A 1/2" bowl gouge and a 1/4" bowl gouge will feel different, just because of the size difference. Even assuming the 1/4" is the British flute measurement and equivalent to a 3/8" US measurement, this is still probably not a reliable comparison. IME, both have their place.
I was wondering about the measurement (outside vs. flute, US vs. EU). I tried to compare it to other lathes in the store. I thought perhaps the 1/4 Crown would be similar to a 3/8 US shank. But, no, it's smaller. There are uses for a 1/4" BG, perhaps, but now having bought it, it remains to be seen how much work it will get. For shaping tenons and foot (feet?) I use a spindle gouge.