Well, they are both kind of right about the pipe runs. More bends does slow down the water flow, but usually not by very much. There is a measurable effect of the extra bends, but normally it is small enough that it can be ignored.
There is absolutely no way a single speed 3 HP pump can cost that little to run at any real world electric rates I have ever heard of. Is it possible that it is a two speed, or variable speed, pump? The Pentair variable speed pump, which happens to be 3 HP, is far less expensive to operate than a single speed pump.
Zars seems to be giving you more for your money. But the crucial information at this point is reviews from people who had pools built by each builder. Ask for references and check them. How helpful/neat/responsive/timely the builder is will matter much more than the small feature differences.