[MRM]

There are a lot of construction defect issues with true brown coat stucco. I don't think EIFS manufacturers will allow you to use EIFS on a residential building. I would highly recommend staying away from stucco completely. Hardi can be a nice product but it deteriorates if it gets wet. It has to be painted so there are no exposed sides, including ends that are cut. There are several class actions against Hardi and CertainTeed, the big fiber cement manufacturers. Louisiana Pacific makes a wood/glue composite board similar to Hardi's cement fiber board that I like better. It has more natural moisture resistance than cement board siding but the ends where you make cuts to fit the boards have to be painted. Again, you're depending on the quality of the installation for the product performance. Vinyl doesn't have any widespread water intrusion related weaknesses, but it doesn't look as nice and some people wouldn't buy the house if you ever resell just because they think vinyl is cheap.

Anyway, it's six of one, half a dozen of the other. Pick what looks nicest to you that has a good price and you'll be fine.