Dammit, quit poking holes in my excuses!
Actually, you prompted me to do a comparison.
Using MSN Autos, which I've found to be a bit more reliable on model differences, I find the following:
Car-------------Weight-------HP/rpm-------Tq/rpm
96 Contour SE----2985-------170/6250-----165/4250
00 SVT Contour---3129-------200/6600-----169/5500
96 Probe GT------2921-------164/5600-----160/4000
96 Contour ------2769-------125/5500-----127/3000
The Zetec GL is, of course, an old soldier of HS.
Given the numbers, you're absolutely right about the on-paper competitiveness of the SE against the SVT. The hp advantage of the SVT does not give it a huge advantage in autocross, esp when you consider the only slight bump in torque, coupled with the high-strung shape of the torque curve.
The Probe, though, at least in GT trim, seems like it ought to stay in GS. It's lighter than an SE, with similar power numbers, along with a lower and wider stance. It also has 16" wheels with wider stock rubber than an SVT. Do you really think it belongs next to the 4-cyl Contour? My gut tells me that there will be some clarification on this matter before the rule becomes final.
Reference:
MSN Comparison
