1978 Chevrolet Malibu IV Sport Coupe Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Chevrolet Malibu IV Sport Coupe (1978) ranges between 1397 kg (3,079 lbs) and 1479 kg (3,260 lbs), depending on the specific trim and options. The maximum gross vehicle weight is 2030 kg (4,476 lbs), accounting for passengers, cargo, and fuel. This weight range positions the Malibu as a medium-weight coupe, balancing performance with manageable handling characteristics. The vehicle's weight influences fuel efficiency, acceleration, and braking, factors important for both daily driving and spirited performance in a sport coupe.

The Malibu IV Sport Coupe offers a generously sized luggage capacity for a coupe of its time, with approximately 470 liters (16.6 cubic feet) of space available when the rear seats are folded down. This flexible cargo volume allows the Malibu to accommodate larger items, making it quite versatile despite being primarily a two-door sport coupe. The trunk space with seats up is more limited, typical for coupes, but folding the rear seats expands the usable area significantly for transporting bulkier items such as luggage, sports equipment, or even modest furniture pieces.

The ride height, or ground clearance, of the 1978 Malibu IV Sport Coupe is approximately between 136 mm (5.35 inches) and 137 mm (5.39 inches). This relatively low clearance is typical for sport coupes designed to improve aerodynamic efficiency and stability at higher speeds by lowering the center of gravity. While the low ground clearance aids handling and road feel, it may require caution on rough roads or steep driveways to avoid undercarriage scraping.

The stock wheel setup for the 1978 Chevrolet Malibu IV Sport Coupe includes 6.0J x 14 inch rims paired with tire sizes that typically range from 185/75 R14 to 205/75 R14. Commonly equipped tires such as 195/75 R14 also fit this size range, offering a balance between ride comfort and traction. These sizes reflect the vehicle's 1970s design era, providing sufficient sidewall height for absorbing road imperfections while supporting the vehicle's handling dynamics and classic styling.

Yes, the 1978 Chevrolet Malibu IV Sport Coupe fits comfortably into a standard garage. With its length of 4895 mm (192.5 inches) and width of 1816 mm (71.5 inches), the car is compact enough compared to modern vehicle dimensions, which often are larger or more bulbous. A typical one-car garage usually has dimensions of about 2.4 to 3 meters in width and 6 meters or more in length, so this Malibu offers ample clearance lengthwise and sideways. However, given its low height of approximately 1354 mm (53.3 inches), garage height is rarely a concern for parking this coupe.

Compared to its predecessor, the Malibu III, the 1978 Malibu IV Sport Coupe maintained a similar overall length but featured a lower height and slightly improved aerodynamic profile. The previous generation Malibu tended to be taller and heavier, impacting its handling and fuel efficiency. The Malibu IV focused on sportier styling and more compact, streamlined proportions, with a curb weight reduction contributing to improved agility. This generation's width remained close to previous models, but ground clearance and curb weight were optimized to enhance driving dynamics and aesthetic appeal.

When compared with contemporaries like the Ford Mustang or Pontiac Firebird from the late 1970s, the Chevrolet Malibu IV Sport Coupe sits in the mid-size sport coupe category. Its length of 4895 mm (192.5 inches) is somewhat longer than the Mustang's typical length in that era (~4572 mm or 180 inches), providing more interior and luggage space. Its width at 1816 mm (71.5 inches) is comparable, offering similar shoulder room. The Malibu is also lighter than some of its muscle car cousins, favoring handling and fuel economy. Overall, it represented a balanced sport coupe option blending comfort, style, and practicality.

Despite being a sport coupe with a relatively low roofline (1354 mm / 53.3 inches), the Chevrolet Malibu IV is designed to comfortably seat four passengers. Its external width of 1816 mm (71.5 inches) translates into reasonably good shoulder room for front-seat occupants. Legroom is adequate given the almost 4.9-meter length (192.5 inches), though rear seat space is more limited compared to sedans, common for coupes of this generation. Overall, the interior balances sporty compactness with decent passenger comfort, making it suitable for everyday driving with some attention to rear-seat space.

The Chevrolet Malibu IV Sport Coupe represents a pivotal chapter in the Malibu lineage, produced during 1977-1981. This generation shifted towards a more compact, sporty design that aligned with changing consumer preferences during the late 1970s fuel crises and evolving automotive trends. It combined performance elements with daily usability, serving as a bridge between traditional full-size muscle cars and more economical coupes. With its balanced size, decent powertrains, and stylish two-door body, the Malibu IV gained a reputation for blending style, practicality, and relatively fuel-efficient performance in the Chevrolet lineup.