I think that your effort is independent of your equipment (bike). There's also some drivetrain momentum in a fixed wheel that you don't get in a freehub, so it takes less power (effort) to hit a certain speed on fixed than free.
But still, effort and equipment independent variables in my bike. When I ride, I listen to my body, and my speed (performance) is dictated by my bike choice, and the conditions outside.
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"Your beauty is an aeroplane;
so high, my heart cannot bear the strain." -A.C. Jobim, Triste