drupal is a way of life. a different way of thinking, sharing and implementing sick sites. it's based on "nodes" and "hooks".

"nodes" is an easy concept to grasp. and this is the minimum you need to get started. every piece of content, whether it's a page or a post, is a basic node with a title and a body. properties can be added to nodes either via custom code or readily available modules like CCK (ContentConstructionKit) which is becoming part of core in 7.

hooks you only need to worry about if you want to customize it through code. they are actually just functions with a naming convention that drupal executes at known times.

using these nodes and hooks. you can modify any module out there written by anyone, without changing a line of their code.

the number of modules out there is sickening. it takes you weeks just to go through them if you want to see what's already been done.

if you have a new idea, chances are it can be done better and quicker with drupal. so do yourself a favour and get started with drupal. it's a steep learning curve especially if think you "love" something else. but once you understand drupal, you'll never go back.

i know, not much of a comparison. it's your classic oranges and apples scenario. (also, "never go back" part applies)