Performance Review: Chevrolet Malibu 5.7 V8 Turbo Hydra-Matic - [1970]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Chevrolet Malibu Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Chevrolet Malibu 5.7 V8 Turbo Hydra-Matic is the 3 speed / Auto version and was first brought out in 1970. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1970 Monteverdi Hai 450 SS and the 1970 Iso Grifo Can-Am 7.4 V8.This particular Chevrolet Malibu has a 5733cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V8's includes the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170

The Malibu shares its Petrol V8 engine configuration with the likes of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 and the 2023 Ferrari SF 90 XX Spider 4.0 V8 Turbo. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the Malibu's Rear Wheel Drive, Saloon combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1627 kgs (3586 lbs) this makes the Chevrolet Malibu 5.7 V8 Turbo Hydra-Matic in the same weight category as the 2022 BMW Z4 M40i 3.0 Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Chevrolet Malibu shares the same bhp with the 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (300 bhp)

In terms of power the 5733cc 16V V8 engine produces 300 bhp (223 kW) @ 4800 rpm similar to the 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (300 bhp) or the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Morizo Edition 1.6 Turbo (300 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 380 lb-ft (515.2 Nm) @ 3200 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (369 lb-ft) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne 3.0 V6 Turbo (369 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Chevrolet Malibu you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2012 BMW 1 Series M135i F20 (209.3 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Chevrolet Malibu.

The Chevrolet Malibu has a Power to weight ratio of 184.3 bhp per ton and 233.5 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1970 Malibu competing with the 2012 BMW 1 Series M135i F20 (209.3 bhp per ton) or the 1966 Ferrari 330 GTC (209.3 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Chevrolet Malibu generating around 233.5 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2013 BMW 4 Series M4 (258.2 lb-ft per ton) or the 2021 BMW 3 Series M3 Competition 3.0 Bi Turbo xDrive G80 (258.2 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 6.70 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 6.9 secs, this made the Chevrolet Malibu 5.7 V8 Turbo Hydra-Matic as fast as the 2020 Ford Puma ST 1.5 Turbo (6.70 secs) the 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0 V6 Diesel (6.70 secs) the 2012 Dodge Charger SXT Blacktop 3.6L V6 (6.70 secs) the or the 2012 Abarth 695 Edizione Maserati 1.4 Turbo (6.70 secs). This Chevrolet Malibu 5.7 V8 Turbo Hydra-Matic is also faster than the 2017 Dodge Charger SXT AWD 3.7 V6 (6.80 secs) the 2015 Renault Megane Energy TCe 205 GT 1.6 Turbo (6.80 secs) the 2012 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Countrman (6.80 secs) the and the 2010 Volkswagen-VW Scirocco 2.0 TSI DSG (6.80 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Malibu and the 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado 7L V8

When talking about the performance of the Chevrolet Malibu on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 14.51 secs @ 94.3 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado 7L V8 (14.44 secs), the 2017 BMW 5 Series 540d xDrive G30 (14.46 secs), and the 2006 BMW 3 Series 335i M-Sport 2d E90 (14.47 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1970 version of the Chevrolet Malibu 5.7 V8 Turbo Hydra-Matic has a maximum speed of 120mph.

Top Speed of the 1970 Malibu equals the 2018 Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport 5.7 V8 (131 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1970 Chevrolet Malibu 5.7 V8 Turbo Hydra-Matic then how about the 2018 Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport 5.7 V8 (131 mph), the 2011 Abarth 500 Essessee 1.4 Turbo (131 mph), or the 2011 Abarth 500C Essesse 1.4 Turbo (131 mph).

Related Links:

1970 Malibu Rivals List.

A Brief History of Chevrolet

Car Comparison