I don't think so. However, you should still try downloading a free trial:
http://trywarcraft.com/
I don't think the starter edition includes the MOP expansion, I think you can still choose the new race though.... Not 100% its been quite a while since I've played WOW
It will have same game version - that's all you need to test the performance. Actual content isn't needed as long as you can log in and go to a crowded city .