the original post asked if all things being equal, which one would be quicker.same 500 horsepower,same 3000 lbs,stock stroke.torque is what moves weight,not horsepower.the extra stroke of the 440 would make it quicker to move a 1/4 mi.i am a fan of both,but without getting in to better heads bigger cams and the such,a bigblock gives more bang for the buck.if you don`t mind a little more maintenance,then run a higer reving small block.if you want to build it and close the hood and lug the thing then do a bigblock.