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Chevrolet Malibu IV Sport Coupe 3.8 V6 (115 Hp) CAT Automatic
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 Sport Coupe Overview:
Chevrolet Malibu (IV Sport Coupe). With 258 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1409 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. With seating for 6, it’s perfect for larger families.
3.8 V6 (115 Hp) CAT Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A competent V6, offering sufficient power for daily driving and highway speeds, though the automatic transmission prioritizes smoothness over sportiness.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is average for a V6 of this size and era, with the catalytic converter potentially impacting efficiency slightly.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Classic American styling
- • Comfortable ride for cruising
- • Range of V6 and V8 engine options
- • Relatively simple mechanics for maintenance
- • Good parts availability for restoration
Cons:
- • Poor fuel economy by modern standards
- • Limited safety features compared to modern cars
- • Vague steering and handling
- • Rust can be a significant issue
- • Lower V6 engines are underpowered
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(IV Sedan: 1977 - 1978).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Chevrolet |
| Model: | Malibu |
| Generation: | IV Sport Coupe |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.8 V6 (115 Hp) CAT Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1978 |
| End of production: | 1979 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 115 Hp @ 3800 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 30.3 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 258 Nm @ 2000 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 3791 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| 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 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 96.5 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 86.4 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 12.3 kg/Hp, 81.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.5 kg/Nm, 183.1 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1409 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 470 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 68 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 14° |
| Length: | 4895 mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1816 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1354 mm [22mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2745 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 | 3 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| 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 |
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