Cougar weighs slightly less according to these sites. If you search online all the sites post the I4 weight even though it says it is a V6. You need to really look to find the correct V6 weight. It makes more sense that the Normal contour weights slightly under the SVT anyway. Only major things extra are the groud effects and exhaust.
1999 Cougar weighs: 2921 lbs
1998 SVT Contour weighs: 3094 lbs
1998 Contour V6 weighs: 3033
Cougar here:
http://www.theautochannel.com/vehicles/new/reviews/1999/solo9934.html
SVT here:
http://www.theautochannel.com/vehicles/new/reviews/1998/gap9740.html
Comparison to the SVT and Normal Contour
http://www.stuff.to/svtspecs.php
I'd say it is too close to call. It will come down to the driver.
