How does cid make power?

You know 273 has a point, and I’m kinda curious myself, but I think it’s a different question then his first question. I know a lot more about big blocks then small blocks, idk how much is similar. If you can get a 318 cheaper then a 360 and you plan on a stroker anyway, is there really a difference between starting out with the 318 over the 360?

I know on a big block, using a 400 is good because of the bigger bore, but then you run into piston skirt issues, which kinda makes a 440 better…unless I’m wrong lol

I left my original question kind of vague wanted to see where people would take it.
I mainly said what it wasn't about. But being vague I'm getting mainly what it wasn't suppose to be about :) it's inspired by another post where a guy ask how much hp will he gain stroking his 360 with same top end.