I see no reason why it will not work, most PC style fans that run off a 12vDC supply are actually brushless, some machines that have 3 wire DC fans often have a fan blade sensor to indicate if the fan is rotating, but then you get a fault if the fan is removed or disconnected.
The heavier looking wires may be just heavier insulation type.
If it is the same diam, the air flow rate should be pretty close.
Al.
CNC, Mechatronics Integration and Custom Machine Design
“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”
Albert E.