Actually both Python and PHP are ridiculously slow languages. Though Python is slower.

Languages aren't slow. Interpreters are.

As a human, I can think a lot faster in Python. So for me, it's a faster language.

Some implementations of python are slowish for some tasks. Many parts, like the module being discussed are written in C/assembly/fortran/Java.

Python with a jit is Pypy, http://speed.pypy.org/

Also PHP has some fast _implementations_ of PHP.