Debating between two mountain bikes. 2014 Giant Reign SX (modded a bit) vs 2018 Merida One Twenty 9.600. Same price

Specs of the Giant

Giant reign x
160 mm forward FOX 36
6.7″ (170mm) FOX DHX 5 rear
MMAXXIS 2.35 tires
SRAM X9 rear derailleur
SRAM X7 front derailleur
AVID TRAIL brakes 7 festoons 4

The Merida is stock. Specs are:

Wheel Size: 29″
Season: 2018
Speeds: 11
Material: Aluminium
Frame: Lightweight 6066 aluminium triple butted and hydroformed with ‘Smooth welding’ and internal cable routing. Tapered head tube for precise steering, 142×12 mm rear through axle for rear end stiffness. Floating shock provides 120 mm travel.
Fork: Manitou Mattoc Comp Air fork with tapered steerer, 130mm travel, 15mm bolt through boost axle standard
Shock: Fox Performance Float
Shifters: Shimano SLX 11 speed rapid fire shifter
Derailleurs: Shimano SLX Shadow, 11 speed
Chain Set: Race Face Affect 30 teeth
Cassette: Sunrace CSMX80, 11 speed, 11-50 teeth
Chain: KMC X11-1
Brakes: Shimano M500 hydraulic disc, 180mm rotors
Handlebar: Merida Expert CC 740mm wide 10mm rise
Stem: Merida Expert 3d forged 6061 aluminium, Oversize clamp 6 degree
Headset: Merida M2334
Tyres: Maxxis Forekaster 2.35″ folding
Hubs: Boost standard, Sealed bearing 15mm front and Shimano Deore 12mm rear bolt through axles, centrelock
Rims: Merida Big Nine Comp CC
Inner Tubes: Ultralite-27.5″ Presta valve
Saddle: Merida Sport
Seatpost: Merida Expert Dropper 31.6mm
Seatclamp: Merida Expert clamp – allen key adjustment
Pedal: Not included
Hardware: Stainless
Weight: Bike :14.15kg – Frame : 3.17kg – Size :L(20) : w/o pedal

From https://store.pedalrevolution.co.uk/1837179/products/merida-one-twenty-9600-copper-2018-mountain-bike.aspx.

Both sellers want $900. What should I offer? Worth grabbing for comfortable single track? I won’t be doing any DH as there isn’t any around me, but lots of rocky, bumpy terrain. The Giant has 26″ wheels which worries me a bit.