inneresting question…
whats the weight of the wheelset/cranks/chain on each bike? rotational weight (eg of wheels and tyres) will affect your acceleration, hence why a wheelset for climbing can be a lot lighter than a track wheelset. (or so goes my limited understanding).
im sure someone out there could give an explanation of whether having more teeth in contact with a chain will increase friction to such a degree that it would be noticed by the rider: my initial thought is that it wouldn’t matter so much. also, if weight reduction of cranks/chainrings/cogs was such an issue, then shimano 10 pitch would still be alive and kicking.
im gonna put my money on rotational weight of wheels/tyres.