I have alot of fun riding my road conversion around because its the closest thing I have to a mountain bike. I'm always hopping curbs and taking shortcuts cross country. I also didn't spend that much money on it so I don't mind putting it through a bit of abuse (although not too much!). On the road though, my track bike (not true track geometry, but pretty close) is way faster and more responsive, but not as comfy. Both are great in different ways.

Edit: After inspecting pictures of both of my bikes I have to say that if I put the wheel of my road conversion as foward in the dropouts and possible and got a fork with barely any rake the wheelbase would be almost as short as it is on my track style bike.
http://members.rogers.com/shiznaz/update.jpg
vs.
http://members.rogers.com/shiznaz/winter2.jpg

Maybe its just the lugged steel ride?