How do Maya and 3D Studio Max compare?

Both are 3D modeling, animation and rendering software.
We can use 3Ds Max for Architectural need because Its handy for that.
And Maya is best software for film production and Dynamics.

Both of them are Professionals On the world of 3D modeling , However you can choose the one you need to learn according to WHY you need such a program ..
3D max works easily for Architects ,Interiors ,Landscapes ,Character Modeling ,Lights ,Effects and Animations ..
Maya can do the same also but it's More professional in the Character Modeling ,Effects ,Environment ,the reality ,the Details in modeling and animation ..( preferable to make Animated Movies) ..
Hope it helps ..

i don't have experience in Maya but 3d max , But the program 3d max you can do all kinds of Model and animation in different and diverse ways

it is like comparing Lexus cars with Infinity

3d max its the perfect one

Maya is the preferred software for animation for film whereas 3ds max is for games and architecture.

most and widely Architectural Visualization industries and companies using for3DS max 

Game and Film industries using Maya

In my experience  3Ds max very good for Architectural Visualization

http://machinimart.com/maya-vs-3ds-max/

3d studio max is LAYER BASED application and easy to learn .

Maya is node based application and complicated for new user 

3DSMax and Maya are both Autodesk 3D production products with different capabilitiesand specialties.

3DSMax is normally used for architectural modelling and animation

Maya is normally used in Character modelling to Production Rendering because it has better lights, bone and skin animation and texture management.