2. c4 is a better move. But it won't reach the Stonewall Attack.
The Stonewall formation results from the following structure: c3-d4-e3-f4 as white or c6-d5-e6-f5 as black.. So the move c4 is incompatible with the Stonewall because it doesn't allow the structure to be reached.
Often in the Stonewall formation, a good player will try to play on the kingside, since his f4-pawn gives him space, supports a Ne5 move later, and allows him the possibility of a rook lift via Rf3. Note that playing the move c4 early on seems to be in the spirit of playing on, and opening up, the queenside, which runs counter to the kingside attack.
There are some lines after 1. d4 2. c4 where, after developing normally with Nf3 and Nc3, white might be able to jump with Ne5 and f4 with preparation, and then he will have a Stonewall structure. But this only occurs some of the time.
Basically the Stonewall formation is not very compatible with 2. c4, and so you can either play 1. d4 2. c4 in the style of the much more highly respected Queen's Gambit, or you can continue with moves such as 2. e3 which reach your Stonewall Structure.
The title. What do you guys prefer and recommend playing? Some say that c4 is a better move because it's more flexible than e3. However, after reading about Stonewall attack on wikipedia, I thought, maybe e3 isn't so bad at all. Can you give me some advice regarding this question?
Thanks in advance!