Essentials seat fabric also has a completely different feel and stitching pattern. There is an odd passenger airbag status lamp between the hazard and ESP buttons (I assume this was deleted in 08). As expected the interior door locks are flat instead of the curved design on 08-10 All else seems pretty much similar inside.
I have to admit that the engine in the JK's is all about proper gearing. I had the lightest model (Sahara 2-Dr, 6-speed) and it was less responsive than the Rubicon unlimited I assume due to the 3.73:1 and 4.10:1 gear ratio respectively. I was slightly surprised at this thinking that the but one would be more sluggish. At highway speed, the 07 unlimited had much less engine noise, I couldn't really hear the engine when downshifting nearly as much as the 09 sahara; and the 4.10's really helped driveability through the mountains when compared to a Sahara Unlimited auto I have driven previously. Obviously the mud tires on the rubicon generated more roadnoise and a rumbly feel at low speed.
The outer appearance has not changed too much since 2007, I did notice a hood bumper missing and the other half off with some double sided adhesive (the 09 had not adhesive). The front freedom panels were also redisigned in 09-10's but wind noise was still minimal.
Not a bad swap.
So I went to test drive a used 2007 Rubicon Unlimited (Jan 07 build) Auto with 26000 mi., tow package, hardtop. I am comparing this to the 2009 Sahara (Oct 08 build) 6-speed I had.
First off, it seems like the dash chimes and signal noises are all much louder than 08 and 09's, can I somehow turn down the volume? The Yes Essentials seat fabric also has a completely different feel and stitching pattern. There is an odd passenger airbag status lamp between the hazard and ESP buttons (I assume this was deleted in 08). As expected the interior door locks are flat instead of the curved design on 08-10 All else seems pretty much similar inside.
I have to admit that the engine in the JK's is all about proper gearing. I had the lightest model (Sahara 2-Dr, 6-speed) and it was less responsive than the Rubicon unlimited I assume due to the 3.73:1 and 4.10:1 gear ratio respectively. I was slightly surprised at this thinking that the but one would be more sluggish. At highway speed, the 07 unlimited had much less engine noise, I couldn't really hear the engine when downshifting nearly as much as the 09 sahara; and the 4.10's really helped driveability through the mountains when compared to a Sahara Unlimited auto I have driven previously. Obviously the mud tires on the rubicon generated more roadnoise and a rumbly feel at low speed.
The outer appearance has not changed too much since 2007, I did notice a hood bumper missing and the other half off with some double sided adhesive (the 09 had not adhesive). The front freedom panels were also redisigned in 09-10's but wind noise was still minimal.
Not a bad swap.