excursion question

i did a search and didnt find really what i was looking for.  I was wondering if a sub with less excursion had a tighter punch to it?  i realize that high excursion is what everyone is after cause they pound like Sh!t from all the air they move, but i have 2 x 10" JBL's, not sure what the excursion is and the subs are too old to find info on, but the bass isnt as tight as my buds single 10" and his is also a cheapo sub but it has less excursion to it (obviously less) 

my buds single 10" sub powered by 400-450 watts (probly closer to 300-350 real watts though) can be heard inside the house...my 2 x 10" subs powered by a 300-350real watts can be heard a block away.   The biggest difference is that in his car i can get a headache from the bass...its quite tight.  mine is loud but i cant quite feel it the same (although its nice not to get a headache) his box is only .3 ft^3 smaller than each of mine and i read that u dont really notice a difference up to .4 ft^3...so i'm assuming its in the sub. 

anyone have an answer to wether the lower excursion has a tighter bass or not? both systems are in the trunk with a seat in the way...my car is longer than his but it shouldnt make that big of a difference...I also have a 6" port to let the bass into the cabin (boxes are both sealed too)