Big tires on a big bike for commuting are fun--it engenders a total Honey Badger mentality. The spinning up may be slower, but once it gets going it's like riding on top of a train (or truck or big object that moves). Really fun feeling.

Tires and tire sizes do make a difference, as do many things (just saying this as there are many threads discussing bike geometry and feel), but some bikes just feel good no matter what you put on them. The frame and you just 'click' and the rest of the pieces fall in line and it's a good time. Low end tubing, high end tubing, whatever. My Ross is that bike, 100%

Glad you've been able to get into biking more and notice the characteristics of your bikes. It's what I enjoy about C&V stuff and even newer bikes and how they compare.