I really really wish someone would test the 9" and give us an ACTUAL percentage loss against a few other rears. This "rumor" idea/statement about power loss has never been tested rear for rear, yet this idea just hangs around and around. The magazine that tested rears drove it via the engine and there is so much not scientific about that its hard to believe they actual took the time to do it.
The lower pinion position in relation to the ring gear means more contact but also more drag.
If you had a pinion that intersected the ring gear at the 9:00 position instead of well below centerline like all other axles, it would have the least drag, the smallest pinion, the weakest rating and the most noise.
