You ask a good question, which only YOU can answer!

Which one rides the best for you, is the most comfortable, easiest to ride, most fun?

Which one looks the nicest to you, really trips your trigger, makes you want to ride it?

MHO - disc brakes are the future, and are awesome stoppers. Carbon forks are amazing. Fatter tires ride nicer, up to a point (32-40mm is a good balance of ride and efficiency). 700 size wheels do roll better.

You want at least a 9 spd rear, then a compact double or a triple (if a lot of hills) up front. More gear choices is almost always better, and 9 spd is a good financial choice.

Buy the most bike you can afford, to help prevent upgraditis, and get a better bike in the process.(You will never buy parts cheaper, than when included on a new bike)