take a look at www.Q400.com it has a bit of information on there for you.

As far as automation I can not compare it to anything but I do know that it is full glass, FMS, Automatic flight control system, full autopilot to include FLC and the ability to depict present position holds or any other procedure. It has FADEC which controls most features of the engine which is why it has just power levers. Compared to your RJs say erj 170 I would say it is equivalent minus 100 knots in cruise and about 16 thousand feet in service ceiling.

This info was recieved from the website as well as a friend who flies one for Horizon. Consider this just supplemental information to hold you over until someone who is currently on the line with either an RJ (SAAB) or someone who is on the line with the Q shows up