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Chevrolet Malibu IV Station Wagon 3.8 V6 (115 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 Station Wagon Overview:
Chevrolet Malibu (IV Station Wagon). With 237 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1465 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. With seating for 6, it’s perfect for larger families.
3.8 V6 (115 Hp) CAT Verdict:
Performance Verdict
One of the more capable V6 options, offering acceptable performance for a family wagon, with reasonable acceleration for its class.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy remains a significant drawback, typical for a carbureted V6 of the late 70s, requiring frequent refueling.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious cargo and passenger room
- • Comfortable, soft ride ideal for cruising
- • Simple, robust V6/V8 engines (easy to maintain for enthusiasts)
- • Classic American styling and road presence
- • Rear-wheel drive platform
Cons:
- • Poor fuel economy across all engine options
- • Mediocre handling and braking by modern standards
- • Limited power output for engine displacement (due to 70s emissions)
- • Lack of modern safety features
- • Potential for rust and age-related mechanical issues
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(IV Sedan: 1979 - 1980).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Chevrolet |
| Model: | Malibu |
| Generation: | IV Station Wagon |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.8 V6 (115 Hp) CAT |
| Start of production: | 1980 |
| End of production: | 1981 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 115 Hp @ 4000 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 30.7 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 237 Nm @ 2000 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 3751 |
| 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 layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 95 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 88.4 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.6:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 12.7 kg/Hp, 78.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.2 kg/Nm, 161.8 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1465 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 2050 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 1133 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 69 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 14° |
| Length: | 4911 mm [16mm more] |
| Width: | 1816 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1410 mm [56mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2745 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1486 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1467 mm |
| Front overhang: | 915 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1251 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 145 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 13.0 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 23° |
| Departure angle: | 16° |
| 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 | 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 | 195/75 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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