Why does the transmission in my 300SE ('90) shift so hard on the 1-2 shift? The 1-2 shift in my '80 300D is almost imperceptible in comparison.

1st gear in both cars is very short (3.46 rear end for the '90, and I believe the same for the '80.).

Put another way, is there a reason the 1-2 shift feels different than the 2-3 and 3-4 shifts?

I've heard others on this board express similar comments, but have never seen a technical answer.

It's the one thing I dislike about the car. If it was a '72 chevelle with a shift kit, I would understand, but the snappy (to put it nicely) shift doesn't feel right in an otherwise smooth S class.

Are there any technical updates or anything of that nature? I would love the car to start in 1st gear everytime, but I do not want to swap valve bodies unless this issue could be resolved.

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'90 300SE 298k
-300K and it gets put into retirement.
'80 300D 255k Purchased new by family in 1980.

Had a:
1973 220 (gas)
1980 300SD
1992 400E