4 cyl and V6 versions of the Contour are availible in all model years. As is a MTX and ATX option. The Cougar and Contour are very similar in weight. It has been often argued that either weighs less then the other. There is SVT parts availible for 98+ model years and if you look hard enough may be able to procure an SVT pre 98 front end if you were to decide to go pre 98. Many will argue the 95 se is one of the best models on the market and can be on par with the SVT for handling. (not that I am biased
) Certianly not a choice to be overlooked if you want a great bang for buck. As for the differences between MTX versions of either engine I can tell you first hand the V6 is a hoot to drive vs the Zetec. However that said the Zetec hooked to the MTX tranny is a great little car that can get out of its own way. Having driven the ATX versions of both cars I would say that the ATX robs far to much power from the 4 cyl. It certianly is not a bad mate for the V6 however. If you look at my sinature you will see peformance that I have gotten for both cars at the track. Both time the driver was me. In my opinion the 16.9 from the zetec is fairly decent for the engine. I don't feel that I am the strongest driver at the track and someone else likley would get better #'s from my cars. Hope this helps to answer your questions.
