The Girlings do use a pad (type d143) that is about twice the working area of the ATE (type d160 pad). My simple logic is the more pad area, the more stable and accurately it is able to transfer the force to the rotor. It should last much longer and fade much less as well.

I'm told that the ultimate 140/160 brake combo is 164 rotors and 240turbo calipers, which are Girlings. Strictly second hand info, though.

The 164's exclusively used the small pads, which seems self defeating...