SpringHeeledJack, check your wireless device and see if it is a 1 x 1 or a 2 x 2 device. If it is 2 x 2 then it may have the wrong drivers and be running at 1 x 1 "speed". I had a laptop arrive from the factory with the wrong drivers installed and it took me some time to work out what the issue was and then find the correct drivers.
Originally Posted by obba
One would think that cable would have a higher bandwidth. ADSL is terrible for bandwidth no matter the speed.
Please keep in mind that cable and wireless are a SHARED medium. That means the more people using it the less there is to go around. Think of it like a 3 lane road at 3am and you are the only one on it. Theoretically (all legalities aside) you are limited by as fast as your car go. The exact same road in peak hour when all 3 lanes are being used and traffic is bumper to bumper, your speed is limited due to the high number of other users.
xDSL on the other hand is like a private road just for you and your speed is limited by the condition of the road.