more surface area, more coolant capacity, etc etc. Having the opening match the size of the radiator is pretty much a given. Even on 65-66 cars the core can easily be widened 3-4" without it even being noticed. I wasn't saying that a tiny fan should be used a big radiator....but IMO and experience, a big radiator may only need a 2000 cfm fan, as compared to small radiator that might need a 5000 cfm fan.
Are you comparing a 40 yr old mustang to a new car? I agree about thickness, you want surface area not depth. When I say big radiator, I mean big area, not 5 rows or whatever, thats pointless. More area gives off more heat, and allows more airflow.