Generally Stamina based characters are harder to play/master (mainly due to lack of stamina based selfheal) and have lower dps. Though I find them more fun to play and Morrowid patch re-balanced it a bit.
Passive skills are probably even more important than the active one so pick a race that goes with your play style.
If I was starting now I'd probably pick magicka templar. They have great dps and access to heals so you can quite easily switch between dps/ healing.
Overall from what I seen/read I'd say that magicka sorcerer is still the best dps out there. I've only just created one (lvl 5) to see it for myself. GF is away on saturday so might give it a go.
This guy has some great builds and guides so check them out
https://alcasthq.com/ Think he updated all his builds on website to Morrowind now. While levelling don't worry too much about min/ maxing and play the way you enjoy. Bare in mind though that you can only have 10 active skills and 2 ultimates and up to lvl 15 only 5 skill and an ultimate.