This is an interesting exercise. For the first pair of photos you show, I like the second image because there is less empty space at the top. There is more weed showing, and it adds a dynamic element. When I have the choice, I like to have a compositional line begin in the corner of the frame. The second photo most nearly achieves that in the upper left corner.
For the second pair of photos, again I choose the second. The top portion of the first is distracting to me. The second photo of the pair has lines more nearly flowing out of the corners, which again is my personal preference. It is a nice abstraction of an automobile.
Part of the compositional problem with these photos is the square format. I think you would have stronger photos if cropped to a 2:3 format.
Had to dig back a ways as I've been trying to break myself of posting too many photos. My usual framing indecision is whether to shoot in landscape, or portrait, so lots of times I'll take both. Then try to figure which one works best.
Paul, you have confirmed what I always believed - beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If a photograph looks good to you, it's a good photograph no matter the opinion of others.
GrahamS
Age brings wisdom....or age shows up alone. You never know.