Yes, I've never understood the super low rear gearing either.
A 300E is only a few hundred pounds less than a 300SE/L and most have a 3.07:1 diff from memory... and 2nd gear start too.
Just can't fathom how putting the car under MORE load to try to get moving from a light, was a good idea for fuel economy.
Ah well, luckily 1st gear starts and 2.88:1 diffs are readily available.
