That is not true. The Athlon 64 3200+ will beat the P4 3ghz Prescott
in most benchmarks.

http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets...spx?i=2065&p=1

Stop comparing apples to oranges. You can't compare a 64 bit processor to
a
32 bit processor. It's like comparing the gas mileage in an electric
hybrid
car and a regular combustion engine. When Intel comes out with their own
64
bit processor, than you can start with the whole benchmark thing.

A processor is a processor... If a 64bit CPU can beat a 32bit CPU and cost
the same as the 32bit then it's obviously better and the one to choose (as
long as the rest of the platform doesn't drive up the price - final cost is
the main issue)

When comparing anything, it's price to performance that counts, regardless
of technology. (Performance here also includes durability/quality as well).
The biggest/fastest/etc isn't always the winner if a cheaper solution will
still get the job done.