Both Shimano and Campagnolo groups are pretty close to one-another in their respective lineup. If one were vastly superior, the other would not exist. All groups above a certain level (Veloce for Campy, 105 for Shimano) tend to feel pretty close to one another as well. The first impressions of these groups don't lend much to being able to tell the subtle differences. If there were huge differences then one group would likely fall out of the marketplace while another remained. The fact of the matter is that these subtle differences and nuances are the very things that differentiate their respective value propositions and cause people to eventually choose one over the other.