Which One Do You Prefer And Why? (The Steam Engine)

My Dad ( @mobbsclan ) is entering a photography competition and can't decide which version of his Steam Engine #photos to submit.

He asked around his camera club pals and the majority decided the coloured version to be the best.

Does this group of people represent the larger population, so most will agree on the coloured picture? If so, what is it about the coloured picture that makes it better?

I think I'm of the same mindset of my Dad in that I can see qualities in both and they feel of equal measure depending on what perspectives i'm looking at the pictures with.

I find it interesting to see how other people perceive and judge images, knowing why is the ultimate question!

Please feel free to share your thoughts on the matter, it all helps :)