So is a Wide Ratio’s 1st to 2nd closer together than the Close Ratio?
Wide Ratio-
2.78 1st, 1.93 2nd, 1.36 3rd, 1.00 4th
Close Ratio-
2.32 1st, 1.67 2nd, 1.29 3rd, 1.00 4th
Your engine speed will drop less with a close ratio box on every shift. This helps keep the RPM's in the power band when shifting. Unfortunately, 1 st gear on a close ratio box isn't as low as a wide ratio box, so getting the car moving from a standing start is harder. You can make up for this by changing to a steeper rear gear but then your engine speeds on the highway are higher and you theoretical top speed will drop.
Modern cars remedy this situation with an extra overdrive gear ...
Since Boss 302's don't make a lot of torque at lower engine speeds, a wide ratio box makes them a whole lot nicer to drive, especially if your car was built with a 3.50 / 1 rear gear ...
Hope this helps, John