The ACT has long had the reputation for speed (and by extension, endurance) being a significant basis of performance, especially at the top end of the scoring scale, much moreso than for SAT. The obvious question is whether a single section score should be compared to a score from a full test and whether the scores are truly standardized. The NYT should consult a psychometric expert on that question. Also more generally, take a look at Art Sawyer’s blog.
In the long run, one has to wonder whether ACT is putting another nail in its own coffin.