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Chevrolet Malibu IV Wagon (facelift 1981) 5.0 V8 (145 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 Wagon (facelift 1981) Overview:
Chevrolet Malibu (IV Wagon (facelift 1981)). With 325 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1600 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.
5.0 V8 (145 Hp) CAT Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 5.0L V8 provided a decent power boost, offering more confident acceleration and better highway passing capabilities compared to the V6 options. The catalytic converter (CAT) was a nod to emissions control.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy would be typical for a large American V8 of the period – adequate but not exceptional, especially in city driving.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious interior and cargo capacity
- • Comfortable, soft ride quality
- • Range of V6 and V8 engine options
- • Classic American styling
- • Relatively simple and easy to maintain (gasoline engines)
Cons:
- • Modest performance from most engines
- • Poor fuel economy (especially gasoline V8s)
- • Early GM diesel engines had significant reliability issues
- • Outdated safety features by modern standards
- • Handling is soft and not very dynamic
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(IV Station Wagon: 1980 - 1981).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Chevrolet |
| Model: | Malibu |
| Generation: | IV Wagon (facelift 1981) |
| Modification (Engine): | 5.0 V8 (145 Hp) CAT Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1981 |
| End of production: | 1983 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 145 Hp @ 4000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 29 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 325 Nm @ 1600 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | LG4 More details about the engine LG4 |
| Engine displacement: | 4998 |
| 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: | 3.8 l |
| Coolant: | 15.7 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 95 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 88.4 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.6:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 11 kg/Hp, 90.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.9 kg/Nm, 203.1 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1600 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 2050 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 1131 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 67 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 15.6° |
| Length: | 4911 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1826 mm mm [10mm more] |
| Height: | 1418 mm mm [8mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2745 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1486 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1467 mm |
| Front overhang: | 915 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1251 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 158 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 13.0 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 23.5° |
| Departure angle: | 16.7° |
| 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 | 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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