Chevelle Vs Malibu: Learn About The Differences And History In Detail!!

The history of Chevelle turning into Malibu is quite fascinating. However, before 1978, Chevelle was a separate model of the Chevrolet, and Malibu was its sub-series. That is why there has always been a debate about Chevelle vs Malibu, as people think, these two are a separate models of Chevrolet.

Truth be told, the manufacturing company just decided to have a sub-series of Chevelle to provide variation in their sports car. They were tagged as the Sports car but had some distinct features. The idea of launching a sub-series of Chevelle was to provide a sports car with lesser cost and luxury.

Now, are you interested in knowing more about the differences between Chevelle and Malibu? If so, then have patience and hold on to this article till the end.

Chevelle Vs Malibu: Are they Same?

 Before you prepare yourself to read the whole article, take a look at the chart below to get an overall idea.

FactsChevelleMalibu
ManufacturerChevroletChevrolet
Total GenerationsThree GenerationsNine Generations
CostCostly ( More luxurious version of sports coupes)Less Costly ( Less luxurious version sports coupes)
Model TypeSeparate model of ChevroletSub-series of Chevelle

Unlike the Chevelle, Malibu did not get launched in the market by having its own model line. Initially, Malibu was a trim-level model or a sub-series of the Chevrolet Chevelle. That means by keeping the Chevelle as the base model, Chevrolet updated the model and named it Malibu.

So, the general idea is that all the super sports Chevelles later became Malibu models, but not all cars of Malibu models are super sports. The Chevelles were more like high-cost luxury sports cars. Later, Chevrolet cut the cost and concentrated more on the sporty packages.

You must know that Malibu has always been the “sport coupe.” That means from the very beginning, it was full of sporty vibes and had less luxury package.

Are you still confused? If so, then do not worry because I have dug out more information so that you can get a better idea of both models.

What is A Chevelle?

The Chevelle is a super sports coupe by the manufacturer Chevrolet. This mid-sized automobile lasted only for three generations, from 1964 to 1977. Though it lasted for only three generations, it has significantly impacted the automobile industry.

Now, looking at the design of every model of the Chevelle, you can tell it has given varieties to its users in its short run of time. Starting from 2 door sports cars to 4 door vans or wagons, it had inclusive trim options also. Whether it was a basic or a swanky package deal from General Motors (GM), Chevelle had every trim option.

What Is Malibu?

Initially, Malibu did not have its own model line. It was introduced in the market as the sub-series of the Chevrolet Chevelle. When the Chevelle was released in 1964, the model had three different series of cars. These were Malibu Super Sport, Chevelle 300, and the Malibu.

Was Chevelle Canceled Or Replaced By Malibu?

There has always been a big confusion among the people about whether the Chevelle was replaced or canceled. The short duration of Chevelle in the automobile industry and the evolution of Malibu right during that time made people confused. However, the right thing to say is that Chevelle was never canceled but rather got replaced by Malibu.

Now, to understand how Chevelle got replaced by Malibu, you need to know the gradual update of the Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu.

Update In 1965

The Chevelle came with larger brakes, rear stabilizer bars, and a performance suspension in the front, known as the Z16 package. Moreover, the Z16 model of the Chevelle was known as the Malibu SS.

Update In 1966

In 1966, the SS model of the Chevelle got redesigned and was known as a separate model.

However, Chevrolet stopped manufacturing Malibu SS to meet the market demand for a real performance car instead of a trim package.

Then in 1967, by considering the buyer’s demand, the Chevrolet brought the dual master cylinder and front disk brakes.

Update In 1968

Before 1968, Chevelle had general updates to cope with modern automobile technology. However,  the major update came in 1968, which redesigned the Chevelle and the GM A-bodies. The Chevelle’s short deck and long hood design became a popular body style at that time.

Update In The ’70s

It was a significant era for Chevrolet, as in the late 70s, Chevrolet replaced Chevelle with Malibu. In 1970, Chevelle for more upgraded with better styling and engine packages. The performance was boosted as an air scoop was available in the cowl induction. 

Everything was fine till 1977, but GM got concerned about its branding. So, they decided to cut costs to focus on the brand and make their cars available to more people. Besides cost, they also put their complexity. Hence, Chevelle got replaced with Malibu, and Malibu came out from the tag ‘Sub-series’.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is a 1965 Malibu a Chevelle?

Yes, the 1965 Malibu was a Chevelle. Malibu was the subseries of the Chevelle, and technically all the Malibu until 1978 was a Chevelle.

Is every Chevelle a Malibu?

Malibu started its journey as the subseries of Chevelle in 1964. However, from the year 1970-1973, Chevelle needed Malibu’s base model for the Super Sport Option. So, all the Chevelle SS from the period of 1970-73 are actually Malibu.

What is the difference between a 1970 Malibu and a Chevelle?

The differences between the 1970 Malibu and Chevelle lie in the engine’s horsepower. So, the 1970 Malibu had a 330 horsepower engine, whereas the Chevelle SS had a 375 horsepower engine.

Final Words

Well, that is all about Chevelle vs Malibu. Hopefully, you have got a better understanding and can differentiate between them. Now you know that there is actually not much of a difference between them, and that is the reason Chevelle gradually got replaced by Malibu.

Despite being a 1900s sports car, the classic Chevelle sports car still catches the attention of sports car lovers. The power and the rumble of the Chevelle have made it classic. Even after the drop of the model in the year 1977, people still search for the Chevelle.

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