The low-altitude performance compared to the Merlin 45 was acheived by having a gear ratio of 8.588:1 instead of 9.09:1
The rated altitudfe for the Merlin 32 is 2500ft.

Pete

I think MerlinPete is comparing the Merlin 30/32 to the Merlin 45, not the 45 to the 45M?