Are disc breaks better on a hybrid or are carbon components?

The only true advantage of disc brakes is evident when riding in wet/sloppy conditions, or in extreme downhill riding where you need to constantly use your brakes. If you aren't riding in those conditions, v-brakes or cantilever brakes will work just fine. Go with the better all around bike (the Specialized).

The deal is, disc rule for mountain biking, where you expect the eventual mud fest and all conditions. But, if you're not doing extreme stuff, I would guess go for the Sirrus...

Your only braking part of the time. Most of the time you will be pedaling with your weight on the saddle. I'd say go with the carbon fiber. V-brakes are plenty powerful and are better and more powerful than cable actuated disc brakes in my opinion. Hydraulic disc brakes are better than both if you have the money but maintenance is a PITA.

The beauty of disc breaks is that they are consistent in all weather and conditions. I am a fairly heavy mountain biker and discs are the only things that will stop my fat azz. Go disc.

general rule: disc brakes are great on a MTB

but unnecessary on a road bike