Acela goes from New York to Philadelphia in an hour. The regular train gets there in an hour and a half, and costs half as much. Yes, Acela IS pathetic.

$120 for an hour trip on Acela vs. $700 for UNLIMITED access for two weeks on Eurorail.

And I've been on KTX, which is basically a photocopy of the TGV. Top speed of 350+kph, has TV and serves drinks in first class, with 3-across seating (2-1) covers an otherwise 400 mile route in about 2 hours.