It depends upon the coder. A proficient programmer who has extensive knowledge of both algorithms and the system architecture should be able to beat a compiler in terms of optimized code any day. A middle of the road programmer with a middle of the road knowledge of algorithms should just stick to compilers since a compiler (even an old one with poor optimization) should be able to outdo that programmer. And a poor programmer with no knowledge of algorithms will end up with faster interpreted code if the interpreter provides a more extensive library. Choose where you fit in.