all other things being equal, greater cross-sectional area will equal more strength. but all things are rarely equal. in two muscles of the same size, differences in motor unit recruitment, etc. will produce differences in strength/power capacity. also, fiber type has to be factored in. this is why bodybuilders are relatively weak despite appearing well-muscled--their type I fibers are the most hypertrophied and contribute little to strength/power. weightlifters on the other hand have more type II hypertrophy--in addition to excellent neuromuscular development--and are therefore able to produce greater force/power with smaller muscle sizes.
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