Well, Motorcycle Consumer News finally got around to testing the new SVs. I have a copy of their 1999 test of a naked SV. Here's some comparative numbers:

Peak torque: 99 42.4 / 03 45.1 lb-ft
Peak HP: 99 65.2 / 03 69.0
Top speed: 99 121 / 03 127.8 mph (remember this is the faired version, 99 was unfaired)
1/4 mile: 99 12.04 @ 107.22 / 03 11.63 @ 114.41 Big improvement!
0-60: 99 3.76 sec / 03 3.61 sec
60-0: 99 108.8 ft / 03 119.04 ft they blame this on the Dunlop D220s (vs. the old MEZ4)

Differences include:
- Fuel injection allows more cam duration and higher lift, makes more power, gets better gas mileage (99 - 40.8, 03 47.8)
- Rear brake somewhat downgraded, not sure this makes much difference
- More rear suspension travel
- Has an oil cooler
- Both the airbox and the muffler volumes are way up.

They think the bars are 1-1/2 inch too low, and the seat is poor (looks to be worse than the previous design).

They rated the styling lower (as do I - the main reason I opted to replace my 2001 with a 2002 rather than a 2003.)