Buy AutoCad or SoildWork

[Leggenda Wheels]

I have a chance to buy either AutoCad or SoildWork. Not sure which is better. I have to design parts, stress test them, and make tool & die molds. What does everyone think. There a 2k difference in price.

[JD Mather]

There a 2k difference in price.

You need to do far far more research.
AutoCAD is not the equivalent of SolidWorks.
Autodesk Inventor is the equivalent of SolidWorks.

Then you need to consider what version for doing the work you describe. Base Inventor or SolidWorks will probably not do all you want to do.

I recommend you add an equal amout for training. Therefore if you budget $7.5k for the software budget another $7.5k for training.

Students can download Autodesk Inventor Professional for free from http://www.autodesk.com/edcommunity They can then download Inventor Tooling and also AutoCAD and MDT.

[Leggenda Wheels]

You need to do far far more research.
AutoCAD is not the equivalent of SolidWorks.
Autodesk Inventor is the equivalent of SolidWorks.

Then you need to consider what version for doing the work you describe. Base Inventor or SolidWorks will probably not do all you want to do.

I recommend you add an equal amout for training. Therefore if you budget $7.5k for the software budget another $7.5k for training.

Students can download Autodesk Inventor Professional for free from http://www.autodesk.com/edcommunity They can then download Inventor Tooling and also AutoCAD and MDT.

Thanks for your input. I am sorry, I haven't used Cad in 10 yrs, since collage. I am hiring an Mech Eng that will use it, but still want some insight before buying anything. I have called both SolidWorks & AutoCad to get prices, but we all know how these Rep's. So I wanted some honest input.
You are say I can buy a basice package from AutoCad and just add Inventor and have the same thing as SoildWork.
I have not got into training the Eng. Want to see where he is at before I go there.

[Tiger]

...You are say I can buy a basice package from AutoCad and just add Inventor and have the same thing as SoildWork. ....

I am assuming you mean "buy a basic package from Autodesk.."

Inventor is a completely different and stand-alone program from AutoCad.

AutoCad does not sound like the program for you, JD is right that Inventor or SolidWorks, from your short description on what you need it for, will work better for you. So if the choice is between SolidWorks and AutoCad, go for SolidWorks.