Countries that entered the current crisis with budget surpluses or smaller deficits will as a result

have a better chance of minimising the real damage from the downturn because they have more fiscal room to provide stimulus.
have no better or worse chance of minimising the real damage from the downturn.
encounter less chance of stifling their recoveries through inflation.

Answer: have no better or worse chance of minimising the real damage from the downturn.

Please read Fiscal sustainability 101 - Part 3 for further material or post a comment if you want further explanation.