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Chevrolet Malibu IV Sedan (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)
IV Sedan (facelift 1981) Overview:
Chevrolet Malibu (IV Sedan (facelift 1981)). With 278 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1555 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. With seating for 6, it’s perfect for larger families.
4.4 V8 (115 Hp) CAT Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A typical 'malaise era' V8, providing smooth but rather sluggish acceleration despite its displacement, prioritizing smoothness over power.
Fuel Economy
Poor fuel economy, even with the catalytic converter, reflecting the era's less efficient gasoline V8s and high displacement.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious and comfortable interior
- • Smooth ride quality
- • Variety of engine options including fuel-efficient diesels (for the era)
- • Classic American sedan styling
- • Relatively simple and robust mechanics
Cons:
- • Generally poor fuel economy for gasoline engines
- • Limited performance from most engine options
- • Dated safety features compared to modern cars
- • Some diesel engine reliability concerns (specifically the Oldsmobile 5.7L diesel)
- • Soft suspension leads to less precise handling
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(IV Station Wagon: 1980 - 1981).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Chevrolet |
| Model: | Malibu |
| Generation: | IV Sedan (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: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 115 Hp @ 4000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 26.3 Hp/l [16mm less] |
| 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 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 88.4 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.3:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 13.5 kg/Hp, 74 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.6 kg/Nm, 178.8 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1555 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 469 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 69 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 15.4° |
| Length: | 4895 mm mm [16mm less] |
| Width: | 1837 mm mm [21mm more] |
| Height: | 1414 mm mm [4mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2745 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1486 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1467 mm |
| Front overhang: | 915 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1235 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 153 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 12.2 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 23.3° |
| Departure angle: | 16.5° |
| 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 | 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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