| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1978 |
| Production Years: | 1977 - 1981 discontinued in 1981 |
Precise measurements of the 1978 Chevrolet Malibu El Camino, engineered for optimal performance and comfort
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5121 mm201.6 in16.8 ft |
| Width: | 1826 mm71.9 in6.0 ft |
| Height: | 1366 - 1380 mm53.8 - 54.3 in4.5 - 4.5 ft |
| Ground Clearance: | 136 - 147 mm5.4 - 5.8 in0.4 - 0.5 ft |
| Trunk Capacity (Max): | 2033 liter71.8 cu ft |
| Weight Specifications | |
| Curb Weight: | 1431 kg3155 lbs |
| Tire Specifications | |
| Rims Size: | 6.0J x 14 |
| Tire Size: | 205/75 R14 (W:205 | H:75 | D:14) |
The 1978 Chevrolet Malibu El Camino represents a unique fusion of sedan comfort and pickup truck utility, produced between 1977 and 1981. This distinctive vehicle stands out with its sizeable dimensions and classic American styling. Measuring 5121 mm (201.7 inches) in length and 1826 mm (71.9 inches) in width, the Malibu El Camino offers a spacious footprint on the road. The vehicle's height ranges from 1366 mm to 1380 mm (53.7 to 54.3 inches), giving it a low and sleek profile typical of its era.
Built on a pickup truck chassis, it features a curb weight of approximately 1431 kg (3154 lbs), balancing the robustness needed for hauling and the agility for everyday driving. The ride height or ground clearance varies between 136 mm and 147 mm (5.3 to 5.8 inches), providing sufficient clearance for light off-road capability and urban practicality.
One of the standout features of the Malibu El Camino is its substantial cargo capacity. With the rear seats folded, the luggage area offers an impressive 2033 liters (71.7 cubic feet) of space, making it ideal for transporting larger loads while maintaining passenger comfort. Rolling on 14-inch rims sized 6.0J x 14 and fitted with 205/75 R14 tires, it combines period-appropriate road grip with a classic aesthetic.
Overall, the 1978 Chevrolet Malibu El Camino is a notable example of the sedan pickup segment, blending passenger car elements with truck functionality. It's a versatile vehicle that appeals to enthusiasts seeking vintage style, practical dimensions, and the unique charm of American automotive history.
Discover the standout features that make the 1978 Chevrolet Malibu El Camino a leader in its class
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The 1978 Chevrolet Malibu El Camino measures 5121 mm in length and 1826 mm in width. In imperial units, this translates to approximately 201.6 inches in length and 71.9 inches in width. These dimensions make the vehicle notably long and relatively wide for a pickup with sedan influences, providing a spacious cabin and cargo area. The length enhances its capability to carry large loads, while the moderate width allows for decent maneuverability on roads and highways.
The height of the 1978 Chevrolet Malibu El Camino ranges between 1366 mm and 1380 mm, which converts to approximately 53.7 inches to 54.3 inches, or about 4 feet 5.7 inches to 4 feet 6.3 inches. This relatively low height for a pickup truck contributes to a sporty and streamlined profile, improving aerodynamic efficiency and lowering the vehicle's center of gravity for better handling.
The curb weight of the 1978 Chevrolet Malibu El Camino is 1431 kilograms, which is equivalent to approximately 3,154 pounds. This weight helps maintain a balance between sturdiness and efficiency. It provides sufficient mass for stability while keeping the vehicle agile and responsive on the road.
The ride height or ground clearance of the 1978 Chevrolet Malibu El Camino varies between 136 mm and 147 mm, which converts to approximately 5.35 inches to 5.79 inches. This relatively low ground clearance emphasizes on-road performance and handling rather than off-road capabilities, consistent with the vehicle's design as a stylish sedan pickup rather than a rugged truck.
When the rear seats are folded, the 1978 Chevrolet Malibu El Camino offers a sizable luggage or cargo capacity of 2033 liters. This is equivalent to roughly 71.74 cubic feet, providing ample space for transporting goods, luggage, or equipment. The design effectively merges the comfort and style of a sedan with the utility of a pickup, allowing for versatile usage.
The 1978 Chevrolet Malibu El Camino comes equipped with 6.0J x 14 rims paired with 205/75 R14 tires. This combination provides a good balance between ride comfort and road grip, contributing to stable handling and a comfortable driving experience. The rim size of 14 inches and tire width of 205 mm (approximately 8.07 inches) ensure decent traction and stability, ideal for both city and highway driving.
A standard residential garage typically measures about 2.4 meters (2400 mm or roughly 8 feet) in width and 5.5 to 6 meters (5500 to 6000 mm or approximately 18 to 20 feet) in length. The 1978 Chevrolet Malibu El Camino, with its considerable length of 5121 mm (about 201.6 inches or 16.8 feet) and width of 1826 mm (71.9 inches or 6 feet), fits comfortably within these dimensions. Height is not usually a limiting factor, and at about 1.37 meters (4.5 feet), it poses no clearance issues. Therefore, this vehicle will generally fit into a standard residential garage without difficulty, although garage door width and specific garage sizes should be verified.
Compared to its predecessor—earlier Chevrolet El Camino models—the 1978 Malibu El Camino is slightly longer and wider. Earlier models from the early 1970s generally measured around 5 meters (approx. 197 inches) in length and about 1.8 meters (about 70 inches) in width. The 1978 model's length of 5121 mm (201.6 inches) and width of 1826 mm (71.9 inches) reflect a modest increase, providing more cabin space and cargo capacity. This change aligned with the automotive industry trend in the late 1970s towards larger and more comfortable vehicles. Additionally, advancements in design improved aerodynamics and road presence.
In comparison with similar pickup trucks and sedan pickups of the late 1970s, such as the Ford Ranchero or Dodge Colt pickups, the 1978 Chevrolet Malibu El Camino stands out for its longer length and competitive width. With a length of 5121 mm (201.6 inches) and width of 1826 mm (71.9 inches), it generally offers more cargo space and a roomier cabin than many rivals. The Malibu El Camino bridges the gap between a sedan's comfort and a pickup's utility, making it a versatile choice. Its lower height and ground clearance emphasize on-road performance over off-road utility, distinguishing it from more traditional pickups that favored ruggedness.
Enthusiasts often appreciate the 1978 Chevrolet Malibu El Camino for its unique combination of style and utility. It features a distinctive sedan-pickup design that blends a sleek passenger car cabin with a practical cargo bed, reflecting a versatile lifestyle vehicle. The vehicle's design is characterized by its length, low height, and relatively wide stance, contributing to both aesthetics and functional stability. Mechanically, these models are known for durable V8 engine options, smooth handling for a pickup, and comfortable ride quality. Its nostalgic value combined with practical cargo space and iconic design make it a cherished classic in the muscle and utility vehicle community.
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