SSSETOWTF,
Yes, the C is just over 2.5K heavier than the B at zero fuel weight, and a thrust/weight ratio at 50% fuel of 0.91 compared to 1.04. On the other hand it has a wing area of 668sq ft compared to 460sq ft, so I'll take advice on how they'd compare in a fight.
As to being bigger/heavier, it depends. I always preferred the Lightning to the F4 when controlling DACT, but I'd have preferred to go to war with 4+4 missiles than 2.
The C carries 50% more internal fuel (19.5K compared to 13.3K) and 10K more MAUW, and operating from a carrier without AAR support that's significant.
As the saying goes, 3 of the most useless things in the world to a pilot are runway behind, sky above you and fuel on the ground.
There might be the very, very odd time you get sucked into a dogfight where the performance edge might matter. I'd suggest there'll be many, many more times you'd prefer the extra fuel in the tank.