OK, what is the importance, or the significance, of different differential ratios?

For instance, in 1991 a W124 300CE had a rear axle ratio of 3.06:1.

The 300TE had a rear axle ratio of 2:87.1.

The 300SL had a rear axle ratio of 3.69.1.

What is the difference in performance? Acceleration? Top speed? Gas economy?

Thanks.

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Current Benzes

1989 300TE "Alice"
1990 300CE "Sam Spade"
1991 300CE "Beowulf" RIP (06.1991 - 10.10.2007)
1998 E320 "Orson"
2002 C320 Wagon "Molly Fox"

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