I've run tests on several of the broadband technologies. I also used a Traceroute program to determine the number of hops between the client and host via the various services.
Cable modems are the clear winner speed-wise, and probably the best value.
However, neither cable modems or DSL approaches the often claimed T1 speeds. And please note that these tests will not indicate real world situations when crossing vast distances over the Internet. There are still lots of variables affecting performance.