SVCD specifications state that the combined video+audio bitrate can not exceed 2723 Kbps. The video stream alone can not exceed 2600 Kbps at any time and still be compliant. Assuming you use a bit rate of 224 for your audio, which is the most common bit rate, your video should always be below 2500 Kpbs. I would say try setting your video bit rate around 2300-2400 to be safe. Most DVD players don't enforce the standards for SVCD, so if your discs exceed the maximum bit rates by a little, it won't be a problem, although technically the SVCD is non-compliant if that happens.
DVD bit rates are legal up to 9800 Kpbs I think. I would suggest you go to the DVD Player Compatibility List at
http://www.vcdhelp.com and see what it says about your player. If your player has problems with certain formats or bit rates, it might be documented there.