2012 Giant escape 2

or

2009 Cannondale Quick 4?

trying to find a better bike for the money.

What is the criteria by which you call 'Better' defined.

Ask About Trek , and I can go look at them at the LBS.

Do you Have Dealers for Both Cannondale and Giant , where you live?

My LBS carries Giant and Cannondale. I'm a NEWBIE to bikes so wanted to find out the difference between those 2.
About same price but Giant escape 2 is 2012 model and Cannondale quick 4 is 09 model.
I found a lot of reviews on Giant E2 but couldn't find that much information on Cannondale Q4.
My question is did 2012 Cannondale Quick 4 change a lot since 2009?
and Which brand is more reliable and durable for commuting.

I live S. CAL near orange county.