I don't really understand the technology of the two and maybe the technology of the two is not much different. It's just that what differentiates the two is popularity and we all know that no altcoin can beat ETH in popularity. In terms of technology maybe Cardano can compete with Ethereum, but in terms of popularity Ethereum is far above Cardano.
arguably ethereum technology are being used widely because it deemed to be reliable, also EVM has many language that can be compliled to run in EVM, from the language that are easy but not secure to the secure ones vyper if im not mistaken that why people are utilizing it heavily.
whenever there's new protocol for the smart contract its always coming from ethereum first then being implemented on the other blockchain.
it kinda reflects that ethereum is truly a revolutionizing force thats why despite the fact that creating L1 might make more sense for some devs to make name for themselves, but they choose to create L2 instead.
maybe because its better to become L2 helping ethereum offloading all those transactions side chain for the sake of advancement.