I didn't notice a significant difference between cable and FiOS until I started downloading media. Web pages seemed to load in about the same amount of time, a factor that is probably attributed to my system limitations themselves, more so than internet speed. But I've got the 25/15 package and music/video load times are lightning quick now, love it!
Incidentally I had a major issue with Verizon a while back and vowed that I would never sign on with them, mostly due to very poor customer service, advertising schemes that were approaching fraudulent, etc. A couple of friends, one of whom's father works for Verizon as an installation tech, told me that the company had changed its management structure and had placed a lot of emphasis on improving customer service. Why? Because oddly enough they were losing customers, go figure. Reluctantly, I called them up because my cable providers rates kept going up with no end in sight, and signed the deal. At this point, I'd be happy to recommend the service to anyone who has it in their area, I don't think you'll be disappointed with either the internet speed or TV service.