Side by side which is faster and which do you prefer.

Generally, a recurve is faster than a straight longbow and most moderate R/D longbows.  Some of the extreme R/D hybrids are as fast as recurves. Varies a lot depending on bow design.  I shoot them all. Tend to prefer longbows and hybrids because of less mass in the risers.  Some prefer recurves precisely because of the extra mass in the riser. Lots of other factors at least as important as speed -- smoothness, consistency, quietness, etc.

I'm a recurve man. I have no accuracy problems shooting a recurve bow with a medium pistol grip, but I do have accuracy problems when shooting a classic "D" shaped longbow or a hybrid longbow with a straight type grip.

Some people can pick up and shoot a longbow with no problems from Day 1. Other people can "learn" to shoot a longbow, but there are a few of us who just "can't" shoot a longbow and I'm one of them since I tried for two years and finally gave up.

I started out with a cheap recurve to learn on. Bought a Lost Creek, and haven't looked back. Longbows are all I have now, and my straight limbed hill will be accompanying me in the woods this year...

these dayze, both styles of stick bows have come far closer together in terms of performance.  an aggressive hybrid longbow can be as fast, or faster, than most recurves - and vice versa. neither is better or worse.  

speed doesn't kill, consistent accuracy and sharp points do.  

just pick the stick bow that makes you happiest and move on.

for more in depth info, read the following article ...  trad archery