...and is one better than the other in terms of investing?
As a newbie, I though the first question you would have asked is the difference between bitcoin and bitcoin cash? Since it happened recently.
However, Ethereum classic is a FORKED CHAIN of Ethereum which makes them a 2 different cryptocurrencies now entirely. I can't give you details on what FORK means now. At least with this clue, google should be of great assistance to you. In terms of investment, that totally depends on you. However, if I were you being a newbie, I will consider going for Ethereum instead.
Don't get me wrong. This does not mean ETC does not have prospect, you can still consider having it in your portfolio just in case. I only decided to give you my own opinion considering you are a newbie.