I ran several feet worth of weld in various positions with one wire, then switched and did exactly the same with the new wire with all other factors being identical: same machine, settings, gas, flow, etc.
I did this because our welding supply switched my wire without asking just because they had gotten a pallet of this 'really cheap' stuff. I told them I didn't care about cheap and made them send two guys to my shop. I ran the test with them watching and showed them how much more spatter the one wire had, how often I would get a porosity issue, the weld beads looked rougher in comparison on the surface, it was an all around failure. Told them I didn't care how cheap it was, don't send it to me ever again. They started carrying two kinds of wire, one for hobbyist welders who only cared about price, and one of better quality for anyone who could notice the difference. Only myself and one other shop asked for the better wire. Doesn't say much for the abilities and concerns of many businesses out there.
Now, you could add a time test to that and see if both put down the same size weld for the same length in the same time. With the same machine and operator to keep all things consistent.
Have a Great Day, Brent
In all my time pricing welding activities I have found that consumables are usually the smallest driver on cost. Sure welding a super alloy requires expensive filler material but it costs alot more to have someone grind out defects.
I would say take a hard look at the two wires and account for labor in the prep and finishing department. If you can't tell any difference than you might be able to chaulk it up as a cost savings, other wise which ever wire has lower defect rate or requires less slag removal is going to win every time.
I spent the first few years of my welding engineering career switching a shop to more expensive consumables and demonstrating cost savings by reducing finishing and weld passes. Labor is well above 70% of welding costs.
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