The newer models of 360 are much (much much) better quality, and should you buy one of them it will likely last you just as long as the New Model PS3 you will buy. But in saying that, if you want mega cheap price, you will be buying an older model Xbox and that may give out on you. So in terms of spending money, they're about even.
I own both a 360 and a PS3, and they are both great (though if i could only pick one i'd pick the PS3). The biggest difference for me is the on-line experience. While you pay for Xbox live (like 80 bucks a year i think), it's definitely worth it quality wise, connecting to games on the 360 is much easier for FIFA and Madden. For COD it's about the same as PS3, maybe slightly easier. Halo on Xbox is fun, but not the greatest thing in the world. Certainly not the 'reason' to pick Xbox over PS3. Also, Xbox's generally come with a free headset, whereas PS3's make you pay like $40 for them.
If you're just thinking about mucking around with some mates playing FIFA, i'd probably head to JB HIFI and other shops around your area, see what you can get the best deal on. And just go with that. If you're getting it to play online with mates, get whatever your friends have, as it's them you'll be playing with. If you have no friends, get an Xbox.
