Its not the wheels, its the width of the tyres. Also tread depth, wheel alignment and air pressure.

I replaced 215/14" standard wheels with 225/15" Simmons, had a wheel alignment and it was lighter in the steering.

My old HX ute here with 215/14 tyres on jelly bean rims and a 6 cylinder is lighter than my current WB with a 253 and power steering running 235/14.