Go with whichever is in the best condition at the more reasonable price.
I'd suggest FWD (for the weather) and 4 cyl. (for the gas)...and also look for whichever car allows you to do the basic maintenance easiest. You don't want to "sink" too much money into it.
On a "side note", upstate NY is a beautiful area.
I dated a girl who's parent's lived in Buffalo in a town called Tonawanda. I always enjoyed visiting the area.