>Since it is a gear reduction starter it is trying to make more
>torque.  It does this by turning the engine over exactly half as fast as
>the stock Bosch starter!

It seems possible that the extra torque means that the cranking speed will decrease less as the temperature drops, making the gear reduction starter the better choice for really cold weather.

I agree that the extra speed of the stock starter is a good thing with a worn engine.

Bill