Wordpress is great, but it's certainly not fast. There are tools to help, but it really doesn't resolve the fundamental performance problem. There's lots of talk about static web generation now, though it's definitely not ready for "prime time." Here's a random list of resources related to static web site generation:

Static Site Generators

• Are Jekyll and Static Generators Easier to use?
• Jekyll vs Hyde
• Static Site Generators: The definitive list

Comment systems

• Juvia
• Acrylamid
• Isso
• Moot
• Esotalk