Foot lbs of energy is a poor way to equate lethality. From my experience the added diameter is indeed beneficial. Shoot the same type bullet in each (such as LBT LFN) in each and the 45 ACP with comparable velocity will leave a larger wound channel. I obsererved this shooting game with a handgun since the early 70s.
There is a difference if you are observant, not saying a day light and dark difference, but a difference none the less.
