Renault Samsung SM5: Which Version to Buy and Why
The Renault Samsung SM5 version to choose depends chiefly on whether you want the broader engine selection of the first generation or the simpler specification of the second. The first-generation Sedan, produced from 1998 to 2005, includes six versions ranging from the 1.8 MT with 132 hp to the 2.5 AT with 173 hp.
The Renault Samsung SM5 version to choose depends chiefly on whether you want the broader engine selection of the first generation or the simpler specification of the second. The first-generation Sedan, produced from 1998 to 2005, includes six versions ranging from the 1.8 MT with 132 hp to the 2.5 AT with 173 hp. The second-generation Sedan, produced from 2005 to 2010, has a single 2.0 AT with 136 hp. Across both generations, every listed SM5 is Gasoline-powered, naturally aspirated and FWD.
Renault Samsung SM5 generations compared
The first-generation Renault Samsung SM5 covers 1998–2005 and offers six Sedan versions. Its range includes 1.8 MT and 1.8 AT models, two different engines both named 2.0 AT, a 2.0 MT and a 2.5 AT. Buyers can therefore choose between Manual and Automatic transmissions, Inline and V-shaped engines, and outputs from 132 to 173 hp.
The second-generation Renault Samsung SM5 covers 2005–2010 and is also a Sedan, but the data lists only one version: 2.0 AT with 136 hp. Compared with the first generation, this version has a 70-litre tank rather than 65 litres, while its ground clearance is 155 mm instead of 165 mm. It combines an Inline 4-cylinder engine with a 4-speed Automatic gearbox and FWD.
For searches concerning a Renault Samsung SM5 2006, 2008, 2009 or 2010, the relevant version in these data is the second-generation 2.0 AT. The supplied catalogue does not contain versions for 2012, 2014, 2015 or 2016.
Renault Samsung SM5 engine and specs
| Generation and version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders | Layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 1.8 MT | 132 hp | 162 Nm | 1,838 cc | 92 | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First generation 1.8 AT | 132 hp | 162 Nm | 1,838 cc | 92 | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First generation 2.0 AT, 144 hp | 144 hp | 182 Nm | 1,995 cc | 80 | 6 | V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First generation 2.0 MT | 143 hp | 181 Nm | 1,998 cc | 95 | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First generation 2.0 AT, 143 hp | 143 hp | 181 Nm | 1,998 cc | 95 | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First generation 2.5 AT | 173 hp | 221 Nm | 2,495 cc | 95 | 6 | V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second generation 2.0 AT | 136 hp | 200 Nm | 1,997 cc | 95 | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
The first-generation 1.8 MT and 1.8 AT use the same 1,838 cc Inline 4-cylinder engine, producing 132 hp at 6,200 rpm and 162 Nm at 4,800 rpm. Their calculated specific output is approximately 71.8 hp per litre. The decision between them is consequently about transmission: the 1.8 MT has a 5-speed Manual, while the 1.8 AT has a 4-speed Automatic.
The two first-generation versions named 2.0 AT must be distinguished by power. The 144 hp 2.0 AT has a 1,995 cc V-shaped 6-cylinder engine, developing 182 Nm at 4,000 rpm and approximately 72.2 hp per litre. The 143 hp 2.0 AT instead has a 1,998 cc Inline 4-cylinder engine, produces 181 Nm at 6,000 rpm and delivers approximately 71.6 hp per litre. Their outputs differ by only 1 hp and their torque by only 1 Nm, but their cylinder layouts, engine speeds and specified fuel differ.
The first-generation 2.0 MT shares the 1,998 cc Inline 4-cylinder specification, 143 hp output and 181 Nm torque of the 143 hp 2.0 AT. Its distinguishing feature is the 5-speed Manual gearbox rather than the 4-speed Automatic.
The first-generation 2.5 AT is the strongest version in the supplied data. Its 2,495 cc V-shaped 6-cylinder engine produces 173 hp at 6,400 rpm and 221 Nm at 4,000 rpm, equivalent to approximately 69.3 hp per litre. Against the first-generation 1.8 models, it adds 41 hp and 59 Nm.
The second-generation 2.0 AT uses a 1,997 cc Inline 4-cylinder engine producing 136 hp at 5,200 rpm and 200 Nm at 4,400 rpm. Its calculated specific output is approximately 68.1 hp per litre. It has 7 hp less than the first-generation 143 hp 2.0 AT, yet 19 Nm more torque.
All listed engines have 4 valves per cylinder, a front transverse position and Distributed injection (multi-point). None has boost.
Performance, mpg and economy
Acceleration from 0–100 km/h is not measured for every Renault Samsung SM5 version in the supplied data. City, highway and combined fuel consumption are also not measured for every version, so no supported mpg comparison can be made. CO₂ output and ecological class are not measured across the range.
Top speed is measured for four first-generation versions. The 1.8 MT reaches 189 km/h, the 144 hp 2.0 AT reaches 192 km/h, the 2.0 MT reaches 203 km/h, and the 2.5 AT reaches 207 km/h. Top speed is not measured for the first-generation 1.8 AT, the first-generation 143 hp 2.0 AT or the second-generation 2.0 AT.
Among versions with measured figures, the 2.5 AT is 18 km/h faster than the 1.8 MT. The 2.0 MT is only 4 km/h behind the 2.5 AT despite having 30 hp less. Because no acceleration or consumption measurements are supplied, these top-speed figures should not be treated as evidence of quicker acceleration or better economy.
Dimensions, weight and chassis specs
| Generation and version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Ground clearance | Tank | Wheel size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 1.8 MT | 1,320 kg | 1,760 kg | 165 mm | 65 L | not measured |
| First generation 1.8 AT | not measured | 1,760 kg | 165 mm | 65 L | not measured |
| First generation 2.0 AT, 144 hp | 1,445 kg | 1,885 kg | 165 mm | 65 L | not measured |
| First generation 2.0 MT | 1,445 kg | 1,760 kg | 165 mm | 65 L | not measured |
| First generation 2.0 AT, 143 hp | not measured | 1,760 kg | 165 mm | 65 L | not measured |
| First generation 2.5 AT | 1,455 kg | 1,895 kg | 165 mm | 65 L | not measured |
| Second generation 2.0 AT | 1,480 kg | not measured | 155 mm | 70 L | not measured |
Among versions with a measured kerb weight, the first-generation 1.8 MT has the most favourable calculated weight-to-power figure at exactly 10.0 kg per hp. The first-generation 2.5 AT follows at approximately 8.4 kg per hp, while both the 144 hp 2.0 AT and the 143 hp 2.0 MT are approximately 10.0 kg per hp and 10.1 kg per hp respectively. The second-generation 2.0 AT carries approximately 10.9 kg per hp.
The second-generation 2.0 AT is 25 kg heavier than the first-generation 2.5 AT and 35 kg heavier than the first-generation versions with a measured 1,445 kg kerb weight. It also has 10 mm less ground clearance, but its 70-litre tank holds 5 litres more.
Every version has Independent, spring suspension at both ends, Ventilated disc front brakes and rear Disc brakes. Wheel sizes are not measured for any listed version.
Which Renault Samsung SM5 version should you buy?
Choose the first-generation 1.8 MT if low measured kerb weight and a Manual gearbox matter most. At 1,320 kg and 132 hp, it is the lightest specified version and has a calculated 10.0 kg per hp. Its 189 km/h maximum speed is measured, unlike that of the otherwise mechanically similar 1.8 AT.
Choose the first-generation 2.0 MT if you want the stronger Inline 4-cylinder engine with a 5-speed Manual. It develops 143 hp and 181 Nm and has a measured 203 km/h top speed. Compared with the 1.8 MT, it adds 11 hp and 19 Nm, although its measured kerb weight is 125 kg higher.
Choose the first-generation 144 hp 2.0 AT if you specifically prefer the V-shaped 6-cylinder configuration without moving to the 2.5 AT. It produces 1 hp and 1 Nm more than the Inline 4-cylinder 143 hp 2.0 AT. It also delivers peak torque at 4,000 rpm rather than 6,000 rpm, according to the supplied specifications.
Choose the first-generation 2.5 AT when maximum output, torque and measured top speed are the priorities. Its 173 hp, 221 Nm and 207 km/h are the highest figures in the catalogue. Relative to the 144 hp 2.0 AT, it provides 29 hp and 39 Nm more while adding only 10 kg of measured kerb weight.
Choose the second-generation 2.0 AT if you want the later 2005–2010 generation and its single, straightforward specification. It offers 200 Nm, which is 19 Nm more than the first-generation 143 hp 2.0 AT, and a tank enlarged by 5 litres. The trade-offs visible in the data are 7 hp less, 10 mm less ground clearance and a higher measured kerb weight.
There are no supplied prices, reliability records or problem reports, so the extra money required for any version and its maintenance risk cannot be assessed. On specifications alone, the 2.5 AT is the performance choice, the 2.0 MT is the strongest Manual choice, the 1.8 MT is the lightest choice, and the second-generation 2.0 AT is the choice for buyers prioritising the later generation and its greater torque over the earlier Inline 4-cylinder 2.0 versions.