The most accurate comparison of the economies of the Southern and New England colonies is:
The economy of the Southern colonies relied on growing cash crops, while the economy of the New England colonies relied on trade.
The Southern colonies focused on agriculture, particularly cash crops like tobacco, rice, and indigo, which required large plantations and often relied on enslaved labor. In contrast, New England's economy was more diversified and included shipbuilding, fishing, and trade, due to its geographic location and resources.