Compression is always the best way to go for driveability. It may cost more for pistons but it's well worth it. Bigger or more carburation may bring higher HP at the top end but if you drive nomally on the street you want it to "go" when you push on the peddle with out dropping 2 or 3 gears. Giant valves are great for RPM but kill lowend torque. Same for a big carb. or big open plentum intake.
It all ties together when you get what you want. If it's all racing drivability suffers. An engine that runs between 1500 and 3000 rpm is best done with compression and an advanced cam. Not wild but mild. A properly curved distributer works wonders. All engines are just air pumps. They don't care what they are doing.
The weight of the car, how it's going to be used, and pleasing you as the owner/driver is the most important thing. Good Luck
