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Chevrolet Malibu El Camino (Sedan Pickup, facelift 1981) 4.4 V8 (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)
El Camino (Sedan Pickup, facelift 1981) Overview:
Chevrolet Malibu (El Camino (Sedan Pickup, facelift 1981)). With 278 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.
4.4 V8 (115 Hp) CAT Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Slightly better performance than the diesel, offering smoother V8 power, but still not a powerhouse.
Fuel Economy
Moderate fuel economy, improved by the catalytic converter but still a V8 petrol engine from the early 80s.
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- • Outdated safety features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 Sport Coupe: 1980 - 1981).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Chevrolet |
| Model: | Malibu |
| Generation: | El Camino (Sedan Pickup, facelift 1981) |
| Modification (Engine): | 4.4 V8 (115 Hp) CAT Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1981 |
| End of production: | 1983 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Pick-up |
| Seats: | 3 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 115 Hp @ 4000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 26.3 Hp/l [226mm more] |
| Torque: | 278 Nm @ 2400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | L39 More details about the engine L39 |
| Engine displacement: | 4376 |
| 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: | 17.9 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 88.9 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 88.4 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.3:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank capacity: | 67 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 14.5° |
| Length: | 5121 mm [226mm more] |
| Width: | 1776 mm [40mm less] |
| Height: | 1408 mm [54mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2974 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 |
Does the Chevrolet Malibu live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!