Recently I compared Schwalbe Marathon Performance with Greenguard 1.5", Schwalbe Big Ben with raceguard 2.0", and Continental Cruise Contact 2.0". For speed, I tested each set of tires on the same bike, same wheels, and the same afternoon on a short downhill near my house. I found the two Schwalbe tires coasted at about the same speed, and provided about the same comfort level. The Continental were slower and I don't plan to use those tires again.
The Schwalbe's have a generally good reputation for durability.