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Chevrolet Malibu IV Wagon (facelift 1981) 5.7 d V8 (105 Hp) 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 271 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1670 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.
5.7 d V8 (105 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
This large displacement diesel V8 offered strong torque for hauling but modest horsepower, resulting in slow acceleration. Early GM diesel V8s were also known for reliability challenges.
Fuel Economy
Despite its large size, the diesel nature would provide better fuel economy than gasoline V8s, particularly on longer journeys, but maintenance costs could offset savings.
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- • Outdated safety features by modern standards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 Sport Coupe: 1980 - 1981).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Chevrolet |
| Model: | Malibu |
| Generation: | IV Wagon (facelift 1981) |
| Modification (Engine): | 5.7 d V8 (105 Hp) 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: | 105 Hp @ 3200 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 18.3 Hp/l [16mm more] |
| Torque: | 271 Nm @ 1600 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | LF9 More details about the engine LF9 |
| Engine displacement: | 5735 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHV |
| Engine oil capacity: | 6.6 l |
| Coolant: | 16.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 103.05 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 85.98 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 22.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 15.9 kg/Hp, 62.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.2 kg/Nm, 162.3 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1670 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 2050 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 1131 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 69 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 15.6° |
| Length: | 4911 mm [16mm more] |
| Width: | 1826 mm [10mm more] |
| Height: | 1418 mm [64mm 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): | 158 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 13 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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