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I would be surprised if the LMP cars are separated by more than 5 seconds on a single flying lap. The place where the diesels will always have an advantage is in traffic. Even if there is not much difference in overall lap time, it's the intangibles like ability to negotiate traffic, how hard it is to pull out those fast laps, how fit your driver is.
Before it was just that the 908 had more power and more downforce, and more traction than everyone else. The R15+ may have been on the pace but was too inconsistent, too draggy, and their drivers and crew not as sharp as the Pugeot one.
In Sebring acceleration matters for passing, as there is only 3 real passing zones, everywhere else is too dangerous. The gas powered cars pass with top speed so they will be closer to the braking zones when they attempt to pass, the diesels have a little more leeway because of the broad torque. This allows the driver to be somewhat more relaxed, as opposed to someone that has to use all his concentration to pass right before he overshoots the braking zone on the right sweeper leading onto the starting line.
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