What does it mean that the Dahon Speed TT has a gear ratio from 30" to 131", and the Vitesse P18 from 31" to 96"?

Why is there such a large discrepancy on the top end - is that because the TT has 27 gears and the P18 has only 18?

If so, does that mean that the TT is a far faster bike since, the last 9 gears are harder to pedal, but will drive the bike faster?