Java vs. Python - Serialization Bakeoff

[Patrick Phalen]

http://starship.python.net/crew/gandalf/DNET/serial/jp-serial.html
contains an report on tests comparing Java's and Python's data
marshalling, using various criteria. Numerous interesting charts and
graphs are presented.

Since this was published in 1996 (Python 1.4), I wonder if anyone
expert in this subject has any comment on whether the intervening years
would have changed the conclusions substantively -- namely that Python
is, on average, faster, simpler, and more flexible.