Nikon vs Canon, why is one better than the other?

I can give actual models but basically I've been instructed to buy a $1600 Nikon for a photography class. I found a Canon for $500-700 that has a higher mega pixel. I have compared the two side by side but unfortunately i don't know enough about cameras yet to know what to look for.

Nikon D3000 or D3100 vs. Canon EOS Rebel XS, Canon EF-S, or Canon 18-5515 Kit.

Or if you know of a good site for comparison shopping & detailed info it would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Added (1). I'm going to assume it's the camera he has - so he's teaching off of that. I agree, embecile, but if he can give me some pointers & I'm sharing the class cost with a friend… So be it. Thank you though, I think I will now be going for the Canon Rebel XS on your advice alone. I'd like to make some side money doing this someday you see…

Instructed by what imbecile? You do not need a $1, 600 camera for a photo class - my gosh, what was this person thinking?

A Rebel XS, I own one by the way - an excellent camera, will be just fine for any photo class in the country. $500 with a kit lens.

My teacher told us to get canons because they were better

$1600? Maybe he want you to buy d7000, hehe

IHMO, D3100 or EOS XS is the same class. For d3100 its small and light, but you have to buy little expensive lens for future use. D3100 don't have in body motor for autofocus, you should buy an af-s lens if you want to change the lens.

different with canon rebel. Maybe i can't tell you much because i don't have any canon camera. From what i have heard, Nikon and Canon have different color tone, some say picture from canon camera are softer than nikon.

i'm also newbie, i use old D90, which is brother of d7000.it's a good purchase i think. It's have what you want most, magnesium body for weather resistent. If you want to upgrade the lens, you can buy an AF lens, cheaper than AF-S.

last, the most important thing is, the man behind the "gun" (camera). Hehe, Whatever camera you use.

Are you very sure teacher said $1600? Could you have heard wrong? If he did suggest $1600, don't take the photo class yet. Get into another photo class with different teacher. There's no need to spend $1600- on a camera. You can buy a Nikon or Canon camera (entry level) for much less including a lens.
Oh, in answer to your question, neither brand is better than the other.

If you actually have the $1600 to spend, and want to make some side money, look for a used Canon 5D. Or a used Nikon with a full frame sensor. You will find that a better investment, as camera bodies change on a yearly basis. Both Canon and Nikon make great cameras.
It's all about the lens's.

VM! I very much like that you answered the question. It seems harder and harder to find answered questions these days on YA!