First off, my 98 V6 gets 26.5MPG on average. Don't draw a conclusion from the opinion of one person.

The I4 doesn't have better weight distribution than the V6. If it is, it certainly isn't enough to actually make the car handle better. The EX-L I4 only weighs something like 100lbs less than the EX-V6...not nearly enough to make a noticeable difference in performance.

That said, GET THE V6 if you're getting an automatic either way. If you can't live without a 5 speed, get the I4 obviously. But the V6 is much more rewarding. If you can afford it, that is.