Я тут позапускал тестирования производительности интерпретаторов и вот что намерил:
~/git/io$ python2 samples/speed/speed.py
Python localAccesses := 33.54
Python localSets := 29.58
Python slotAccesses := 8.45
Python slotSets := 7.29
Python blockActivations := 2.99
Python instantiations := 2.34
Python version := "2.7.2 final 0"
// values in millions per second
~/git/io$ python samples/speed/speed.py
Python localAccesses := 38.50
Python localSets := 31.03
Python slotAccesses := 7.78
Python slotSets := 7.46
Python blockActivations := 2.80
Python instantiations := 3.41
Python version := "3.2.2 final 0"
// values in millions per second
~/git/io$ ruby-1.8 samples/speed/speed.rb
Ruby localAccesses := 10.70
Ruby localSets := 8.12
Ruby slotAccesses := 5.85
Ruby slotSets := 5.54
Ruby blockActivations := 2.33
Ruby instantiations := 1.83
Ruby version := "1.8.7"
// values in millions per second
~/git/io$ ruby samples/speed/speed.rb
Ruby localAccesses := 63.57
Ruby localSets := 38.74
Ruby slotAccesses := 13.44
Ruby slotSets := 27.92
Ruby blockActivations := 8.63
Ruby instantiations := 2.67
Ruby version := "1.9.3"
// values in millions per second
Цифры говорят сами за себя. Срач, гоу.