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[SO•Audiojack]

A smaller wheel would in theory be better for acceleration because the diameter directly affects your gear ratio (the tires are an extended part of the transmission after all.)

In the real world however, the situation can in some cases be negated with tires that have more surface area and a better grip. The overall mass affects acceleration a lot too so if your new wheels are lighter than the old ones then this could improve performance greatly by having less unsprung mass.

Of course it could be just a butt dyno feel because wheels with different diameter and mass vibrate differently and cause a different sensation in the driver.