The 1.9 60' probably had an rpm flare before the clutch hit, which would give you some of the benefits of a higher rpm launch at the cost of a little reaction time.
A /6 crank is likely quite a bit heavier than a typical V8 crank, which means it will absorb quite a bit more piston output as it gains rpm vs a V8 crank. The higher the launch rpm, the less inertia advantage a V8 crank will have over the /6 crank.
Grant