What would be the best rifle between the AK-74M and the M4A1?

Despite what people will tell you, both are great weapons. The M4 is probably more accurate. It has IMHO better sights, and is eaiser to mount optics on. However, for what you'd use it for in most combat situations, the AK would be fine as well. The AK is cheaper and easier to make, no question. I've heard that the AK is easier for peasants or simple folks to use to maintain. As far a use goes, I think shooting an M4 is about as easy as it gets. I've been around guns most of my life, and I havn't seen a lot of people have difficult using an m4/ar15 style gun. Plus, with the collapseable stock, the M4 fits a wider range of body types. as far as reliablity goes, I've never had a problem with my AR. Then again I take pretty good care of it.

I don't think

If the rifle is always clean, then they aren't shooting them.

I have both and AK and an AR-15. I would take the M4A1 to war before the AK any day of the week as long as I could maintain it.

If you are keeping both rifles cleaned it would come down to personal preference. Modern Ak74's can carry a verity of attachments like the M4

For what- exactly?

both have their places on the battlefield.

In order to decide which is "best" depends on what you criteria for "best" is.

Something that will fir for 40 years when illiterate peasants don't clean it?

Something that will still take out a terrorist at 500 meters because the guy behind the scopes understands ballistics?

No such thing as best. It is a subjective term that depends on the needs and requirements of the user.

M4 overall