The ratio of the chainring teeth to cog teeth should govern these things, but I believe larger chainrings and cogs, of the same ratio, have a slight mechanical advantage.
I don't know whether this advantage cancels the weight gain of larger hardware.

I have experimented a lot with chainrings and cogs, and I THINK the same ratio with larger hardware FEELS smoother and easier to pedal.

Purely subjective.

I could have experienced what I expected to experience or hoped to experience.

In any event, I ride 53 X 19 for 73 gear inches.

I could accomplish the same number of gear inches with a smaller (and lighter) chainring and cog, but this present combo feels good to me.