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Chevrolet Malibu El Camino (Sedan Pickup, facelift 1981) 4.3 d V6 (85 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)
El Camino (Sedan Pickup, facelift 1981) Overview:
Chevrolet Malibu (El Camino (Sedan Pickup, facelift 1981)). With 223 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A vehicle with an open cargo bed at the back, suitable for transporting goods. Seating for 3 makes it ideal for daily use.
4.3 d V6 (85 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Adequate for light utility, but acceleration is sluggish. Focus on torque for hauling rather than speed.
Fuel Economy
Best fuel economy option in the lineup, especially for highway cruising, though still modest by modern standards.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Unique sedan-pickup versatility
- • Classic American styling
- • Comfortable ride for a utility vehicle
- • Range of engine options (petrol/diesel)
- • Good for light hauling and cruising
Cons:
- • Limited passenger capacity (2-3 seats)
- • Outdated safety features
- • Poor fuel economy (petrol V8s)
- • Known reliability issues with 5.7L diesel
- • Performance generally modest by modern standards
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(IV Station Wagon: 1980 - 1981).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Chevrolet |
| Model: | Malibu |
| Generation: | El Camino (Sedan Pickup, facelift 1981) |
| Modification (Engine): | 4.3 d V6 (85 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1981 |
| End of production: | 1983 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Pick-up |
| Seats: | 3 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 85 Hp @ 3600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 19.8 Hp/l [210mm more] |
| Torque: | 223 Nm @ 1600 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | LT6 More details about the engine LT6 |
| Engine displacement: | 4293 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| 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 l |
| Coolant: | 13.8 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 103.05 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 85.98 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 22.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank capacity: | 67 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 14.5° |
| Length: | 5121 mm mm [210mm more] |
| Width: | 1776 mm mm [40mm less] |
| Height: | 1408 mm mm [2mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2974 mm mm [229mm more] |
| Front track: | 1486 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1467 mm |
| Front overhang: | 915 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1232 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 160 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 13.0 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 23.5° |
| Departure angle: | 17.5° |
| 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 | 205/75 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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