Yes... Leveling in WoW up to Cataclysm featured numerous features that actually slow the game down. There is a need to WOW TBC Classic Gold drink water and eat food after just a few pulls, especially early on. Be cautious in avoiding dying too often. There was a time when there was a leveling guide which claimed to be able to get you to 60 (or 70, based on your preference) in just five days. Also, it was used for 120 hours (so 120 hours) fast. It's definitely time-consuming.
This is the essence of classic... mana is crucial. This is not a near infinite dps bar like retail. This is what all old-school players want. Each mob must be close to the buy WOW Burning Crusade Classic Gold player in control with at minimum 70%. In reality, (played through every classic) TBC seems WAY easier and less punishing in terms of mob damage and mana regen. Even leveling seems easier to me