What you need to remember more than anything, is the most important measurement really is your top tube length. The frame size is usually labelled by using the seatube length, which means that your reach (top tube) could be anything. The only thing to do is measure the top tube and find out what length top tube and what length stem is generally best for you.

If your saddle is etup with a good knee over spindle, and feels good, don't mess with that as much, since that affects your knees and your ability to produce power.

If the top tube length between the two frames is almost exactly the same, which is quite possible, then they should feel very similar. If anything, the slightly larger frame may feel a little nicer (smoother), since it has more traditional geometry instead of compact, and thus the triangles are slightly larger to offer more vibration absorption. Compact frames with smaller triangles will naturally feel a little stiffer. (usually).

Anyway, if the reach feels good, and you still have proper arm extension, and good angular posture (upper body) in the various hand positions, then I would really make sure you give it a good long test ride first before you make your purchase.

I know you are male, but as an example, my wife is 5'3", and rides a 49-50cm frame. Mainly because being female, she likes a slightly shorter top tube (less reach). For a male of your height, I can only guess, since I don't know your exact measurements, but a 52 should fit ok, with a proper stem length. This is of course only guessing, since we are on the forum. So, take it all with a grain of salt.

Happy riding.