The processing for the B&W conversion in the 2nd one is pretty good but the first one looks kinda flat. What do you use for B&W conversion ? I started this thread viewtopic.php?f=15&t=38305 which you may find useful.
The 1st one was taken from a distance with a telephoto, so yes, it looks more flat, but I think it´s mostly the perspective, not the B&W conversion.
However if you have a concrete idea what could be done differently I can try it.