1978 Chevrolet Malibu IV Station Wagon Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the 1978 Chevrolet Malibu IV Station Wagon ranges between 1465 kg and 1588 kg (3,231 to 3,501 pounds). This moderate weight for a full-size station wagon contributes to a balanced driving experience. While it provides stability and a solid feel on the road, the weight also affects fuel efficiency, typical of vehicles from that era. The weight supports durable construction and passenger comfort but results in fuel consumption levels expected for late 1970s American station wagons.

The 1978 Malibu IV Station Wagon offers a luggage capacity of 1133 liters (approximately 40 cubic feet) with the rear seats in use. When the rear seats are folded down, the cargo space expands significantly to 2050 liters (about 72.4 cubic feet). This generous cargo volume makes the Malibu IV Station Wagon highly practical for families or anyone needing to transport large amounts of luggage, groceries, or other bulky items.

The ground clearance of the 1978 Malibu IV Station Wagon is 145 mm (approximately 5.7 inches). This ride height provides a reasonable balance between comfort and practicality. It ensures the vehicle can comfortably navigate typical urban and suburban roads, including speed bumps and uneven surfaces, without being too low to risk damage. However, the clearance is not optimized for off-road driving but suitable for everyday use and moderate rural terrain.

A standard garage door opening is typically about 2.4 meters (8 feet) wide and around 2.1 to 2.4 meters (7 to 8 feet) high. The 1978 Malibu IV Station Wagon, with a width of 1816 mm (71.5 inches or about 6 feet) and height up to 1410 mm (55.5 inches or about 4.6 feet), will comfortably fit within the width and height constraints of a standard garage. Its length of 4911 mm (193.3 inches or roughly 16 feet) is also manageable within typical garage lengths, making this vehicle suitable for garage parking in most standard-sized residential garages.

Compared to its predecessor, the Malibu III, the 1978 Malibu IV Station Wagon generally featured updated styling with a body that was similar in length but often improved in aerodynamics and interior space utilization. The length for the Malibu IV at 4911 mm (193.3 inches) slightly increased or remained competitive with prior generations. Width and height remained comparable, ensuring it preserved the traditional full-size station wagon footprint. These changes aimed to offer more interior comfort and cargo utility while maintaining the classic Malibu character.

In comparison to similar American station wagons from the late 1970s, such as the Ford LTD Country Squire or the Dodge Coronet Wagon, the 1978 Malibu IV sits comfortably in the mid to upper range of size. Its length of 4911 mm (193.3 inches) places it near the typical size for full-size wagons. The Malibu's width of 1816 mm (71.5 inches) is also consistent with competitors, offering ample interior room without being excessively wide. Its cargo capacity of over 2000 liters (72 cubic feet) with seats folded is competitive, allowing it to effectively serve family and utility needs against peers.

The 1978 Chevrolet Malibu IV Station Wagon comes equipped with rims sized 6.0J x 14 inches and tires sized either 195/75 R14 or 205/75 R14. These tire dimensions reflect a typical late 1970s setup, providing a taller sidewall that contributes to ride comfort by better absorbing road imperfections. The 14-inch rims balance ground contact and response. This combination suits the car's design priorities emphasizing smooth cruising and stable handling rather than aggressive sportiness.

The 1978 Malibu IV Station Wagon boasts a spacious interior, designed to comfortably seat five to six passengers with ample leg and headroom owing to its wide stance and station wagon design. The rear cargo area is versatile, offering large capacity both with the rear seats up and folded. While the focus was on utility and comfort, interior amenities typical of the late 1970s included bench seats, basic climate controls, and practical dashboard layouts. This arrangement made it ideal for family use, long trips, and daily errands.

The Malibu IV Station Wagon, produced from 1977 to 1981, marks an evolution in Chevrolet's approach to full-size family cars with a focus on increased cargo capacity (up to 2050 liters or 72.4 cubic feet), modernized styling, and refined ride quality. Compared to earlier Malibu wagons, this generation offers improvements in aerodynamics with a slightly lower profile (height around 1.38 to 1.41 meters), updated suspension tuning, and more efficient interior layouts. These changes enhanced both utility and comfort for users, reinforcing its reputation as a reliable and versatile family vehicle during its production period.