Most of it comes down to ratios, EA have taller diff ratios and lower box ratios.

yea that is true but there is also the no syncro for reverse gear, the fact that they are older also may mean they have had more wear. theres also the 3 bolt flywheel as opposed to the 6 bolt one found in eb 2 - el.

not a lot of difference really, either way a manual is a manual