A 3 speed floor shifted manual was standard, however the optional 3 speed automatic was the more popular choice. Horsepower increased in the base V6 from 94 to 115 hp, the smaller 267 and 305-cubic-inch V8 were available, with each producing 125 and 155 hp respectively.

A small block 150/165 hp V8 was also an option, and an Oldsmobile diesel engine was made optional from 1982 to 1984.Ĥ0,932 1980 El Camino vehicles were produced, differences from the previous year were minimal apart from engine choices being altered slightly. The fifth and final generation that spanned from 1978-1987, shared chassis components from the Chevrolet Malibu, and were the first to use Chevrolet and Buick V6s. Originally based from Chevrolet's station wagon platform, the Chevrolet El Camino was introduced in 1959 as Chevrolet's answer to Ford's success with their Ranchero pickup, and spanned 5 generations from 1959-1987.