Interesting point, I have found purely the three of mine are all very different in their playing. My favourite is my LOW numbered Strat which was manufactured in November 2003 so one of the very early batch. The higher numbered Strat is of course beautiful but I prefer my earlier models.....
Interestingly my early strat is much heavier than the other two so I reckon that is why it sounds so beautiful and plays so well....It's certainly one of the best guitars my local Fender dealer had serviced!!
Good luck should you bid