Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Chevrolet Malibu IV Sedan 5.0 V8 (160 Hp) CAT
Overall Rating
Chevrolet Malibu:
The Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size car that was manufactured and marketed by Chevrolet from 1964 to 1983 and from 1997 to 2025. The Malibu began as a trim-level of the Chevrolet Chevelle, becoming its own model line in 1978. Originally a rear-wheel-drive intermediate, GM revived the Malibu nameplate as a front-wheel-drive car in 1997.
Named after the coastal community of Malibu, California, the Malibu has been marketed primarily in North America, with the eighth generation introduced globally. Malibu production in the US ended in November 2024, as the Fairfax plant is being retooled for the upcoming second-generation Chevrolet Bolt. The Malibu is now the last sedan to have been sold by Chevrolet in the US....(Read more on Wikipedia)
IV Sedan Overview:
Chevrolet Malibu (IV Sedan). With 319 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1467 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. With seating for 6, it’s perfect for larger families.
5.0 V8 (160 Hp) CAT Verdict:
Performance Verdict
This 160 Hp 5.0L V8, when paired with a manual transmission, offers a more engaging and direct driving experience. It provides strong acceleration and a satisfying V8 rumble.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption will be high, typical for a powerful V8 of its era, though a manual transmission might offer a marginal improvement over the automatic in certain driving conditions.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Classic American styling and comfortable ride quality.
- • Range of V6 and V8 engines offering varied performance.
- • Spacious interior for up to six occupants.
- • Relatively simple mechanicals, often easier to maintain for enthusiasts.
- • Good trunk space for a mid-size sedan.
Cons:
- • Poor fuel economy by modern standards, especially V8 models.
- • Handling is soft and not very dynamic.
- • Lacks modern safety features and crash protection.
- • Carbureted engines can be finicky and require regular tuning.
- • Limited availability of new parts for some components.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(IV Station Wagon: 1977 - 1978).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Chevrolet |
| Model: | Malibu |
| Generation: | IV Sedan |
| Modification (Engine): | 5.0 V8 (160 Hp) CAT |
| Start of production: | 1978 |
| End of production: | 1979 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 160 Hp @ 4000 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 32 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 319 Nm @ 2400 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 5001 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHV |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.2 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 94.89 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 88.4 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.4:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.2 kg/Hp, 109.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.6 kg/Nm, 217.5 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1467 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 470 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 68 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 14° |
| Length: | 4895 mm mm [16mm less] |
| Width: | 1816 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1354 mm mm [30mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2745 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1486 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1467 mm |
| Front overhang: | 915 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1235 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 137 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 12.2 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 20° |
| Departure angle: | 15° |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 185/75 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.0J x 14 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | dependent spring suspension, Transverse stabilizer, Trailing arm |
Would you recommend the Chevrolet Malibu ? Tell us why or why not!