What do you think has the largest impact on the ride of a bike, overall wheelbase or the relative measurements for front-center and rear-center?

For example, I have a 1992 Specialized Rockhopper. It has 73/71 angles with chainstays of 43cm. The 71 degree headtube combined with the longer top-tube end up with a wheelbase of 1075mm.

I've long considered getting a 26" LHT. It has 73/71 angles with chainstays of 46cm. The top tube is shorter and the fork has 4mm more rake. The wheelbase is 1079mm, or so.

The 46cm chainstays have been my main concern about the LHT, thinking that it makes for a bike that is too long. Then I realized the Rockhopper is virtually the same overall length. The two frames are pretty much reversed in their respective front-center and rear-center measurements. How much difference will this make in the ride of each? The only other major differences I see are the lower BB of the LHT (which in my experience doesn't make all that much difference in ride) and the more flexible fork of the LHT.

LHT is designed for long distance loaded touring, and excelles at this (see Touring sub-forum for confirmation) Longer chain stays makes more room for racks and panniers, to help prevent heel strike. I doubt you would notice a difference in ride, other than the LHT would be more stable.

Wheelbase is the output of a design process, not an input.
the Rockhopper is designed with a tight(ish) rear end for agility.
The LHT has long chainstays for heel clearance and to keep pannier weigh inside the wheelbase