The very early cars were considerably lighter, and it's all about power:weight ratio. A 300TE, although a bit heavier, has lower (numerically shorter) gearing, so is quicker off the line but is gear-limited at the top end (whereas a 300E I believe is drag-limited for top speed; correct me if I'm wrong)

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"If God had meant for us to walk, why did he give us feet that fit car pedals?" Sir Sterling Moss

Michael
2014 E63S Estate
2006 SLK55
1995 E500
1986 Porsche 944 turbo