A stock SVT is definitely faster than a stock 2.5 SE with a five speed, no matter what years are being compared. I have messed with a couple of 2.5 SE with five speeds and my 2000 SVT was faster every time (it was not close). I do not want to offend anyone but stock for stock the SVT is the fastest contour.
Many contour owners will be attending the CEG national meet in Dallas, TX and it looks like on Friday evening May 28 they will meet at the Texas Motorplex in Ennis. It is not clear if the CEG is just going to watch or actually participate but I am almost certain that a stock 2.5 SE five speed race against a stock SVT could be arranged. If both drivers know what they are doing, I am certain the SVT will win every time.
I am not saying and a SE can be modified to be as fast or faster than a SVT. Another way of looking at it, why would Ford make a SVT vehicle that is only as fast as the base vehicle? In my opinion, Ford took the 2.5 SE five speed and modified it to a SVT. The modifications are many.
I can believe that a SE could beat a SVT if the SVT has something wrong with it but if both cars are in equal condition, the SVT IS FASTER. END OF STORY.
