The 1.61 may have seemed faster and a speedo reading doesn't tell the 100% truth or seat of the pants.
Timers tell what's really going on and we use them. Only way to be 100% accurate and pass on good info .
Set a distance like we do. Let's say 1/4 mile to be fair to the 1.61 ratio. Set timing system to mark , 60'. 100',500', 660', and 1/4 mile You'd be surprised what gear ratios work the best. And it's never the 1.61 at any of the distances I mentioned. Slowest at every mark in et and mph. We've tried it in 2015
Ask doc on his track loader too. He'll tell you what gear ratios work best on his track loader .
There is a reason Polaris only used the 1.61 ratio for one year and changed to a lower one. Huge inconsistencies cvt system.