Carbon isn't "manipulated and shaped" It's put into a mold. The mold dictates the shape.
Aluminum can be highly shaped by hydroforming.
High quality aluminum and cheap carbon hit a crossroads in weight.
Carbon isn't inherently better. Good carbon is dependent on good manufacturing. 50% of a carbon frame is epoxy.
Construction quality matters. That costs money.
Carbon is inherently lighter so a fork with thick steerer tube walls and fork crown, will save a lot of weight.
On a frameset, the weight difference can be 0 to several hundred grams.
I would take a well designed scandium frame and give up a 2-300g with a far better performing rig than a cheap carbon one.