Tbh, 1.9 put the differences of Terraria and Minecraft farther apart. The cooldown, especially. EDIT: Terraria is an awesome game aswell, it's super challenging and fast paced when compared to MC :P
Tbh I HATE the new update..... but~ if I'd have to pick my favorite it's definitely the fact that you can use both hands now to hold stuffz (idk wot it's called o3o)
You could always set your version to 1.8.9 and earlier if you don't like it. Sometimes I play beta 1.2.5 just for nostalgia.
I love that they added shields and dual welding, and how you can glide in survival, I really like that.
Hands down, PVP. Although controversial, I like it personally, but I could think of more, but I am too lazy too.
I like the fact that you can customize shields with banners. That's pretty cool! I like the new PvP mechanics too! :D