They may perform nearly the same. 2" at that point won't mean much in the velocity department, and it should depend on how you plan to carry/use the rifle.
If you're after shooting from a bench quite a bit, maybe a bit of long range varminting... and/or shooting at a relatively high rate, the thicker barrel will absorb more heat, and remain stiffer.
The tapered barrel is just fine, though, and will be lighter for field carry.