Thanks for the reply.
But I can't help but question the difference in image output with C4D and Max if you use Corona for both. They are the exact same render engine, so if anything it's probably some default tonemapping or color profile that is applied. But I doubt it, since I've used both with Corona and I did not see a difference at all.
I've tried 3DS Max 2021 last week and I gotta say... windows open faster now. I don't have to wait two to three seconds for render settings and material editor to open up, but if you compare it to the instantaneous response you get from C4D it's still a joke.