To be honest both apps have advantages and disadvantages, personally I prefer Maya because it just suits my workflow and has more flexabilty in the UI with the use of MEL.
You need to try them both and decide which is for you but I do know that swapping apps after learning another can be quite traumatic to some as you really do get used to a workflow after a time and that requires a rethink once you swap.

Don't let them convince you that you need art skills to use a 3D app for hobbyist type stuff, you don't and art is subjective and personal and iff you enjoy and like what you create thats all that matters.Learning some art skills will help and make it easier but at the day it's your creation and how you get there doesn't really matter along as you get to your target.

Ok scrap the first paragraph Max Sucks ..choose Maya