Injury rate should probably factor in as well as what senseye said about enjoyment. Weightlifting is more likely to get you injured as opposed to things like swimming or elliptical machines. Running is questionable.. there are many injuries associated with it.
Hell no, not if you lift with good form, and at a safe level of weight. Same with running. It's all about proper form and technique and moderation. And in fact, lifting weights, when done properly (which most people DON'T) is the most injury preventing thing you can do, as it builds muscle and strengthens tendons. Rugby players aren't are pure hunks of muscle so they can withstand the incredible about of punishment they receive.
And it's a misconception that weight lifting ISN'T cardio. Cardio is pumping oxygen enriched blood through your heart and body. This happens when lifting weights. I can get my heart rate up to 170 bpm doing sprints, but I can also do this on a heavy leg lifting day doing squats.
Granted, aerobic exercises, running, biking, etc., will give you more endurance and stamina.
A far as i know cardio is little better than weight lifting.
For stamina, yeah. But one is not "better" than the other.
And for older people, but also in general:
"The greater your muscle mass, the lower your risk of death"
This is from a recent study at UCLA:
http://newsroom.ucla.edu/portal/ucla/older-adults-build-muscle-and-271651.aspx