I’ve been using since it was a DOS program. I’ve used it because I’ve had to use it and I still don’t like it. Sure it has more modelling features that can make it easier, but you can still do it all in Maya. If I had to choose one package to buy and use as a new user… I would go with Maya. With Maya you can use the UE4 Character Rigging and Animation plugin as well as it’s industry proven animation features. There are far more Video tutorials (e.g Digital Tutors) on Maya than and older plugins for Maya tend to work with newer versions of Maya, you don’t find that with .
I prefer Cinema 4D than either of them. A more sensible GUI and far easier to use…it never crashes on me (that’s German engineering for you)