Where I live, where Optimum is the competition, I'd say more like an Lexus v. Honda comparison than a Lexus v Toyota.
Depending on where you live, cable companies may be able to offer you a similar package w/ comparable speed. The oversubscription problem cable used to have has been mitigated with the new DOCSIS standard. Fiber directly to the home is still really neat technology and a requirement for the really high tiers and especially high upload speeds but cable (some places) has gotten better (thanks in large part to FIOS.)