The Chevrolet Malibu IV Sport Coupe, produced for the 1979 and 1980 model years, represented a downsized offering from Chevrolet in the burgeoning mid-size market. Positioned as a more sporty alternative to the traditional Malibu sedan, the Sport Coupe featured a two-door configuration and a variety of engine options. The 3.8 V6 with an automatic transmission, producing 115 horsepower, occupied a middle ground in the lineup, offering a balance between performance and affordability. It was built on the rear-wheel drive A-body platform, a design that would continue for a few more years before the shift to front-wheel drive configurations. This variant aimed to appeal to buyers seeking a personal luxury coupe without the expense of the higher-performance models.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Chevrolet |
| Model | Malibu |
| Generation | Malibu IV Sport Coupe |
| Type (Engine) | 3.8 V6 (115 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1979 |
| End of production | 1980 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 6 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.7 kg/Hp, 78.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.2 kg/Nm, 162.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 115 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 30.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 237 Nm @ 2000 rpm, 174.8 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine displacement | 3752 cm3, 228.96 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 95 mm, 3.74 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 88.4 mm, 3.48 in. |
| Compression ratio | 8.6:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHV |
| Kerb Weight | 1460 kg, 3218.75 lbs |
| Max. weight | 2030 kg, 4475.38 lbs |
| Max load | 570 kg, 1256.63 lbs |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 470 l, 16.6 cu. ft. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 68 l, 17.96 US gal | 14.96 UK gal |
| Length | 4895 mm, 192.72 in. |
| Width | 1816 mm, 71.5 in. |
| Height | 1354 mm, 53.31 in. |
| Wheelbase | 2745 mm, 108.07 in. |
| Front track | 1486 mm, 58.5 in. |
| Rear (Back) track | 1467 mm, 57.76 in. |
| Front overhang | 915 mm, 36.02 in. |
| Rear overhang | 1235 mm, 48.62 in. |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 136 mm, 5.35 in. |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12.2 m, 40.03 ft. |
| Approach angle | 23° |
| Departure angle | 16° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 14° |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 3 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | dependent spring suspension, Transverse stabilizer, Trailing arm |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 195/75 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.0J x 14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Malibu variant was Chevrolet’s 3.8-liter (229 cubic inch) V6 engine. Internally designated as the 3.8L V6, it utilized a carbureted fuel delivery system, a common practice for the era. The engine featured an overhead valve (OHV) valvetrain, two valves per cylinder, and a compression ratio of 8.6:1. This configuration prioritized low-end torque over peak horsepower, making it well-suited for the automatic transmission and typical driving conditions. The three-speed automatic transmission, a TH350, was a workhorse unit known for its durability. It provided smooth, if not particularly quick, shifts. The engine was mounted longitudinally in the front of the vehicle, driving the rear wheels.
Driving Characteristics
The 115 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque delivered by the 3.8L V6 and automatic transmission combination resulted in adequate, but not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph was estimated to be around 11-12 seconds. The automatic transmission’s gear ratios were optimized for cruising and fuel economy rather than aggressive acceleration. Compared to the available V8 options, this variant felt noticeably slower. However, it offered a smoother and more relaxed driving experience. The automatic transmission also made it more accessible to a wider range of drivers, particularly those unfamiliar with manual transmissions. The rear-wheel drive layout provided a balanced feel, though handling was typical of body-on-frame American cars of the period – comfortable but not particularly sporty.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Malibu Sport Coupe with the 3.8L V6 and automatic transmission typically came standard with features like cloth upholstery, a basic AM radio, and full wheel covers. Power steering and power brakes were often included. Optional extras included air conditioning, a more advanced stereo system, cruise control, and upgraded interior trim. The Sport Coupe trim generally offered a slightly more upscale appearance than the base Malibu, with features like color-keyed carpeting and brighter exterior trim. Interior color choices were limited, typically offering a range of earth tones and blues.
Chassis & Braking
The Malibu Sport Coupe utilized a traditional body-on-frame construction. The front suspension was independent, employing McPherson struts with coil springs and an anti-roll bar. The rear suspension was a more conventional solid axle setup with coil springs and a transverse stabilizer bar. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and drum brakes at the rear. The braking system was adequate for the vehicle’s weight and performance, but lacked the stopping power of more modern systems. Steering was accomplished via a steering rack and pinion system, providing reasonable precision.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 115-horsepower 3.8L V6 automatic Malibu Sport Coupe was generally well-received as a comfortable and affordable personal coupe. Critics noted its smooth ride and adequate performance for everyday driving. However, it was often criticized for its lack of outright speed compared to V8-powered competitors. Fuel economy was reasonable for the time, averaging around 18-22 mpg in mixed driving. Compared to the higher-output V6 and V8 options within the Malibu lineup, this variant offered a lower price point and better fuel efficiency, making it attractive to budget-conscious buyers. The 3.8L V6 automatic was a popular choice for those prioritizing comfort and convenience over performance.
Legacy
The 3.8L V6 engine proved to be a durable and reliable powerplant, and continued in production for many years in various Chevrolet vehicles. The automatic transmission, the TH350, also enjoyed a long and successful run. Today, the 1979-1980 Malibu Sport Coupe with the 3.8L V6 automatic is considered a classic American car. While not highly sought after by collectors, well-maintained examples can command reasonable prices. The powertrain is generally considered reliable, but age-related issues such as carburetor wear and transmission leaks are common. Parts availability is generally good, thanks to the engine’s widespread use. The Malibu Sport Coupe represents a transitional period in American automotive history, bridging the gap between the large, gas-guzzling cars of the 1970s and the smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles of the 1980s.
