English Language is effectively an introductory linguistics subject. If metalanguage, grammar, what occurs in language to create identity (particularly the Australian identity) and Australian English appeal to you, then English Language is probably more for you.
While I do agree that Eng Lang can benefit anyone, I would also caution that it is arguably harder than mainstream English; you’re coming at this fresh and it’s all new content, whereas mainstream is more similar to what you’ve probably done from Years 7-10.
since there are only 2 exams + short answer questions, it's more preferable.
...but you have less time to do it.
For the record, Eng Lang final exam: 2 hrs writing (15 mins reading) - 2 essays + Short Answer Questions
English (mainstream): 3 hrs writing (15 mins reading) - 3 essays.
So it’s actually a more rushed exam if you do Eng Lang compared to English. (I wouldn’t use the exam as the deciding factor though. Instead, I would use whether the content is more interesting to you.)