There can be a lot of factors involved in what is happening. Crank lengths can vary though that isn't always a big difference. Maintenance and use over time can effect things. It's surprising how much friction the pulleys in the rear derailleur can add. Pull, clean and grease them: clean, grease and adjust the hubs and BB. Freewheel or cassette adding a little light lube to the freewheeling mechanism will let it coast nicer. Better, lighter tires can help it feel livelier as can smoother one if they are knobby.
It can also be that your bike has nicer parts, this means that bearings can be a touch more precise along with cones and races which will make you faster..