NEM is way ahead of its competition in terms of development and adoption of its technology.

Looking at the comparisons done by Reddit user, Metasaurus_Rex:

https://www.reddit.com/r/nem/comments/8aaueg/cardanos_road_map_vs_nem/

Cardano is yet to deliver on any of its objectives but it has a greater market cap to that of NEM in the markets. NEM has completed the following features 100%:

1) Multi-signature Transactions (Catapult adds Nested And IOT Compatibility)
2) Functional Nodes and Rewards (Decentralization)
3) Functional Light Client (Nanowallet)
4) Human Friendly Addresses (Namespaces)
5) Functional High Speed Network
7) Voting Center Built Into Nanowallet
8 ) Paper Wallet Functionality
9) Co-Working/Research Spaces in Kuala Lumpur, Melbourne, Lithuania
10) Trezor Wallet Compatibility
11) Debit Card Compatibility (Pundi X)
12) Smart Contract Tools and Testnet
13) Partnerships and Research Prograns (40+, Global and Ongoing)
14) Community Events and Meetups (100+, Global and Ongoing)