I've noticed that too. And a similar thing happens with tyres: smaller diameter with a flat portion to the profile, but the new ones are bigger with a round profile.I'm baffled.
If memory serves me the copper gasket washers are compresssion type and squash down and would be flatter and bigger when they come out.When you put the new ones in smear a bit of grease over the face to the engine it helps them to stay in place when you fit the downpipes and torque the nuts up to correct tightness