If you are comparing a SAA vs the early S&W American/1st Russian then I'd say the Colt would be much faster esp in 4.75 in form.

The grip angles are much different, on the American/1st Russian frame you cannot reach the hammer with a firing grip on the pistol like you can with the Colt - don't get me wrong I love the early #3 Smiths but nothing from that time period balances better in hand than a 4.75 in Colt SAA