I've always thought about the road -v- hybrid like this:

Road = Drop with road geometry with road bike components
Hybrid = Flat with hybrid geometry with road road components

Neither is faster than the other, in most instances, if all things are equal. I prefer the hybrid geometry and I prefer flat bars over drops. The new hybrids that have came out in the past few years are stellar road bikes with a flat bar, different geometry and road components.

Many top of the line hybrids come loaded with high end parts. The new Canyon comes with road Dura Ace components and it's loaded to the hit.