Why????? You want auto? get a v6, if you want a stick? get a v6, unless the manual I4s are running low 14s now like the V6s are, which they aren't. Even the auto V6 is significantly quicker than than I4, you must be confusing 6th gen with 7th gen

6th gen I4 150hp 152lb-ft(4AT or 5MT)
6th gen V6 200hp 195lb-ft (4AT)

7th gen I4 160hp 162lb-ft(5AT or 5MT
7th gen V6 240hp(252hp with premium gas) 212lb-ft(5AT or 6MT)

the i4 gained 10hp the v6 which effectivly gained 50. With that being said, I've had a few stoplight runs with 7th gen I4s and I'm still faster with my 6th, so a 7th gen stick would just crush them. It's all up to what your pockets can handle and whether you want a coupe or sedan, because unfortunately the 6MT v6 is only in coupe form, but he did state coupe so he's set. You can go with the I4 and be in the high 16s low 17s with an auto I4 or low 16s or high 15s with a 5MT 4 banger, or be 15flat with an auto V6 or low 14s with a 6 speed V6.(by the way a 2 seconds lead in the quarter is rougly 15-20 car lengths ahead)

A V6 stick will have much a higher resale value. Here's just a rough look at relase value from a 1 year term
2003 accord I4 EX Coupe Dealer retial is $19,500, 2004 I4 EX is $24,000 that's a 19% loss.
2003 Accord V6 EX Coupe Dealer retail is $23,300, 2004 V6 EX is $26,000 that's a loss of 11%


As far as longevity, It's hard to say though, it depends how you beat on it, so far there have been less problems with the 7th than the 6th gen, and the 6th gen's only problem was the tranny which honda changed to the 5A.