i think it depends on ur car..
i had a b16 in a crx and now have an ek with an ls...and honestly..i think id rather have the b16 for one main reason..u can easily swap out the 1.6 bottom end with either a gsr bottom end or a ready ls bottom or b20 bottom end..its easier to do with having vtec already wired n ready to go..

also i cant really compare which was faster since..the weight difference is about 500lbs..however id rather vtec then no vtec..i like havin 8k rpm to play with...thats just my opinion