Torque for SE is 162 ft/lbs and 165 for my 98 SVT. Also SE peak torque comes earlier in rev range. Torque is more important than horsepower for coming out of corners in autocrossing because you are never going to have a really long straight after the corner.
And the torque/weight ratio is better for the SE than the heavier SVT. Had a former national contender explain this to be comparing his torquier 8 valve GTI to a 16 valve GTI. Even though the two cars were in different classes, the 8 valve could run nearly as fast because of better torque.
The 15 inch wheels may be a factor as well. Lower CG with 50 series tires vs the 16 inch wheels on the SVT.
But driver experience was probably the most important factor. I also noted that what many considered to be stock would not have been under true SCCA stock rules. Shifters are not stock I don't think.
Fastest Contour at SZ 2002 Auto-X. 10th in PAX out of 125. CEO of FOGEY(Fast Old Guys Emasculating Young-uns), Inc. Terry Haines, Chairman, Senior V.P.s: (alphabetical)JavaContour, Jet Mech, MFE, SeicoRacing, SVTSTS, Vern Kilburn. If your not a member, yet, wait a few years. I'm not just the CEO, but I'm a member, too. Working with the rank and file to get the job done right!
Historical:
63 TVR (1K in 74), 75 TR-7 (paid cash new), 79 RX-7 (zoom,zoom), 81 RX-7GSL (autobahn-driven),82 Mustang GT (autobahn-driven), 85 Mustang GT (SE Division F Stock Solo II Champ), 86 MR-2 (3rd SE Division D Stock), 88 Civic DX (had 1st born and still owned MR2) 92 Sentra SE-R (all go and no show), 98 EO SVT Contour (FTD SZ 2002). 02 Altima 3.5SE 5 spd!!!
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