Well I must say that I own both, I have raced with both. My Contour is a nice runnin car, I beat a Maxima before in mine, it was stock and I have the SVT exhaust and a cone intake on. I now own a Maxima and it is a fast car, but a SVT with a lil exhaust and intake work would hang with a Max Im sure, the thing the Maxima has going for it is the design of the Y-Pipe and the aftermarket Y-Pipes available for them are real sweet and add some serious power (15-20 horse). Sorry I just had to add my 2 cents.

Eric
99 Maxima SE, MTX, Apexi WS, Clear Corners, Short Ram Intake, Red/Clear Tails

95 Contour SE, MTX, SVT Duals, S&B Intake.....2nd motor...1st Rebuild