Never did TC1 takedown missions, but I do have to say that compared to takedown missions in other games I feel that these are far more fun than most. Most takedown missions that I have experienced really penalize you if you don't pass all the cars and take down the leader first, then work your way back. I feel that here the way they spawn in definitely makes it more enjoyable as you can focus more on the actual takedown then your strategic position in the group.

That said, it does seem a bit too easy to get very fast takedowns.