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SolidWorks is what we call a "parametric" solid modeller used for 3-D design. Parametric means that the dimensions can have relationships between one another and can be changed at any point during the design process to automatically alter the solid part and any related documentation (blueprint). AutoCAD, however, is primarily a 2-D design tool with some, but limited 3-D capabilities. It is very simple compared to any parametric solid modeller (although 3D is improved in AutoCAD 2007). Autodesk (the manufacturer of AutoCAD) makes a product that is nearly identical to SolidWorks, called Inventor, which is a parametric program for design of solid parts and assemblies.
SolidWorks is a 3D mechanical CAD (computer-aided design) program that runs on Microsoft Windows. SolidWorks files use the Microsoft Structured storage file format. This means that there is various files embedded within each SLDDRW (drawing files), SLDPRT (part files), SLDASM (assembly files), with preview bitmaps and metadata sub-files. Various third-party tools can be used to extract these sub-files, although the sub-files in many cases use proprietary binary file formats. SolidWorks is a parasolid-based solid modeller, and utilizes a parametric feature-based approach to create models and assemblies. Parameters refer to restrictions which values determine the shape or geometry of the model. Parameters can be either numeric, such as line lengths or circle diameters, or geometric, such as tangent, parallel, concentric, horizontal or vertical. Numeric parameters can be associated with each other through the use of relations, which allows them to capture design intent.
AutoCAD is, just like SolidWorks, a Computer Aided Design software application for 2-D and 3-D design and drafting. AutoCAD was one of the first CAD programs to run on personal or home computers, notably the IBM personal computer. At that time, most other CAD programs ran on mainframe computers or mini-computers that were connected to a graphics computer terminal for each user. Early releases of AutoCAD used basic entities such as lines, poly-lines, circles, arcs, and text to ultimately construct more complex objects. AutoCAD has since started to support custom objects through its C++ Application Programming Interface (API).
Modern AutoCAD includes a full set of basic solid modelling and 3-D tools. With the release of AutoCAD 2007 improved 3D modelling saw the light, which means better navigation when working in three dimensions. It also became easier to edit 3-D models. The mental ray engine was included in rendering and thus it was now possible to do quality renderings. AutoCAD 2010 introduced parametric functionality and network modelling. At this moment, AutoCAD only runs under Microsoft Windows operating systems. It is available in 32-bit and 64-bit versions. AutoCAD can run on an emulator or compatibility layer like VM-ware Workstation or Wine, although various performance issues can arise if you work with 3-D objects or large drawings.
Choosing a system that works for you depends solely on the type of work you want to do. Many experts say that SolidWorks is more effective when working on 3 dimensional designs and that AutoCAD is the way to go for 2 dimensional design.
Do you mean Autodesk Inventor, which is the full 3D parametric moddeling system from Autodesk based on the same acis kernal as solidworks.
Autocad and solidworks are totally different, Inventor and Solidworks are very similar.
Solidworks parent company Dassault now do Draftsight: https://www.3ds.com/products/draftsight/overview/
which has a slight price advantage over Autodesk.
Personaly I would use a 3D parametric package for the majority of my mechanical design (and do, currently Inventor, but in the past solidworks, dont ask me which is best cos I cant decied, I like and hate them both!).
3D modelling be it SolidWorks or Autodesk Inventor is more efficient and benefitial than 2D drafting packages such as Autodesks Autocad, not only do you get the ability to generate 2D drawings from your parts and assemblies, but you get to check fit and form in the virtual 3D world.
So if you are thinking of going into this use a 3D parametric system such as Solidworks or Inventor, your life will be so much easier in the long run.
I have and use both Solidworks and AutoCad Inventor. I only use Inventor if it is preferred by my customer. To me, Solidworks has a cleaner, more intuitive interface and I like its multiple part assembly features. Also the eCAD tools in Solidworks for working with cables and PCBs (PCB assemblies, not place and route) are more complete. If I could only have one I would go with Solidworks.
I work with a ME that prefers Inventor and as I wrote some of my customers preferred it over Solidworks. In short there are good and bad with each.
You can watch people creating various objects via "you tube" using both tools to get a bit of a feeling for their interfaces.
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